To allow additional time for submissions, we’ve extended the deadline for presentation 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 Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 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.
The proposal submission has been extended to February 15th, with acceptance notifications sent by February 27th. Proposal form: https://cfp.sched.com/speaker/rRFdFRfbae.
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 21st Century Librarian Program.
For complete details, please visit https://slss.library.vanderbilt.edu/.
