Call for Proposals

The 2021 BC Library Conference focuses on reflection, rejuvenation and recommitment to the work and values that define libraries. The 2021 conference will be an opportunity to examine the themes that have been at the heart of library evolution the past years. COVID 19 interrupted much of our thinking and actions on these themes and issues, but now is the time to connect the issues and values of past years with our thinking and planning for the future.

Asked to identify key themes for the 2021 conference members of the BC library community identified the following as their top choices:

- Libraries and Anti-Racism
- Mental Wellness and Library Staff
- Indigenization in Libraries
- Library Values (Intellectual Freedom, EDI, and Privacy)
- Libraries, Inside and Out (Climate Crisis, Public Space)
- Libraries and Children’s Services: Visiting and Revisiting BC Summer Reading Club

We are calling for proposals that connect to and help illuminate one or more of these themes. Our plan is to highlight one theme, or more, per day of the conference. We have resisted the urge to define these themes and instead call on potential presenters to prepare session proposals that approach, illustrate, and distinguish these themes in different ways. We would like to emphasize how important it is to connect these themes to our current and future work.

The 2021 BC Library Conference themes provide an opportunity to share the ways libraries currently do work, to examine the values that guide and inform our work, and to explore how we intend to broaden and deepen the contributions libraries make to society. This year we want to focus inward on those themes that define libraries so we can then focus outward on how libraries support and help define society.

BCLA is committed to supporting new members of the library community as well as to presenting our community’s expert voices. We strive to present the most interesting and the most difficult topics in a non-judgemental environment that fosters learning and sharing of information and opinions. We are privileged to present the 2021 BC Library Conference from across British Columbia and recognize that this broad area represents the unceded territories of First Nations peoples.

Conference Proposal FAQs

Deadline to submit proposals is Thursday, December 31st at 11:59 pm PST.

Q: What do presenters need to know about speaking?
A: Speakers from the BC Library Community (librarian, trustee, friend of the library, or career library worker in British Columbia) are required to register for the day they are presenting at the conference. Speakers will receive complimentary registration for the day they are presenting.

The TED-style sessions are single speakers only.
The 45-minute afternoon sessions are a maximum of two presenters.

If there are any anticipated costs associated with speakers from outside the BC Library Community (speaker fees, honorarium, waived registration fee, etc.) please outline them completely on your proposal.

Q: What if I have a special circumstance?
A: If you need to advise us of anything unusual (including special technology requests), please enter this under Session Setup Requests. If you wait until closer to the conference dates we may not be able to accommodate your request.

Q: How do I know that my proposal has been received?
A: When you officially submit your proposal, you will receive an email from Pheedloop confirming that your session proposal has been submitted.

Q: When will I hear back about my submission?
A: The session selection committee will start the conference session selection process after the deadline for submissions. The committee will contact session proposers by email mid- January.

Q: If selected, what will I need to do?
A: We will provide you with the time and date your session has been assigned. We will ask that you check your Bio and session description for accuracy. If the Conference Session Selection Committee has requested changes to the description, we will ask that you make the changes as soon as possible. A deadline to confirm information and acknowledge session day and time will be provided in our communication.

Q: Why might my session not be selected?
A: The BC Library Conference has a limited number of time slots available to mount sessions. We consistently receive high-quality proposals and strive to select those that best fit the theme, or themes, of the event. Additionally, the Session Selection Committee looks at feedback from past years and current areas of interest to ensure a viable, vibrant set of sessions; unfortunately, as there are far more excellent submissions than there are time slots, some proposals can not be selected.

Q: Can I get an extension to submit my proposal?
A: We have a firm deadline, so are unable to accept proposals after the deadline.

Q: Who can I contact if I need to make a correction or a change?
A: You may make the changes to your proposal yourself through the link that was included in your session submission confirmation email, until December 31st.

Q: Do I need to provide a convenor for my session?
A: No, room convenors are provided for each session.

Q: Where can I ask a question not included in this list?
A: Please email our Conference Coordinator, Shannon Stumph, shannon@dfcevents.ca (Subject line: Session Proposal question) and someone will get back to you soon.