We are delighted to welcome Chair of YLG, Jen Horan, to the blog to discuss conference plans for this year and to introduce us to the timetable for these.

Last year we surveyed our members to find our what you wanted YLG to offer.  It was apparent that you value access to authors, illustrators and publishers, and to quality children’s literature.  Many people also enjoyed the opportunities to network with other professionals in similar roles.  There were also requests for more focus on practical support, with opportunities for librarians to share practice.  Members expressed concern about the financial and time costs of CPD, worrying that attending residential conferences will be challenging in the coming year.  Members have self-financed in previous years, but cost of energy, living and inflation have placed a considerable strain on this.  Library budgets have also been experiencing cuts for numerous years and opportunities for training are targets for cuts.  So, with these comments in mind, we have decided to approach our annual conference differently in 2023.

This year, in place of a residential weekend, we will be hosting YLG Shorts, a series of three virtual mini-conferences throughout the year, with each one focusing on a different theme.  The mini-conferences will take place on Sunday afternoons and feature a wide range of speakers, including 2022 Carnegie Medal winner Katya Balen, past Greenaway winner Jackie Morris, Jenny  Pearson, Na’ima B Robert, and queen of YA Holly Bourne, along with presentations from guest librarians who will share their expertise and practice.  Each mini-conference will also feature a publishers’ exhibition.  Following each mini-conference there will be an optional evening session, just for fun, and in December we will celebrate the recipients of our YLG awards and honorary memberships.  Our full programme will be announced in the run-up to each mini-conference, meanwhile do keep the following dates free:

25^th June (Accessibility)

24^th September (Engaging young readers)

17^th December (Diversity)

We have tried to keep the mini-conferences are affordable as possible during a year of financial hardship for many, offering attendance at an individual mini-conference for £30, or all 3 for £70.  Booking will open and be announced soon.

I hope you appreciate why we have taken this opportunity for change, and that you enjoy the events we have to offer.  We will of course conduct an evaluation of this format at the end of the year in order to plan future conferences.  And it’s my pleasure to announce that we look forward to welcoming you in person to a physical conference in Glasgow in 2024.  In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you virtually in 2023!