The International Society of Medievalist Librarians seeks speakers to join a *hybrid* roundtable at the International Congress on Medieval Studies taking place May 13-15, 2027, at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI.
Session Title: Introducing Library and Archival Research (A Roundtable)
Session Description: Visiting libraries and archives is an important part of the research process, but it can be daunting to do this for the first time. How do you locate suitable primary source materials in catalogs and other databases? How do you set up a research appointment? How do you make the most of an on-site visit? What if you need additional information after you return home? A panel of librarians, archivists, and researchers both new and experienced will answer these important questions and more for students, early career scholars, and anyone embarking on a new research journey.
We welcome contributions from established and emerging professionals engaged in the field of medieval studies considered broadly. This includes librarians, archivists, and other cultural heritage professionals as well as teaching faculty, students, and independent researchers. Each chosen speaker will have approximately 5 minutes to introduce themselves and their experience conducting and/or facilitating research, with the preponderance of time in the session spent responding to questions from attendees about the research process.
Anyone interested must submit through the conference portal (https://icms.confex.com/icms/2027/prelim.cgi/Session/8653). For your abstract, please write a brief description of your perspective on the topic of library research and include an indication of your anticipated attendance modality (in person, virtual, or undecided). Proposals are due by Tuesday, September 15th. You may contact Allie McCormack (allie.mccormack@utah.edu) with any questions.
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Allison McCormack
Original Cataloger for Special Collections
University of Utah
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