Call for Speakers

User Engagement in the Digital Age

Deadline is September 23, 2018

Libraries are leading the way in engaging users, and not just with games & gadgets, makerspaces, web sites, search interfaces, and digital literacy. They are achieving community goals with technology, developing real partnerships with other community leaders, applying technology for the common good and to meet the UN’s sustainable development goals for the world, collaborating with diverse groups and people, expanding learning roles and programs and so much more. Computers in Libraries 2019 shares library successes and strategies with User Engagement in the Digital Age. It looks at our models, transformational technologies, creative processes, innovative practices and customer-delighting programs that are having strong and long-lasting impacts on our communities, the world, and the people in them.

Hear from excellent and innovative libraries, network and learn from leaders in the field, and definitely be an active participant in the 34th 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, content curators, digital strategists, 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. It provides the latest information and practices for you to make informed choices for 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; Internet @Schools; Killer Strategies & Community Attention Grabbers; Partnerships & Collaboration; User Design & Experience; Creative Making & Makerspaces; Digital Transformation & Engagement; Information Discovery & Search; Content Management; Artificial Intelligence & Leading Edge Technology; Web Design, Tools & Development, 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.

To submit a proposal for the dedicated Internet@Schools track at Computers in Libraries 2019 click here. Especially for library media and technology specialists and other educators who are using the internet and technology in K–12 schools, this two-day track covers technology, tools, trends, and practical topics.    

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

How to Submit a Proposal

If you would like to participate in Computers in Libraries 2019 as a speaker or workshop leader, please submit a proposal as soon as possible (September 23, 2018 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, phone & fax). All abstracts are reviewed by the Organizing/Review Committee and notification regarding acceptance will be made in the fall.

Program Organizing and Review Committee

Program Chair
Jane I. Dysart, Dysart & Jones Associates
jane@dysartjones.com | Phone: 416-484-6129

Committee Members
Helene Blowers, OCLC
Marshall Breeding, Library Technology Guides
Frank Cervone, University of Illinois, Chicago
Darlene Fichter, University of Saskatchewan
Carolyn Foote, Westlake High School, Austin, TX
Richard Hulser, Natural History Museum Los Angeles County
Rebecca Jones, Dysart & Jones Associates
Dick Kaser, Executive Editor, Computers in Libraries
Donna Scheeder, Library Strategies International
Hannah Sommers, George Washington University