CLA 2026 Annual Conference

Library Evolution: Tech Driven, Values Led

Call for Programs

Deadline: April 10, 2026 - 12:00 Noon PDT

**Scroll down to see submission form fields.**
Preliminary Schedule At-A-Glance

Submissions are peer reviewed according to this scoring rubric.

Who Should Propose a Program
Anyone and everyone! We encourage new and seasoned professionals, students, paraprofessionals, librarians, administrators, trustees, and library supporters to apply. Friends of the Library, Foundations, and Library Board members are also encouraged to submit proposals.

We strongly encourage proposals from presenters whose perspectives and lived experiences help shape the evolving future of libraries and advance inclusive, tech-forward, and values-led leadership that strengthens and reflects the communities we serve, including individuals who identify as BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. We also welcome proposals from non-library partners whose work intersects meaningfully with libraries.

Conference Theme
Library Evolution: Tech Driven, Values Led invites proposals that explore how libraries are evolving in response to rapid technological change while remaining grounded in core professional values.

We welcome programs that address:
• The responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies, including AI
• Intellectual freedom, equity, access, privacy, and inclusion in a changing landscape
• Teaching, learning, and scholarship in evolving information environments
• Community-centered services, partnerships, and outreach
• Practical programming that meets the needs of children, teens, and adults
• Leadership, operations, and advocacy in times of transformation

Proposals should reflect how libraries are navigating change across library types, communities, and roles.

Conference Tracks
Submitters will select one track and one format.

• Values in Action: Intellectual freedom, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, privacy, and policy
• Emerging Tech & AI Literacy: Artificial Intelligence, data governance, ethics, emerging technologies, and hands-on innovation
• Teaching & Scholarship: Information literacy, pedagogy, assessment, research, and scholarly communication
• Community & Partnerships: K–12 and higher education pipelines, cross-sector collaborations, and community engagement
• Operations & Leadership: Budgets, facilities, staffing, advocacy, management, and organizational leadership
• Programming: Adult, teen, and children-focused library programs, including literacy, outreach, and engagement initiatives

Program proposals promoting or selling products/services during sessions will not be accepted.

Program Formats

• Super Sessions
  Super Sessions are extended workshops that allow for deeper exploration of a topic. These sessions emphasize training, interaction, and active learning and are either 90 minutes or 2 hours in length.
• Concurrent Programs
  Concurrent Programs provide an in-depth look at a topic and include opportunities for interaction such as Q&A or activities. These sessions are 45 minutes, including questions.
• Lightning Theater
  Lightning Theater sessions are short, high-energy presentations designed to spark ideas and share practical insights in a fast-paced format. Presenters deliver a 15-minute talk in the Exhibit Hall, making these sessions highly visible and accessible. This format is ideal for concise case studies, emerging projects, tools, or lessons learned. Lightning Theater sessions do not include Q&A and are designed to be concise, idea-focused presentations.
• Poster Sessions
  Poster Sessions provide an opportunity for informal, one-on-one conversations about projects, research, or innovative ideas. Presenters will host their poster during a designated one-hour session in the Exhibit Hall. Presenters will be given a bulletin board (4’x8’) on which to affix visual materials (including but not limited to a poster).
• Night Track
  Night Track programs are interactive, informal events that foster connection and community. Creativity is encouraged and formats may include performances, games, or participatory activities.
• Special Interest / Ethnic Caucus Programming
  CLA has designated a limited number of Special Interest program slots on Thursday, October 22, reserved for invited submissions from ALA ethnic caucuses and affiliated groups. If your proposal is being submitted as part of this invitation, you will be asked to indicate this during the submission process so it can be routed to the appropriate review process.

Funding

• CLA does not provide financial support for any type of programming.
• All presenters are required to register for the conference in order to present. A one-day registration for the day of presentation is acceptable; however, full conference registration is encouraged to support participation across the event.
• Presenters are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and incidental expenses unless otherwise arranged in advance by CLA for invited or special programming.
• Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing and will be considered on a case-by-case basis in limited circumstances. Send requests via email to 2026conf@cla-net.org.

A/V
CLA provides the following AV package for Super Sessions and Concurrent Programs:
• Podium microphone
• Tabletop microphones
• LCD projector and screen
• Laptop audio connection

Presenters must bring their own laptops and any necessary adapters.

A Note on Children at Conference
To maintain a professional and safe conference environment, children must be accompanied at all times by a registered adult. Children are not permitted in the Exhibit Hall or at Special Events.


SCORECARD PROPOSAL FORM FIELDS

For All Submitters

• Program Title
  (25 words maximum)
• Program Type
  (Options: Super Session, Concurrent Program, Lightning Theater, Poster Session, Night Track, Special Interest/Ethnic Caucus Programming)
• Program Track
  (Options: Values in Action, Emerging Tech & AI Literacy, Teaching & Scholarship, Community & Partnerships, Operations & Leadership, Programming)
• Program Description
  If your program is selected, this description will be used in the conference program.
  (150 words maximum)
• Connection to Conference Theme
  How does your program relate to the conference theme "Library Evolution: Tech Driven, Values Led"?
  (150 words maximum)
• Presenter Qualifications
  What experience, education or interest qualifies the presenter(s) to present on this topic?
  (250 words maximum)
• Intended Library Type(s)
  (Select all that apply: Public, Academic, School, Special, Other—please specify)
• Intended Audience(s)
  (Select all that apply: Librarians, Paraprofessionals, Students, Administrators, Library Friends/Foundation, Other—please specify)
• Intended Age Group(s)
  (Select all that apply: Early Childhood (0-5), Children (6-11), Teens (12-18), Adults, Older Adults / Seniors, All Ages, Not Age-Specific)
• Topic Tags
  Provide 3–5 keywords or tags that best describe your topic.
• Sponsorship or Grant Support (if applicable)
  (Optional — please indicate if this session has received or is seeking sponsorship or grant support.)
• CLA Interest Group or Committee Sponsorship (if applicable)
  If applicable, please indicate any CLA Interest Group or Committee that has agreed to sponsor or support this session.
  (Options: Adult Services IG; African American Librarians IG; All Abilities IG; Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Library Workers IG; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion IG; Graphic Novels and Comics IG; Library Facilities IG; Library History IG; Literacy IG; Local History, Archives, and Special Collections IG; Management IG; Marketing and Public Relations IG; Public Libraries IG; Reference IG; Rural and Tribal IG; Student IG; Technical Services IG; Technology IG; Volunteer Engagement IG; Youth Services IG; Intellectual Freedom Committee; Advocacy & Legislation Committee; Ursula Meyer Advocacy Committee)
• Is this proposal being submitted as part of the Special Interest / Ethnic Caucus programming invitation for Thursday, October 22?
  (Yes or No)

Super Session Specific Questions

• Can this session be delivered within the proposed time length (either 90 minutes or two hours)?
• How will this session provide value beyond a concurrent program?

Concurrent Program Specific Question

• Can this content be delivered within 45 minutes, including Q&A?

Night Track Specific Questions

• What length is your program?
• What would be the draw of your program for conference attendees?
• What type of budget would your program require?

Presenter Information

• Name, position, organization, and unique email for each presenter

Questions/Comments/Concerns?

• For questions about proposals or presentations, please contact the Programming Chairs at cla-programchairs@googlegroups.com.
• For questions about the overall conference, please contact the Conference Chairs at cla-conferencechairs@googlegroups.com.