The program was started at UCLA in 1982. The program also mentors Latino students in the schools and in information professions. Special programs include interviews with Latino leaders and taped talk shows with successful Latino IS graduates. Each year, a prominent author or illustrator of children's books is invited to speak at the Sayers lecture series. The series was begun in memory of the late library and information science professor, an advocate for excellence in children's literature.
Lectures are free and open to the public.
Authors are available for book signings after each lecture. The California Center for the Book Beginning Fall 1999, the Department of Information Studies is coordinating the California Center for the Book. The California program is affiliated with the Library of Congress Center for the Book, which was established in 1997. The California Center will stimulate public interest in books, readings, and libraries with partner institutions throughout California. Initial funding for the project is from the California State Library.