Call for Speakers

Deadline is October 3, 2021

Library Tech Sandbox: Experimenting & Excelling!

Librarians have always been creative and innovative but the last few years has pushed them to try new things, experiment with new technologies, find new community pathways and build new relationships. This year’s in-person Computers in Libraries shines a light on those libraries who have experimented, those that have excelled and those that have wild stories to share. It especially showcases those libraries who have tackled digital inclusion in their communities. It’s been on our industry's radar for a long time, and it has been glaringly clear over the past year or so that more work needs to be done and libraries can help big-time on so many levels. Hear about some of the interesting new partnerships and community solutions for this challenge. Be ready to interact with our experienced and practical speakers; learn, gain insights and ideas from our leading-edge topics; and take home innovative plans for your library and community.

Hear from forward thinking libraries, creative fablabs and centers of information excellence, network and learn from leaders in the field, and definitely be an active participant in the 37 th Computers in Libraries -- the most comprehensive North American conference and exhibition concentrating on all aspects of library technology. The conference offers a multifaceted program designed to meet the needs of librarians, community and information managers, systems professionals, eresource managers, researchers, webmasters and web managers, archivists, content and museum curators, digital strategists, XR leaders and information specialists. The focus of the conference is on emerging and leading-edge technology that allows us to engage with, and bring strategic value to, our user communities. Using the latest information, practices and technology to help you make informed choices, this event looks at how to experiment and excel, escalate and delight both the human and digital experiences in your community -- whether it is an academic, corporate, non-profit, public, or school library community.

Conference Tracks & Topics

Computers in Libraries caters to all interests and all levels of knowledge, offering five simultaneous tracks plus many workshops, networking opportunities, and an extensive exhibit hall. This year’s tracks and themes encompass: Innovative Libraries & Practices; K-12 school libraries ; Killer Strategies & Community Attention Grabbers; Partnerships & Collaboration; User Design & Experience; Learning from Library Leaders; Creative Making & Makerspaces; Digital Transformation & Engagement; Information Discovery & Search; Content Management; Artificial Intelligence & Leading Edge Technology; Web Design, Tools & Development, Experimenting and more. Speakers are knowledgeable, authoritative and focus on practical applications, “how to” solutions, and case studies as well as technical and managerial issues. Please consider sharing your knowledge and ideas; send us a proposal to speak. Below are some of the topics we hope to cover, but don’t let this list limit your imagination! We look forward to hearing from you.

Possible Topics (suggestions only – the more creative the topic, the better!)

  • Learning from Failed Experiments
  • Management in Times of Crisis
  • Aligning Digital & Human Experience
  • Extending Community Programs Services
  • Next Generation User Communities
  • Community Engagement Strategies
  • Mining Library Data for Decision Making
  • Innovative Libraries, Practices & Services
  • Digital Transformation & Engagement
  • Ebook publishing, distribution & lending
  • User Friendly interfaces for positive UX
  • Video: Streaming & a Marketing Tool!
  • Content management & curation
  • Enterprise Information & Knowledge Managment
  • Understanding Community Needs & Opportunities
  • Finding & Working with Partners
  • Sparking Imagination & Innovation
  • Creating Tomorrow’s Learning Environments
  • Connecting People & Technology
  • Creating Strategic Value
  • Digital Archiving
  • Cutting Edge Information Tools
  • Innovative Ways to Connect with Clients
  • What’s New in Library platforms?
  • Gaming & Learning
  • Streaming Content to Mobile Devices
  • Library Performance Improvement
  • Information Discovery & Visualization
  • Web Design/Redesign & Usability
  • Digitizing Collections
  • Cool Web/Tech Tools
  • Building Community Partnerships
  • Usability Testing for Web Sites
  • Web Development Tips & Tools
  • New Technologies & Libraries of the Future
  • Community Reset Strategies
  • Successful Tech Experiments
  • Internet of Things & Libraries
  • Innovation Labs & FabHubs
  • Emerging Tech & Tools
  • Culture Changing Techniques
  • Cool Library Partnerships
  • Mobile Computing
  • Transforming Library Spaces
  • Researching Customer Needs
  • Measuring Impact of Services
  • Library Labs & Incubators
  • Digital repository management
  • Illustrating Value & ROI
  • Aligning with Strategic Priorities
  • Creative Management Practices
  • XR, AR & VR Experiments
  • Community management
  • Latest Engagement for Mobiles
  • Making Tough Choices
  • Future Web strategies
  • Innovative Community Apps
  • Social Media & Libraries
  • Strategic Library Competencies
  • Managing & Engaging Digitally
  • Maximizing User Experience
  • Technology Planning
  • Building Technology Alliances
  • eLearning Strategies & Cases
  • Managing Electronic Resources
  • Personalization & Customization
  • Content Management Tools
  • Collaboration Software
  • Search Engine Tips & Tools
  • Teaching Tips for all ages

How to Submit a Proposal

If you would like to participate in Computers in Libraries 2022 as a speaker or workshop leader, please submit a proposal as soon as possible (October 3, 2021 at the very latest). Include the following brief details of your proposed presentation on the form: title, abstract, a few sentences of biographical information that relate you to the topic, and full contact information for you and your co-presenters (title, address, email, and phone). All abstracts are reviewed by the Organizing/Review Committee and notification regarding acceptance will be made in the fall.

An Important Note About Health & Safety at Computers in Libraries 2022

The health and safety of attendees is our top priority. And, providing safe and clean environments for guests and colleagues is always a top priority for Hyatt hotels globally. Please review our complete health and safety guidelines, including vaccination and masking policies here.

Program Organizing and Review Committee

Program Chair
Jane I. Dysart, Dysart & Jones Associates
jane@dysartjones.com

Committee Members
Bryan Alexander, The Future of Education Observatory
Marshall Breeding, Library Technology Guides
Frank Cervone, University of Illinois, Chicago
Carolyn Foote, School Librarian
Richard Hulser, Consultant
Rebecca Jones, Dysart & Jones Associates
Dick Kaser, Executive Editor, Computers in Libraries
Brian Pichman, Evolve Project
Donna Scheeder, Library Strategies International