(via Leslie Poljak, University of Pittsburgh)
The ACRL University Libraries Section (ULS) Professional Development Committee (PDC) hosts several online programs throughout the year (prior programs available here).
The PDC welcomes proposals for online programs that further ACRL members’ professional development, knowledge, and practice. Proposals should be grounded in theory or practice. We encourage the use of panels and multiple presenter models to convey a variety of viewpoints.
Presenters are responsible for finding their own co-presenters or panelists. Proposals for programs led by an individual presenter are also accepted. We welcome proposals from librarians at all stages of their careers, although proposals from new or early career librarians may be given priority. Programs usually run one hour, including time for questions, and are offered via Zoom Webinar. You do not need to be a member of ACRL ULS to present.
All proposals will be considered, however, we are particularly interested in programs addressing the following topics in 2025-2026:
- Evolving Models for Public Services and Learning Spaces
- Critical Librarianship, Diversity and Inclusion, and Social Justice in Academic Libraries
- Changing/Expanding Roles of Academic Librarians
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Reference Services
- Inclusive Design Principles
- Digital Humanities
- Data Management and Visualization
- Scholarly Communications
- Digital Scholarship
- Assessment and Learning Analytics
- Identifying and Developing Future Leaders
- Mindfulness and Work-Life Balance
To submit a proposal, please go here.
To receive full consideration for the 2025-2026 programming year, submissions should be received by Friday, October 31, 2025. The committee will let you know if your proposal is accepted and next steps by mid-to-late November.
Presenters are expected to adhere to the Committee’s best practices for online instruction. Referring to this list, please articulate how you will engage the audience and ensure a high-quality program. Please note that there can be hundreds of attendees, which may limit certain types of interactivity.
For questions, please contact the Committee Co-Chairs: Jane Hammons (hammons.73@osu.edu) and Matthew Johnson (matthewjohnson@usf.edu).