12th National Conference of African American Librarians
Call for Proposals
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) is seeking proposals for innovative projects and programs for its 12th National Conference of African American Librarians (NCAAL XII). The conference will be held July 11 -16, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites. The conference theme is Culture Keepers XII: Unity in Diversity: Stronger Together in the African Diaspora.
The planning committee is looking for submissions for presentations, lighting talks, workshops, and posters. You do not need to be a member of BCALA to present at the conference. We encourage submission on topics including but not limited to diversity, health and wellness, social justice, voting rights, and education. Presentations on topics not included here are strongly encouraged. Conference programs chairs strongly advise you to submit proposals on topics that interest you. All are welcome to submit.
The committee welcomes proposals on all types of issues affecting libraries but is specifically interested in:
- Advocacy/Marketing - Showing the value of libraries and librarians
- Assessment - Evaluating library services and programs
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Best practices
- Emerging Technologies - New technologies including social media and mobile devices
- Health Information - Health issues and the use of medical and health resources
- Information & Financial Literacy - Teaching information and financial literacy skills
- International Relations Across the African Diaspora - Issues and trends in libraries across the African Diaspora
- Leadership & Management - Building leadership and management skills
- Learning Information - Health issues and the use of medical and health resources
- Information & Financial Literacy - Teaching information
- Learning & Engaging - Children, Youth and Library Service
- Outreach & Community Engagement – Libraries connecting with the local community
- Transforming Spaces – New spaces including learning commons and makerspaces
Presentation formats include:
Breakout Sessions: 45-minute presentations covering emerging and current issues in libraries.
Lightning Talks: Short 20-minute sessions introducing a new idea or project or discussing an innovative topic or new technology being used in the library.
Panels & Workshops: 90-minute conversations or interactive sessions addressing emerging or current issues in libraries.
Poster Sessions: 60-minute time blocks visually showcasing research, services, projects, and issues in the field.
Pre-conferences: Interactive half day or day long workshops on emerging topics in libraries that provide practical tips and techniques. Topics of interests include assessment, advocacy,
copyright, grant writing, and space planning.
Roundtables/Conversation Starters: 45-minute sessions discussing current issues in libraries.
Conference program committee will evaluate proposals for relevance to the conference theme, clarity, originality and audience. Presenters will be required to register for the conference.
Proposals can be submitted online at: ncaalprograms1@gmail.com. The deadline for proposal submissions is February 1, 2023, 11:59pm (Eastern Time).
The proposal in accordance with American Library Association (ALA) practices, librarian presenters cannot receive honoraria nor have expenses reimbursed for presenting conference programs.
Non-librarian presenters may be eligible for per diem, and/or travel reimbursement. All requests for reimbursement or honorarium are subject to approval by the conference co-chairs. Acceptance does not guarantee funding.
For more information, contact the program committee co-chairs, Michele Fenton and Deloice Holliday at: ncaalprograms1@gmail.com
Mahasin Ameen and Rhonda Oliver are 12th NCAAL conference co-chairs. They can be contacted at: ncaalXII@bcala.org
Founded in 1970, BCALA serves as an advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation's African American community; and provides leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians.