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CHICAGO — The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the 91��ý (91��ý), is seeking for its now through February 15.

The theme of the is “Biggest Little Spaces: How Libraries Serve the Expanding Worlds of Teens,” and is to be held November 6-8, 2020, in Reno, NV.

should address one or more of the following questions:

• How do staff provide inclusive programming and diverse collections? How do we ensure representation and equity of access to materials and information? e.g. book and program challenges, the library as a “neutral” space. How can literature assist us?
• What are some of the outreach strategies for including those teens who are experiencing unstable housing situations and/or homelessness?
• How does staff provide outreach to teens in their community? How do you meet teens where they are?
• How do we create more inclusive and “safe(r)” spaces? How do we empower teens to find their voice and speak out about issues important to them? e.g. gun violence, global warming, #metoo, institutional racism, LGBTQ rights.
• How are staff affected by adversity on the job? How do we address this and other experiences like compassion, fatigue, and burnout? e.g. self-care

In addition to addressing the theme, should also highlight best or emerging practices for libraries of all sizes and capacities in one or more of the following categories:

• Collections and Content Curation
• Digital and Print Literacies
• Equity and Inclusion
• Outreach
• Partnerships/Collaborations
• Programs and Services (including planning, implementing and evaluation)
• Tools for Practice (cultural competency models and training, trauma-informed care, mental health first aid, 40 developmental assets, social emotional learning, etc.)
• Youth Participation

Interested parties are invited to propose 60-minute programs centering on the theme via the found on the site. Proposals for programs must be submitted by Feb. 15. Applicants will be notified of their proposals’ status the week of April 15.

Registration for the 2020 YA Services Symposium will open in April. Sign up for updates . To learn more about the symposium, visit .

Members of the 2020 YA Services Symposium Planning and Marketing Taskforce are: Chair, Scot Smith, Robertsville Middle School Library, Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Amelia Jenkins, Juneau (Alaska) Public Library; Keiko Sanders, Oceanside Public Library (Oceanside, California).; and De Anza Williams, University of Illinois-Urbana.

The mission of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is to support library staff in alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all teens ‒ especially those with the greatest needs ‒ on the path to successful and fulfilling lives. For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to www.ala.org/yalsa, or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.