This call for proposals may be of interest to some AAAL members:

For inquiries or further information, please visit: coreforum.org

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Join Core Forum 2025 in Denver for an incredible opportunity to celebrate diverse and interconnected library work. From November 12-14, 2025 we’ll engage the collective expertise of presenters and participants, facilitating thought-provoking conversations over two days of presentations, table-top exhibits, and poster sessions. Core Forum provides a place to build and foster relationships with colleagues through exciting networking activities.

Consider submitting a proposal for a thought-provoking and highly relevant to practitioners presentation in the following areas:

• Access and Equity
• Buildings and Operations
• Leadership and Management
• Metadata and Collections
• Technology
• Preservation

Presentation Opportunities

SESSION – Concurrent sessions will be held on Thursday and Friday. Presentations will be 45 minutes in length with 15 minutes for introduction and Q&A. Presenters are required to present in-person and register at the discounted presenter rate.

PRECONFERENCE – Half-day (3-4 hours) preconferences and tours (off-site venue) will be held on Wednesday. Presenters are required to present in person.

POSTER – The poster session offers the opportunity to share and promote work, research, and ideas across the Forum’s content areas identified in the bulleted list above. Print poster presentations will be available throughout the Forum, with special time reserved during the 2-day event for participants to ask questions and engage in chat conversation with the presenters.

Proposals will be evaluated on the following points:

• Relevance to the Forum’s program tracks and audience
• Opportunities for learning and applicability to current library trends
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We encourage diversity in presenters from a wide range of backgrounds, libraries, and experiences. We deliberately seek and strongly encourage submissions from underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous peoples, women, people of color, the LGBTQA+ community, and people with disabilities. We also strongly encourage submissions with presenters from public, school, and special libraries.

Vendors wishing to submit a proposal should partner with a library representative who is evaluating/using the product or service.

Presenters will submit final presentation slides and/or electronic content (video, audio, etc.) 10 days prior to the event for accessibility reviewing and to be made available online following the event. Presenters will be able to register at a discounted rate and participate in the Forum as attendees.

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Ready to submit your proposal? Complete the Proposal Form before the Sunday, March 2, 2025 deadline. To preview the 2025 Core Forum proposal questions before starting the form, please download the questions here.

Questions can also be sent to the Forum Planning Co-Chairs or Core Staff:

• Michael Holt,  Core Forum Planning Committee Co-Chair, michaelholt@lsu.edu 
• Cate Sering, Core Forum Planning Committee Co-Chair, cate.sering@washingtoncountymn.gov 
• Julie Reese, Core Executive Director, jreese@ala.org 
• Tom Ferren, Core Deputy Executive Director of Learning and Events, tferren@ala.org

Save the Date:

Registration will open in April. Join the notification list to receive event announcements. Check the Core Forum website for program information and sponsorship opportunities.

This call for proposals may be of interest to some AAAL members:

For inquiries or further information, please contact: GenAIinLibraries@gmail.com.

You are invited to submit a proposal for the 2nd annual Generative AI in Libraries (GAIL) virtual conference aimed specifically at librarians here: https://forms.gle/QzvMY9kcuL6JbWLK8.

This conference seeks to explore the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries. It is also an opportunity for librarians to share their experiences with generative AI technologies and their applications in the library setting.

Scheduled to take place June 9, 10, 11, and 12, 2025 from 1-4pm EDT each day, the GAIL virtual conference aims to promote a deeper understanding of how generative AI can revolutionize library services like instruction, research support, collection management, access services, outreach and collaboration, while also addressing the challenges and ethical considerations this new technology brings to libraries.

We welcome submissions from librarians, researchers, educators, and practitioners working in libraries or related fields with AI. Submissions are now being accepted for posters, presentations, workshops, panel discussions, lightning talks, discussion groups or demonstrations on topics related to generative AI and its applications in, and implications for libraries, including but not limited to the following tracks:

• AI implementation in libraries
• Ethical considerations and policy in AI
• AI and teaching/Information Literacy
• AI applications or products
• AI Impact on Library Services or Librarianship

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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

1. A Framework for AI Pragmatism

Michael Flierl, Associate Professor & Student Learning Librarian, The Ohio State University

The future of AI is not predetermined; we have the power to shape its trajectory. This keynote presents AI Pragmatism, a practical framework for action that empowers libraries to influence AI development in alignment with professional values. Drawing inspiration from John Dewey’s philosophy, we will explore how libraries can foster student-centered learning environments and serve as laboratories for ethical, human-centered AI use. By engaging actively with AI, we can ensure these technologies solve problems, serve the public good, and advance our shared values.

2. Ships and Shipwrecks: How Public Libraries will Navigate the Age of AI

Nick Tanzi, Assistant Director, South Huntington Public Library

The age of AI is here, and its arrival comes with plenty of uncertainty! How are public libraries interacting with generative AI? What is an appropriate relationship with this technology? Finally, what role can libraries play in promoting AI literacy in our communities?

Proposal submission requirements:

• Name(s) and affiliation(s) of Presenter(s)
• Brief bio of each presenter
• Description of proposed activity (word limits vary by category)

CATEGORIES

• Session format– All sessions will be 45 minutes in length except lightning talks (10 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A) and poster sessions.
• Demonstrations – are live demonstrations of a specific AI application/product and how it can be used in a library setting.
• Discussion Groups – are interactive conversations about practices, research applications, or topics of interest to library professionals facilitated by one or two individuals on a specific topic initiated using questions selected by the facilitators (included in the proposal).
• Lightning Talks – distill a larger talk into 10 minutes of the most relevant material on a topic with a 5-minute Q&A. Presenters will share innovative projects, new approaches, and research summaries.
• Panel Discussion – is a structured, informative conversation on a proposed topic featuring three to five panelists with different perspectives sharing ideas and answering questions in front of an audience.
• Poster – a visual image (PDF) illustrating a project, process, research summary, instructional example, etc. that includes a link and QR code to a recorded explanation of the poster contents. Poster authors will be asked to respond to viewer questions generated online during the 4 days of the conference.
• Presentations – are formal talks given by one or more individuals on a specific topic, project, or research area.
• Workshops – include hands-on, interactive sessions designed to teach specific skills or provide in-depth knowledge on a particular topic.

DATES:

• Proposal submission deadline: February 22, 2025
• Notification of acceptance: April 15, 2025
• Confirmation due from accepted presenters: May 1, 2025
• Conference Registration opens: May 15, 2025 (ALL presenters MUST register)
• Conference dates: June 9, 10, 11, & 12 from 1-4pm EDT each day (excluding welcoming and closing remarks)

For inquiries or further information, please contact: GenAIinLibraries@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving your proposals and engaging in insightful discussions at the conference!

Sent on behalf of,
Generative AI in Libraries (GAIL) Committee

This call for survey participation may be of interest to some AAAL members:

The SAMPL research lab is currently conducting a study, “Checking In: A Job Satisfaction Survey for Library Workers”, piloting a job satisfaction survey for library workers. We have found that the current literature and measures do not capture the unique working conditions and environment of library workers.

This study is being conducted by researchers in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. This survey aims to gain a better understanding of the factors related to the job satisfaction of current library workers in Canada. 

The survey will be available through the Qualtrics platform with the following link https://ualbertauw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dptGP3b2kiSB7Cu and will take 40-45 minutes to complete. Participants must be English-speaking current library workers over the age of 18. They will receive a $5 digital gift card for either Tim Hortons or Starbucks as compensation for their time. Participation is voluntary and information will remain anonymous. Survey data cannot be linked back to participants. 

On behalf of our research team, thank you for your time and consideration. If you supervise or manage library staff, feel free to share this research opportunity with them as well.

Please reach out to the Study Coordinator, Kiranpreet Ghag at kkghag@ualberta.ca, if you have any questions or concerns regarding this study. 

This call for LAA nominations may be of interest to some AAAL members:

Dear LAA Members and Alberta Library Community,

We’re thrilled to invite you to take an active role in shaping the future of the Library
Association of Alberta by becoming a Board member!

As a board member, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the direction of the Board and
the Association, working collaboratively with others to enhance the library profession across the province. The upcoming 2024-2025 year promises to be an exciting one, as LAA joins as a partner with the Stronger Together Conference, bringing in-person learning back to library workers in Alberta, and rolling out the LAA strategic planning process.

While serving on the board requires a time commitment, it’s a rewarding experience that
allows you to chair and participate in various committees such as Continuing Education,
Member Services and Advocacy.

Through your contributions, you’ll not only benefit the Alberta library community but also develop your own personal skills and network.

For 2024-2025, we have four positions available:

• First Vice President/President-Elect (three-year term)
• Second Vice President (two-year term)
• Two Directors (two-year terms)

Detailed descriptions for these positions are included on the attached information sheet. If you
have questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the
current board members listed at www.libraryassociationalberta.com

If you’re passionate about promoting library services in Alberta, we encourage you to
consider running for a position on the LAA board. The deadline for nominations is May 7,
2024 with the online election taking place from May 13, 2024 – May 24, 2024. Successful candidates will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on May 30, 2024. Nominations from any current member of the LAA are welcome.

You can nominate yourself or another candidate HERE. And if you are considering running
for one of these positions, please reach out with questions or ideas! Please note that
nominations must come from those with current LAA memberships.

We’re looking forward to an exciting election and the opportunity to welcome new voices from all library sectors to the Board.

LAA Nominations Announcement 2024-2025.pdf