Get ready to vote! The YALSA election runs from March 19 through April 25, and to help you be an informed voter, we’re sharing interviews with each of the 2014 candidates for YALSA Award Committees.
This week we are focusing on the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee, which honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.
Candidates, who will be presented in alphabetical order, were asked to craft “Twitter-length” responses (i.e. around 140 characters). Full biographical information on all of the candidates can be found on the sample ballot.
Today we have an interview with Valerie Davis.
Name and current position: Valerie Davis, Teen Services Librarian, Campbell County Public Library, Newport, Kentucky
Why did you decide to run for a YALSA selection committee?
I have always admired the Edwards Award and have worked to become worthy of being on the committee.
In a nutshell, what will you bring to the committee?
My passion for and love of teen literature and teen librarianship, as well as my enthusiasm and work ethic.
What experience do you have with materials selection and evaluation?
I’ve been reviewing teen books and doing the ordering and weeding for my branch’s teen collection for ten years. In addition, I’ve served on PPYA and BFYA.
What makes you a good fit for this committee in particular?
Over the years working at my library and on selection committees, I’ve seen how some special authors and their works resonate with people.
How do you plan to manage the reading load required by selection committee participation?
I’d love to say osmosis, or a team of telepathic pets, but mostly it’s an ability to read fast, honed over years of committee work.
What have been some of your favorite past winners of this particular award?
I will admit to squealing loudly when Sir Terry Pratchett won.
What books should have won the award, but didn’t?
The Edwards is the perfect award, the authors deserving of it only grow more awesome each year.
What else do voters need to know about you?
I have a love of glitter and all things Hello Kitty!
**All award committee candidate interviews are crossposted to both the YALSAblog and The Hub.
