The bi-annual ALSC National Institute is an intensive learning opportunity and one of the only conferences devoted solely to children’s librarianship, literature and technology; this year, we will convene as a Virtual Institute out of concerns for the health and safety of our members during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2020 ALSC Virtual Institute welcome anyone interested in developing their skills, competencies, and awareness of issues in children’s literacy and libraries, including front-line youth librarians and library workers; children’s literature experts, education and library school faculty members, and other adults. Please see the Program tab for more information about the Institute’s sessions, programs, and more; please visit the Register tab to register for this year’s Institute!
ALSC is thrilled that the 2020 Virtual Institute will be supported, in part, by the William C. Morris Endowment. The William C. Morris Endowment funds programs, publications, events, and/or awards that promote excellence in children’s literature. Traditionally, the endowment has sponsored the Breakfast for Bill event at National Institute and, in non-Institute years, the Bill Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training.
With this endowment support, ALSC can offer the value of a full Institute programming slate at a significantly reduced registration rate.
All Institute programming will be recorded and available on-demand to participants through the end of 2020, unless otherwise noted. We do encourage participants to attend as many programs ‘live’ as possible, so they can interact with presenters and panelists via chat and Q&A. Due to on-demand access options included as part of registration, partial registrations are not available.
Yes, all education programs, general sessions, and ALSC networking sessions will offer closed captioning.
Networking and interacting with fellow Institute attendees is one of the highlights of every Institute. Though nothing can replace the meals, coffee breaks, and off-the-cuff conversations that characterize in-person networking with other attendees, this year’s Virtual Institute will include a number of venues through which attendees can network with each other. Please see the Institute Discussions page to learn more about ways registrants can connect with each other!
In many ways, moving virtual has created an exciting opportunity for publishers and other sponsors to exhibit materials relevant to Institute attendees. We have a robust slate of Sponsors who will be virtually exhibit their materials, upcoming publications, education materials, and more!
ALSC does not offer formal CEUs as part of Institute. Please consult with your state licensing organization to discern how Institute attendance may fulfill their continuing education or professional development requirements.
You’ll need a computer and Internet access. You can check the technical specifications for your hardware and do a “tech check” here: https://alscinstitute.learningtimesevents.org/tech-check/
Once you register for the conference, you will receive an email from ALA’s Member Services confirming your registration. You will receive another email with detailed Virtual Institute log-in instructions the Monday before Institute begins (Monday, September 28, 2020).
If you experience log-in or technical issues prior to or during Virtual Institute, you can reach the digital platform, LearningTimes, on the Contact tab at the top of this webpage log-in and technical support.