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SLSS 2026

From the Heart of the Library: Stories of  Engagement, Innovation, and Leadership

The mission of the Southern Library Support Staff Conference (SLSS) 2026 Annual Conference is to support all libraries (academic, public, special, school) and offer a place for all library staff at every level to learn, teach, share, and develop connections with others in the library world.

We invite you to join us for the 2026 conference that takes place May 27-29 at the Vanderbilt University campus in Nashville, TN.

Conference Details

  • Main conference on Wednesday, May 27th, and Thursday, May 28th
  • Excursions/tours around Nashville on Friday, May 29th
  • To view a list of hotels near Vanderbilt University, click here.

Conference Fees

In-person attendance (5/27-28): $100
Online only attendance (5/27-28): $45

Parking: $20/day (1-3 days)

Lunch (5/27-28): $15/day (1-2 days)

Excursions package (5/29): $110
(This includes tickets, lunch, and travel to Frist Art Museum and National Museum of African American Music.)

Please note: Do not register for the conference if you have applied for a scholarship unless you receive notice that you will not be awarded a scholarship.

REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE

Scholarships Available

Through a generous grant from the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, a limited number of scholarships are available for first-time attendees currently working in a public, school, academic or special library, or currently enrolled in a library science program.

We are pleased to announce the 2026 SLSS Scholarship recipients.

To apply for a scholarship, please complete the online application form.

Please note: If you are applying for a scholarship do not register in advance for the conference. Approved scholarship applicants will be registered for the conference.

For questions or concerns, please reach out to Machelle Keen at machelle.keen@vanderbilt.edu

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.


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