2021 ALA IRRT Pre-Conference

Call for Proposals for Presentation

The American Library Association (ALA) International Relations Round Table (IRRT) invites you to submit presentation proposals for their 2021 pre-conference in Chicago, IL, date to be determined. If the conference is not held as an in-person event, the presentations will be in a virtual format.

The theme for this year’s pre-conference is Relevance and Effectiveness of Libraries in a Changing World. From the COVID-19 pandemic to issues of social justice to social media influences, libraries continue to face challenges in a rapidly changing world. The IFLA Section for Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL) recognized the need for developing the skills and expertise for a rapidly changing world at its 2019 satellite conference.

Considering these influences, the 2021 ALA IRRT Pre-Conference will include presentations that address opportunities for and examples of libraries’ effectiveness and relevance in a changing world. The following broad topics to be considered are:

1. Libraries Adapting to the COVID World
2. Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice
3. Social Media Transforming Libraries
4. Library Transformation through Technology
5. The Development of Digital Libraries

To submit a proposal, send an email with your attached proposal to co-chairs Gloria Creed-Dikeogu (gloria.creeddikeogu@ottawa.edu) and Barbara Marson (marsonb@ecu.edu) by end-of-business on February 5, 2021.

Please include your name(s), institutional affiliation(s), working title, and 300 word maximum description of your presentation. Proposals and presentations must be in English.