Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Resident Librarian Retreat, hosted by the University Libraries at Virginia Tech.
Date: Wednesday–Thursday, October 14–15, 2026
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Registration is free
Retreat Style: Hybrid (In-Person - Highly Encouraged)
Are you a current or former resident/fellow, residency coordinator, or interested in developing a residency program? Then this retreat is for you!
The retreat will bring together current and former residents and fellows in academic libraries, members of the Residency Interest Group, residency coordinators, and institutions interested in building residency programs.
Since its launch at the University of Virginia in 2024, the retreat has served as a space for connection, mentorship, professional growth, and honest conversations about the evolving landscape of academic librarianship and residency programs. As institutions continue to navigate changing priorities, workforce challenges, and shifts across higher education, this gathering remains grounded in supporting emerging professionals and strengthening the broader residency community.
Retreat Themes
Day One: Building Community and Career Foundations
Focused on networking, mentorship, belonging, leadership identity development, and navigating early-career librarianship.
Day Two: Skill Building and Professional Sustainability
Focused on practical skill development, career sustainability, organizational navigation, leadership growth, and preparing for long-term success within the profession.
Featured Hybrid Sessions:
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Panel Discussion: Career Pathways Beyond Residency
A panel featuring librarians at different stages of their careers who will share perspectives on professional growth, career transitions, and building a meaningful career without following a single leadership path.
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Exploring Funding Opportunities: From Innovation Grants to External Awards
An introduction to identifying internal and external funding opportunities, developing proposals, making effective pitches, and managing funded projects.
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Panel Discussion: Leading and Growing From Where You Are
A panel focused on building leadership capacity, managing relationships, navigating organizational dynamics, and leading effectively from different positions.
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Panel Discussion: Leading and Managing time in Service to the profession
A panel exploring how to balance professional responsibilities while contributing to local, regional, and national associations.
Featured In-Person Sessions:
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Professional Sustainability: Crafting CVs and Interview Skills That Last
Practical guidance on strengthening application materials, preparing for interviews, and navigating salary conversations.
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How to Build Your Professional Network Workshop
This interactive workshop helps participants build meaningful professional relationships through network mapping, elevator-pitch development, networking activities, and practical follow-up strategies.
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Community of Practice Sessions (Residents and Coordinators Breakout Sessions)
Concurrent facilitated discussions will provide current and former residents with space to reflect on their experiences and identify common challenges.
Residency coordinators and representatives from institutions interested in developing residency programs will participate together in separate breakout rooms to discuss program design, support needs, shared challenges, and the structures and resources needed to build stronger and more sustainable residency programs.
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Collaborative Team-Building Activity
Participants will engage in an interactive activity designed to strengthen communication, connection, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
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Residents Lightning Talk Sessions
An opportunity for residents and fellows to practice presenting their research, work, or interest and receive feedback from their peers.
Featured Virtual Session:
Special thanks to our current sponsors,
EBSCO and
ACRL, for supporting this growing community. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact
Eric Glenn at
ericzg9@vt.edu or
Roberto Silva at
robertosilva@vt.edu.
We hope you will join us in Blacksburg in-person or virtually, as we continue building meaningful connections and sustainable pathways for emerging library professionals.
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Roberto A. Silva
Manager of University Libraries at Virginia Tech's Resident Librarian Program
Head, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Health Sciences and Technology Library
Virginia Tech | University Libraries
4 Riverside Circle, G111
Roanoke, VA 24016