FAQ
I have questions about the site or my program. Who do I contact?
Member Manager: Dawn Abron (dabron@zblibrary.org)
Questions about YALSA?
Please contact YALSA at yalsa@ala.org or 800.545.2433 x4390
By joining this site, am I joining YALSA?
No. YALSA is a membership organization. Annual dues for membership in YALSA/ALA start at $63. To learn about all the benefits of membership, or to join, visit www.ala.org/yalsa/join
How do I submit a program? Do I need a YALSA membership to submit one?
You do not need to be a YALSA member to submit a program. Anyone can submit one. You will, however, need to create an account on the Teen Programming HQ website in order to submit a program. After you’ve created an account, you can submit one by clicking on “post a program,” located in the right-hand sidebar of the homepage or programs page.
What type of information is needed in each section of the submission form?
Overview – Provide a summary of your program(s).
Learning outcomes – What did the teens learn from the program? What were the takeaways? Use our Basic Learning Outcomes resource to help you identify the learning outcomes of your program.
Instructions – Provide information on how to implement your program(s) so that others can also implement them.
Evaluation – Please evaluate your program to the degree in which the learning outcomes were met. Additionally, identify what worked, what didn’t, what you would do differently next time, etc, as applicable. This section should be you reflecting on the success and failures of the program, along with any advice to others who may implement it.
Supplements – When trying to upload documents or images, rather than utilizing the “supplements” function, please provide access to the document by hyper linking the respective text that goes along with the document and/or insert the image within the text box. In order to do so, you must first upload your document/image to the site’s library of images/documents. Then, either insert the image, or if you are uploading a document, you will have to provide access to it via a link. To do this, first, type out a set of words you'd like to link your document to, and highlight it. Then, click on the click on the "insert a document link" icon (the paper looking one) and select your file, and then click upload. Your document should now be hyperlinked.
What happens when I submit my program?
When you submit your program, a Content Expert will be assigned to review your submission. If your submission has no issues, it will be approved within a week of submission. In instances where a program is not accepted, the Content Expert will reach out to you with feedback on how you can improve your program. You will then be able to edit your program and re-submit it.
I submitted a program, but it was rejected. Why?
Programs shared on this site must closely align with YALSA's Teen Programming Guidelines. If your program was rejected, it is because it was not in compliance with one or more of the suggested guidelines as illustrated in the Teen Programming Guidelines. When submitting your program, please be sure to review the Teen Programming Guidelines, as well as view the current database of programs that are available on the HQ.
Another reason why a program may be rejected is due to the lack of depth and elaboration provided about the program and evaluation section. After implementing a program, taking the time to sit down and evaluate its effectiveness and outcomes (What worked? What didn’t? What would I do differently next time?) is extremely important for yourself and your colleagues. The evaluation should be about the degree to which the learning outcomes were met. Please use our Basic Learning Outcomes resource as a guide to identify learning outcomes of your program. Remember, the point of the Teen Programming HQ is to help each other by sharing ideas, advice, etc. Providing an elaborate reflection and evaluation of your program will help others while they implement that same program, as well as help yourself when you implement it again.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind while you submit your program:
- Spell check and make sure that you use correct grammar. Remember that the program will be made public and that the Content Experts are not copyeditors.
- Use professional language.
- Please be sure your program is age appropriate. YALSA describes youth as those aged 12-18.
- Make sure that you have taken the time to complete all sections, try to elaborate as much as possible in each section. Details matter!
How long do I have to make the suggested changes to my program?
Typically, we request you make edits based on the Content Expert’s feedback within a week of being notified. We know how hectic work can become, so if you need more time, please let your Content Expert know.
If you do not make your changes within the given timeframe, your program will be rejected. Please note that once the program is rejected, you will not be able to edit it, and will need to submit the program again. Please only submit again if you’ve made the suggested changes.
How do I edit my program after I’ve submitted it?
To edit your program, use the “Edit Program” button on the top right hand side of your submission page. After you have done so, please email the content expert so they can review it again.
Can I submit a program that I haven’t done, but I plan to do in the future?
Please only submit programs that you have already implemented in your library as you will have to provide details and evaluate the effectiveness of your program.
I am having problems attaching documents to my program submission.
When trying to upload documents or images, rather than utilizing the “supplements” function, please provide access to the document by hyper linking the respective text that goes along with the document and/or insert the image within the text box. In order to do so, you must first upload your document/image to the site’s library of images/documents. Then, either insert the image, or if you are uploading a document, you will have to provide access to it via a link. To do this, first, type out a set of words you'd like to link your document to, and highlight it. Then, click on the click on the "insert a document link" icon (the paper looking one) and select your file, and then click upload. Your document should now be hyperlinked.
Where else can I find programming resources?
How can I serve on the Advisory Board?
The Advisory Board is an appointed position. Individuals interested in serving on the Board can submit a Committee Volunteer Form from Dec. through Feb. In March and April YALSA's President-Elect makes the appointments. Individuals selected to serve will begin their work on July 1st and serve a two year term. To learn more about volunteering and appointments, visit YALSA's web site.
How can I become a Content Expert who reviews the submissions to this site?
To express your interest in becoming a Program Expert, please fill out this online form.