As a professional organization, GISL invites members to share opportunities to advance professional development. Here you will find information on conferences, lesson plans, and other information that might help you move forward as a librarian.
GISL offers professional development funds. More information is available on the application form.
Conferences, workshops and seminars
The Young Adult Literature Symposium - Sponsored by YALSA, this new conference focuses on young adult literature. Over the course of three days, attendees go to receptions, participate in educational sessions and paper presentations on the dynamic and growing field of young adult literature, and enjoy one-on-one interactions with popular young adult authors. There is a wiki that offers some additional information.
Oxbridge Teacher Seminars - Taught in Oxford, Cambridge, Paris, and Barcelona, these seminars are excellent. One of the seminars which a couple of our librarians have participated was The Library and the Academy. The group looks at the relationship between libraries, schools and the community. As a part of this seminar, you will tour several Oxford libraries, including the Bodleian as well as local school and community libraries. The faculty and staff experts in their subjects and make all of the discussions interesting.
Alan Workshop - As a part of the NCTE conference, the Alan workshop focuses on young adult literature and the authors who write it. It is held the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving and is offered as a post conference workshop. It is an excellent opportunity to meet the authors who write ya literature and to hear their thoughts on teenagers and their issues. Through panel discussions and lectures, more than 50 authors participate in this workshop. As an added bonus, each participant will take home copies of all the books that the authors discuss.
Bureau of Educational Research - BER is the leading provider of staff development and training resources for educators in North America. They offer several seminars on literature. The presenters are excellent and show a vast knowledge of their subject areas. The extensive bibliography provided is invaluable.
Teen Book Festival - A YA book festival for teens but adults can come along for the ride. Started by librarian Stephanie Squicciarini, youth services librarian at Fairport Public Library, TBF has grown into a fantastic festival. Each year, authors from the Northeast come to Rochester, NY to participate. They receive the red carpet treatment, literally! There are 4 breakout session where the authors participate in panels on different topics. Each author panel speaks 3 times so that everyone has a chance to see their favorites.
Professional Organizations
