Greetings!
**Apologies for cross posting**
ALA Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) is seeking panelists for the LIRT President's Program at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, IL (June 25-29, 2026)
Program Title: Building Communities of Practice for Library Instructors
Description: Librarians are increasingly called upon to provide high-quality instruction across diverse subjects and formats. Cultivating a supportive community can be a critical step in helping library instructors become more effective teachers by exploring new approaches and deepening pedagogical knowledge. Moreover, it can foster a culture of care that increases stability for librarians, providing emotional support and shared resources that help mitigate burnout. These communities of practice may take many forms and encompass wide-ranging initiatives including reading clubs, structured peer observation programs that facilitate feedback and professional growth, and collaboration on specific instructional topics. In this session, participants will learn how librarians from school, public, special, or academic libraries are collaborating together to create robust support networks for instruction that meets the needs of all learners.
Traditionally, this session is a panel that includes three presentations from librarians representing school, public, special, or academic libraries. Each presentation should last approximately 15 minutes. There will be additional time for a brief Q&A.
We seek panelists who can share their insights and experiences related to the design, implementation, and outcomes of their collaborative practice. Submissions should address strategies for fostering collaboration among library workers and overcoming common challenges in establishing and sustaining support communities.
Please submit your proposal by Friday, December 12, 2025 if you are interested in being a part of this panel!
Submit a proposal here: ALA 2026 LIRT Program Proposal (https://forms.gle/zfgTXXvz663cD1gg6)
*Although this program seeks to highlight collaborative endeavors, it is up to the presenters to decide if just one person will represent their group or if two or three people will present the session.
Any questions may be directed to Alicia G. Vaandering (avaandering@uri.edu) or Amy Fader (aebanks@email.unc.edu), LIRT Conference Program Planning Committee Co-Chairs.