Claire Moore, from YALSA’s Leadership Initiatives Fundraising Taskforce recently interviewed Sean Gilmartin. He was the 2017 recipient of the Dorothy Broderick Student Scholarship, which is funded through YALSA’s Leadership Endowment. The taskforce’s goal is to raise $20,000 by the end of January 2018 to grow the endowment so that there’s enough interest to fund other leadership initiatives, like scholarships for a leadership e-course series that’s coming in 2018. So far, the taskforce has raised approximately $12,500. Any donation made now through Jan. 15th will be matched dollar for dollar by ALA. Please consider making a gift–any size helps, and ALA will double your impact!
Dorothy Broderick Student Scholarship Recipient
Sean Gilmartin, Teen Services Librarian at Elmwood Park Public Library
How long have you been a YALSA member?
2 years
Please share about your experience participating in one of these professional development opportunities. Specific details about the scholarships, trainings, and special projects are greatly appreciated.
The scholarship I received through the YALSA Leadership Endowment connected me with amazing individuals across the nation who are working in teen services. Through the Dorothy Broderick Student Scholarship I was able to attend ALA’s annual conference this past summer, and as a graduate student, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with other students and library leaders.
What impact did the YALSA Leadership Endowment have on your current position and/or career in librarianship?
I took away so much from ALA’s annual conference, and it was thanks to the YALSA Leadership Endowment. As a grad student, it was strengthening to see the knowledge and skills I’m learning in school actively applied by librarians across the country.
Please share anything else about your experiences that might be of interest to other YALSA members and donors to the Leadership Endowment.
Library services for teens are always progressing and professionals need to evolve with them. Libraries need leaders who can mentor teens to be their best selves.
