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SESSION FORMATS

Contributed Papers
The Contributed Papers Committee invites research and position papers that challenge current assumptions and provoke conference participants to think creatively about issues facing academic and research librarians. Papers may report the results of completed research, describe research in progress, or present a position on a compelling problem or issue in one or more of the conference tracks. Research papers should highlight the problem, results, and conclusions while very briefly touching on method. Conference tracks will provide a construct for organizing the papers into groups, but authors may propose works that cross tracks. In an effort to maximize interactivity and to provide more opportunities for participation, papers will be grouped in threes, and each paper must be delivered in a maximum of twelve minutes, with an additional seven minutes for questions (20 minutes total) within a 60–minute time slot for all three papers.  Completed papers should be about 2,500 words and should be scholarly, well organized, clearly written, and rigorously argued.  Completed papers must be provided no later than December 19, 2010. The paper should be prepared according to the The Chicago Manual of Style and should include a bibliography of cited references (in addition to the 2,500 words).  Please note that at the conference, presenters are expected to discuss their ideas rather than read their papers.  All accepted papers will be published in the online conference proceedings.

Student Paper Award: Up to two research papers authored by library school students will be selected for the ACRL Student Paper Award. Winners receive $500 and complimentary conference registration.

The deadline for submission is May 10, 2010.

Questions about contributed paper submissions should be directed to:
Marie L. Radford, Rutgers University, mradford@rutgers.edu
Lisa M. Stillwell, Franklin and Marshall College, lisa.stillwell@fandm.edu

Cyber Zed Shed Presentations
Are you a tech savvy librarian using new technologies in innovative ways? Adapting existing technologies to reach user needs?  Here is an opportunity to share your innovations with your colleagues, library administrators, and others at ACRL 2011.  The ACRL 2011 Cyber Zed Shed Committee is looking for proposals that document technology-related innovations in every area of the library.  Whether you are teaching in a classroom; answering questions from patrons; acquiring, cataloging, processing or preserving materials; or providing other services, we're interested.  We invite you to submit your most innovative proposals to help us make Philadelphia the site of a truly groundbreaking conference.  Cyber Zed Shed presentations are 20 minutes, with 15 minutes to present a demonstration, and five additional minutes for audience Q&A.  Presentations should document technology-related innovations in academic and research libraries.  A computer, data projector, screen, microphone, and stage will be provided in the Cyber Zed Shed theater. You will be responsible for bringing all other equipment required for your demonstration, except as agreed to in advance.

The deadline for submission is November 1, 2010.

Questions about Cyber Zed Shed submissions should be directed to:
Kenley Neufeld, Santa Barbara City College, kenleyneufeld@gmail.com
Emily Rimland, Pennsylvania State University, erimland@psu.edu

Panel Sessions
Panel sessions are one-hour presentations by two-to-three presenters that allow the participants to address an issue of concern to academic or research librarians. These sessions should be geared toward helping attendees understand multiple perspectives on a topic through active participation. Panelists may wish to debate each other, pose questions to the audience or each other, or help the audience engage actively. Sessions will be selected for presentation based on clarity of the issue, clear proposals on topics that will pique the interest of attendees and allow for active audience participation, and the contribution to an overall balance in coverage of the conference tracks.

The deadline for submission is May 10, 2010.

Questions about panel session submissions should be directed to:
Nicole Cooke, Montclair State University, cooken@mail.montclair.edu
Lynne King, Schenectady Community College, kinglo@sunysccc.edu

Poster Sessions
Poster sessions use graphic displays to informally present innovative library-based projects, successful solutions to problems, or present the findings of a unique research project while summarizing lessons for the academic and research library community. Presenters will share their main ideas with colleagues via a brief discussion of their topic as attendees navigate the poster session area. Posters should be an eye-catching visual representation of the topic, including graphics, tables, charts, text, and images. Each interactive poster session will be scheduled for one hour in one of five time blocks. The Poster Session Committee expects poster sessions that engage attendees during repeated presentations.  The poster sessions will be located near the exhibits area. Presenters are encouraged to create online handouts in order to communicate more detailed information. Since space is limited at a poster session, a maximum of two presenters per presentation at any one time is recommended. Best practices for a successful poster sessions will be available prior to the conference.

The deadline for submission is November 1, 2010.

Questions about poster session submissions should be directed to:
Trevor Dawes, Princeton University, tdawes@princeton.edu
Merinda Hensley, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, mhensle1@illinois.edu

Preconferences
Preconferences are half-day or full-day programs that focus on a particular subject of interest to academic and research librarians.  These programs should allow participants to develop a skill on a specific topic and should focus on interactive learning using a variety of presentation styles.  Preconferences that offer practical tips and cutting-edge techniques, as well as programs that address one or more of the conference’s theme, are especially encouraged.  Preconferences have separate registration fees, so please contact Margot Conahan at ACRL (312-280-2522; mconahan@ala.org) during the development of your proposal in order to develop a budget for your session.

The deadline for submission is May 10, 2010.

Questions about preconference submissions should be directed to:
 
Amelia Brunskill, Dickinson College, brunskia@dickinson.edu
Doug Lehman, Wittenberg University, dlehman@wittenberg.edu

Roundtable Discussions
Informal, small group discussion sessions will give attendees the opportunity to share short “reports from the field,” exchange information, discuss best practices, and network with others around common themes and issues. Discussion facilitators should identify and develop a topic that will allow participants to discuss how they are dealing with specific issues at their libraries.  Individuals submitting roundtable proposals should address the topics to be covered, their importance to academic libraries, and three questions they would use to keep the discussion moving. 

Roundtable discussions are limited to ten individuals per table, including participants and facilitator.   

The deadline for submission is November 1, 2010.

Questions about roundtable submissions should be directed to:
Theresa Byrd, Ohio Wesleyan University, tsbyrd@owu.edu
Lori Phillips, University of Wyoming, lphil@uwyo.edu

Workshops
Workshops are two-and-a-half to three hours that provide active and in-depth learning. Participants will engage an issue, learn a new skill, or develop an action plan or other activity where hands-on learning is integral.  Proposals will be selected for the conference based on; timeliness of the topic, alignment with the program tracks and degree of active learning.  Proposals should allow for significant involvement and contribution to the learning process from the participants. In order to ensure that the sessions really are “hands-on” and provide a skill or action plan for participants to have when the session is over, submissions should include an example of an activity or worksheet you plan to provide.  Additionally, learning outcomes should also be submitted for review.  The learning experience should excite and encourage the participants to take risks, question assumptions, and fully engage in the learning process. Participants should leave the session with information to share with their home institutions.

Sessions will be limited to 60 participants in order to provide a meaningful environment for active learning 

The deadline for submission is May 10, 2010.

Questions about workshop submissions should be directed to:
Michelle Leigh Jacobs, University of California–Los Angeles, michelleljacobs@gmail.com
Alice Lubrecht, Pennsylvania Department of Education, alubrecht@state.pa.us

Virtual Conference Webcasts
A vital part of the Virtual Conference, virtual Webcasts are synchronous Web presentations allowing presenters to interact with virtual attendees in real-time via audio, video, and screen share. This option is perfect for those searching for opportunities to participate in ACRL 2011 online, alleviating concerns about time and travel. Sessions will be selected for presentation based on relevance, timeliness of topic and clear, intriguing proposals. Webcasts are 60 minutes (including Q&A) and should be specifically designed for virtual presentation.  Presenters should explain how they will use the Webcast environment to create interactivity among the attendees.  Mandatory orientations for accepted speakers will be offered prior to the conference.  In order to present a successful Webcast, advance preparation and practice are critical; speaker orientations will show how to use the software and provide tips on creating a virtual presentation.  Webcast presenters will be required to submit materials in a timely manner. Webcast presenters can offer their session either from the face-to-face conference or remotely.  Required technology includes a computer with a high-speed Internet connection and microphone.  For examples of Webcasts and other virtual content from ACRL's 2009 National Conference, see www.learningtimes.net/acrlconference/.

The deadline for submission is November 1, 2010.

Questions about virtual conference Webcast submissions should be directed to:
Erin Dorney, Millersville University, Erin.dorney@millersville.edu
Scott Vine, Franklin & Marshall College, scott.vine@fandm.edu