A plausible explanation is that youth services librarians select for those who can t select for themselves. But in fact, few readers of any age shape library collections. Rather, librarians select collections, just as editors and referees select manuscripts. Society delegates the authority and lets us keep it as long as we do well. Confidence comes from a sense of individual mastery of professional skills and the security of knowing collegial help is available.
Professionalism is a collaborative activity.
The summer issue annually presents the insights and perspectives of the authors and illustrators our colleagues have selected as outstanding. JOYS provides a record of what they said for those who couldn t attend Annual Conference, for those who want to read what they heard, and for those who will come after us. This is our last issue as editors. We ve enjoyed the collaboration. We believe our collection of articles represents the best thinking in the field.