Submit a session proposal Deadline: April 16, 2021

Go to poster proposal information Deadline: June 15, 2021

At this time, we are accepting proposals for Pre-Conference Workshops, Paired Presentations, Presentations, and Panel Discussions (more information on each format below.) We encourage proposals for virtual presentations that represent all aspects of library work (including technical services, access services, interlibrary loan, reference, instruction, library administration, technology, youth services, and more) and all library workers (including library students, paraprofessionals, and members of underrepresented groups).

All conference presentations will be virtual, with options for both pre-recorded and live sessions.

2021 Conference Proposal Tips (pdf)

Important Dates: 

• February 15, 2021: CFP opens 

• March 15, 2021: Poster proposals open

• April 16, 2021: CFP closes; Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the Programs Committee (see criteria below)

• May 14-19, 2021: Acceptance emails sent for presentations

• June 15, 2021: Poster proposals close

• July 1, 2021: Conference registration opens

• July 12-16, 2021: Acceptance emails sent for posters
  

• August/September 2021: Schedule times for pre-recording sessions or for rehearsing live sessions; solicit volunteer moderators 

• September/early October: Pre-record sessions and host rehearsal sessions; assign moderators as needed

• October 18-22, 2021: NCLA/SELA Conference 

All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the members of the Programs Committee based on these criteria: 

• Clarity and thoughtfulness of proposal - The Programs Committee favors proposals that are very clear about their content, explicit about what presenters will do in the session and what attendees will take from the session, and thoughtful in identifying a meaningful focus and providing a compelling rationale. 

• Connection to conference theme (see above) - The Programs Committee favors proposals that directly address the conference theme.

• Content and issues are timely (see list of potential topics for ideas) - The Programs Committee favors proposals that address issues of relevance to library work and workers, including those of broad significance as well as those specific to a particular area. 

We are aware that present circumstances mean that our work can change rapidly, and we recognize that, as a result, you may need to alter your presentation. You will have the opportunity to update your presentation information closer to the date of the conference. 

• Innovative programs and services 

• Collaborations between librarians and libraries 

• Moving forward from the pandemic 

• Supporting and empowering marginalized/underrepresented groups in your community 

• Equity, diversity, and inclusion 

• Self-care

• Sustainability efforts 

• Sustaining library outreach virtually and in-person 

• Design thinking, re-imagining ourselves 

• Addressing digital equity gaps 

• Supporting virtual learning in libraries  

• Combating Mis/Disinformation

• Critical Media Literacy 

• Online teaching and learning in libraries 

• Community partnerships  

• Library advocacy

• Social justice and libraries  

• Financial health 

• Collection development 

• Cataloging for the future 

• Providing access to library materials to your community 

• Future of LIS education 

• Equity in library policies

Proposal Information Needed

• Primary Contact Name

• Primary Contact Email

• Primary Contact Library/Institution

• Membership Affiliation (NLCA, SELA, NCSLMA, none)

• Format of Proposed Program

• Presenter’s Name, Title, Library/Organization, and Email 

• Moderator’s Name, Title, Library/Organization, and Email (for Panel Discussions only)

• Pre-Conference Workshop OR Presentation Title

• Pre-Conference Workshop OR Presentation Description (maximum of 500 words)

• Pre-Conference Workshop OR Presentation Takeaways

• Related Tracks [will choose from list]

• Presentation Delivery Preference (for Presentations and Panel Discussions only) (Pre-Recorded [*Preferred]; Live with recording permission; Live with no recording permission)

• Additional Information [Is there anything else you would like the Programs Committee to know about this proposal? (Section-sponsored; Speaker's unique expertise on/relationship to this topic, etc.)]

Session Formats: 

Proposals should fall into one of these categories: 

• Pre-Conference Workshop (half-day, 3 hour) - These hands-on sessions will be offered on Monday, October 18 or Tuesday, October 19 and will not be recorded. These sessions should be interactive and collaborative. 

• Paired Presentation (15-20 minutes per presentation; 2 presentations per time slot) - Presentations will be paired (by the Programs Committee) with another presentation on a related topic during the same session. 

• Presentation (30-45 minutes) - Session presented by an individual or a group. 

• Panel Discussion (45 minutes) - Session featuring a moderator and 2-4 panelists discussing a particular topic. 

• Posters (Virtual) - Poster design specifics will be posted after July 16, 2021
  

Speaker Information/Expectations (For accepted proposals)

• All speakers must register for the conference.
  

• We strongly encourage speakers to pre-record their sessions to avoid technical issues. 

• If a session is being pre-recorded, speakers will be contacted by the NCLA Program Committee to set up a time in September or early October to record their session using Zoom.

• All recordings will have transcripts/captions for accessibility. 

• Note that presenters who pre-record their sessions will still have an opportunity for Q&A with conference attendees through our virtual conference platform. Q&A will be moderated by NCLA volunteers. 

• If a session is live, speakers will be contacted by the NCLA Programs Committee to set up a time in September or early October to rehearse their session so that they are comfortable with the conference platform.