Call for Proposals

Call for Proposals: 7th Annual Southern Library Support Staff Conference 

The Vanderbilt University Libraries is excited to announce its 7th Annual Southern Library Support Staff Conference, taking place from May 27-29, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Libraries in Nashville, TN.

This year's theme, "From the Heart of the Library: Stories of Engagement, Innovation, and Leadership," invites library professionals to delve into personal narratives that highlight the transformative power of libraries in their communities. We encourage you to share your experiences that foster meaningful engagement with patrons, spark innovative practices, and exemplify leadership.

The conference will follow a hybrid format, making it accessible for both in-person and virtual attendees. We welcome proposals for a variety of presentation formats, including:

• 60-minute contributed presentations with audience interaction

• 2-3 hour workshops

• Panel discussions

• 15-minute lightning talks that inspire others with quick, impactful insights

Each proposal should include a title, a brief description, the names of presenters, and expected learning objectives grounded in the conference theme.  Presenters are required to present in-person.

Submit your proposal online.

The proposal submission window opens January 1, 2026, and closes on February 15, with acceptance notifications sent by February 27.  

While aligning with the conference theme is not a requirement, we particularly encourage proposals that explore the evolving role of libraries through stories of leadership, innovative practices, and pathways to engaging patrons. We welcome presenters from all types of library systems to contribute their ideas and expertise, as together we shape the future of our profession.

We are pleased to announce that scholarships for first-time attendees will be available through a grant from the Institute of Library and Museum Services Laura Bush 21^st Century Librarian Program.