CHARGE
To prepare an annual annotated list of recommended books appropriate for reluctant young adult readers.
PURPOSE
The list is for young adults (ages 12-18) who, for whatever reasons, do not like to read. The purpose of this list is to identify titles for recreational reading, not for curricular or remedial use.
PROCEDURES
Nominations
Anyone may nominate an appropriate title. Each nomination must be submitted on an official form. Nomination forms may be obtained from the YALSA website, from the YALSA office, or from the current committee chair. The chair must receive all nominations at least 60 days prior to the first day of the Midwinter Meeting to be considered.
Field nominations require a second from a Quick Picks committee member. Nominations must be submitted on the official form.
The chair informs the committee of field nominations, which will remain active until all nominations are closed. If no committee member seconds the field nomination, the title is dropped from consideration.
Nominations from authors or publishers for their own titles are not eligible for the list.
Eligibility
A book must have a copyright date during the current calendar year or have been published from July to December of the previous calendar year to be considered for the list. A book originally published outside the United States will be considered according to its U.S. publication year. Any book which was voted on at the Midwinter Meeting is not eligible for nomination the following year.
Evaluation
All titles should have appeal as self-selected leisure reading for young adults. Books should be evaluated by subject, cover art, readability, format, style and teen feedback. Teen feedback from reluctant readers, is encouraged. Standard selection criteria consonant with the ALA Library Bill of Rights shall be applied.
Committee Members
The committee consists of 11 members who are appointed on a staggered basis to maintain a balance of new and continuing members. Committee members are expected to participate in the nomination process, to evaluate a large number of books, to read all nominated books, to attend all committee meetings and to actively participate in book discussions. Members are appointed by the Vice-President/President-Elect of YALSA for a one-year term, renewable for a two-year consecutive term. Reappointment is not automatic, but instead is based upon participation. The current President of the Association will appoint a new person to fill a committee vacancy, should one occur. After a member has served three years, a period of five years shall elapse before a committee member is eligible for reappointment.
Chair
The primary function of the Chair is to facilitate the committee's charge, to attend to all business matters, to maintain an accurate database of all nominated titles, and to communicate frequently with members regarding nominated books. The Chair also has sole responsibility for contact with publishers. The Chair enjoys the same charge and privilege of reading, nomination, discussing and voting for books as committee members. It is expected, however, that the chair should refrain from discussion of a title until all other members have had the opportunity to speak. The chair is appointed for a one-year term by the Vice-President/President-Elect of YALSA."
Voting
Selection of the annual list will be made during the last committee meeting at the Midwinter Meeting. Members can vote only on nominated books they have read. The final list will include books receiving seven (7) or more "yes" votes. In case of emergency, a member who has participated in the Midwinter Meeting discussions but must miss the final vote may give a signed ballot to the Chair, who will assign a voting proxy. The final vote will be counted by the Booklist consultant and the Chair.
Comments from Observers
Observers are welcome at all committee meetings. Prior to discussion of each title, observer comments will be invited. Publishers are requested to refrain from promoting their own books. Observers must be registered for the conference or have guest badges.
Availability of Lists for General Distribution The list of nominations will be updated monthly. The cumulative list will be available electronically on YALSA-BK. The final list of nominations will be available after November 1st.
The final list of selected titles will be available, as a press release, from the ALA Public Information Office the morning following the committee's last meeting. The press release will be posted on YALSA-L. The list is also available on the YALSA website.
Revised June 2008.