THE YOUTH SERVICES SECTION:

• Provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and expertise in a regular newsletter for its members provides continuing education through programs and publications recognizes outstanding library publications with the Pied Piper Award
• Recognizes the contribution of New York State authors and illustrators through the Empire State Award for Excellence in Literature for Young People
• Encourages youth services as a career through the funding of the Ann Gibson Scholarship Award lobbies for youth services and all youth services librarians in public and school libraries maintains a professional support system for its members

OPPORTUNITIES IN YSS:

• YSS members actively participate in NYLA's Annual Conference by offering continuing education seminars, professional exhibits, and sponsoring a variety of panels, workshops and author lectures.
• The YSS Spring Conference is a one-day seminar offering a variety of workshops on timely topics combined with a keynote author or illustrator.
• A scholarship program is available for participants who have not recently attended a Spring Conference.
• YSS actively works throughout the year in cooperation with other Sections and Roundtables in NYLA's Legislative Program to secure state support for library services for all ages.

YSS representatives serve on many of NYLA's special committees:

Intellectual Freedom, Committee on the Profession, Conference Advisory, NYLA Awards, Membership, Nominating and others.

YSS members are invited to contribute articles on youth services issues for publication and distribution by YSS.