In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many library conferences and events will be held virtually instead of face-to-face. Here are four to look for online. While this has been a difficult decision for library organizations, it also removes the barrier of travel time and costs, allowing people to attend who might not be able to attend otherwise.
For those requiring registration fees, we offer a reminder that Carol McMurry Library Endowment Grants to Individuals are available to support attendance at continuing education events. Although it’s too late for the American Library Association conference, the next grant deadline is July 31 for events beginning after September 1.
YALSA’s 2020 Alex Awards Virtual Celebration
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) will celebrate its 2020 Alex Awards winners via a free virtual celebration on June 11 at 3:30 pm EST. Previously, the ceremony was scheduled to be held at the canceled 2020 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. The Alex Awards are given to 10 books written for adults that have a unique appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The virtual event is free and will feature a Q&A session with the winning authors. The full event will last approximately 75 minutes. Participation is free, but registration is required
American Library Association Virtual Conference
Registration is open for the American Library Association’s Virtual – Community Through Connection through Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at 11 a.m. The event, to be held June 24 – 26, will feature a portfolio of more than 50 educational sessions, including COVID-19 related information pertinent to libraries; live chat opportunities with authors and speakers; an exhibitor showcase with more than 500 participating exhibitors; and presentations in an on-demand format from book publishers on forthcoming book titles.
Association for Rural & Small Libraries SOAR Conference
ARSL recently made the difficult decision to hold their conference virtually. Format and timing are still under discussion.. ARSL still plans on a full schedule of professional development, networking, and socializing.
YALSA’s 2020 YA Services Symposium to be Held Virtually
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)’s Board of Directors has announced that YALSA’s 2020 YA Services Symposium will be held virtually Nov. 6-8, 2020 in lieu of the originally planned in-person event in Reno, Nevada. The virtual symposium will feature an array of programs, author panels, discussion and poster sessions, and more. New this year, the Edwards Award celebration will also take place at the virtual symposium. The Symposium Marketing and Planning Taskforce is currently working to reconfigure and adapt the slate of programs.