SRRT (Social Responsibilities Round Table)

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The Social Responsibilities Round Table works to make ALA more democratic and to establish progressive priorities not only for the Association, but also for the entire profession. Concern for human and economic rights was an important element in the founding of SRRT and remains an urgent concern today. SRRT believes that libraries and librarians must recognize and help solve social problems and inequities in order to carry out their mandate to work for the common good and bolster democracy.

Learn more about SRRT on the ALA website.

  • 1.  ALA 2026

    Posted Aug 06, 2025 12:12 PM

    Hello, my name is Matthew Good, I am a former public school librarian and now an academic librarian. I submitted two proposals for the ALA 2025 conference in Philadelphia that were not accepted. Proposals for 2026 open on August 18 and I am planning to submit. If anyone has insight on proposals or getting on a panel presentation, I am looking for advice and suggestions.  Thank you!!



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    Matthew Good
    Librarian
    Ursinus College
    He/Him/His
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  • 2.  RE: ALA 2026

    Posted Aug 07, 2025 10:26 AM
    I have found the proposal rubric to be helpful. Note that the different criteria are weighted. I will also add that even though the EDIA criteria is weighted as a 5, I would treat it more as if it was a 6. If you are putting together a panel, it also often helps to have different library representation (i.e., if you are doing a panel for academic libraries, you could have someone from a public institution, a private, and a community college). I also think that learning outcomes are really important and can trip some people up. If you haven't come across it before, the Primer on Learning Outcomes is a good resource. Finally, it can sometimes help to have a division or round table sponsor for your proposal. If you think your proposal fits in the scope of an ALA group, you can potentially ask for their support.

    That said, you can do everything right in your proposal and not get accepted. ALA Annual gets WAY more proposals than they have room for. There's not even space for all the amazing proposals.

    Once you have your proposal ready, I'd be happy to review it and give my feedback (for what it's worth).

    And last thing, I highly recommend serving at least once on the proposal review committee. 

    --
    April Sheppard
    banhatenotbooks@gmail.com

    Please know that I honor and respect boundaries around personal time, well-being, caretaking, and time off. My work hours may be different than yours. Should you receive emails from me during a time that you're engaging in any of the above, please protect your time and wait to respond until you're working.



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: ALA 2026

    Posted Aug 10, 2025 02:00 PM

    Hi April,

    Thank you for the feedback and suggested resources.  Yes, I am aware they get a lot of proposals, which is outstanding. 



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    Matthew Good
    Librarian
    Ursinus College
    He/Him/His
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    Original Message