2026 ACL Conference: Workshop Lineup in Development
June 8–10 | Grace College & Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana
The Call for Presentations for the 2026 ACL Conference has closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal! Our selection team is currently reviewing submissions, and the conference program is in development.
Why Librarians Submit Presentation Proposals for the ACL Conference:
Make an Impact
Librarians have experience, insights, and solutions that can strengthen Christian librarianship. By sharing their expertise, presenters help others navigate challenges and inspire new approaches in a profession where faith and scholarship meet.
Grow in Confidence & Leadership
Presenting is more than delivering content—it’s an opportunity for presenters to refine their voice, strengthen their communication skills, and grow as a leader. Each session presenters lead equips them to serve their library and community with greater confidence.
Shine a Light on Your Institution
Presenters’ work reflects the innovation and excellence of their institution. Presenting at the ACL Conference showcases the presenter’s library’s unique contributions while positioning their campus as a thought leader in higher education or the public library setting.
Connect Through Collaboration
Join a supportive community of colleagues who share the same faith and passion for librarianship. Conference presenters often find their next research partner, professional mentor, or lifelong friend through these conversations.
Be Part of a Meaningful Gathering
The 2026 ACL Annual Conference returns to the beautiful campus of Grace College & Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana—a setting that encourages connection, reflection, and growth. Presenters receive exclusive benefits, including a registration discount, making it an even more rewarding way to participate in this shared learning experience.
Topics of Interest to the Association Include:
The following topics reflect the areas of greatest interest among ACL members, based on recent conference feedback, and will help shape the 2026 conference program.
| Topic | Subtopics / Notes |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries | Generative AI, AI in instruction & research, cataloging, AI prompting, creative applications for job security |
| Technical Services / Library Systems | ERM, WMS settings, ILL, archives, cataloging, system-specific workshops, small/understaffed library workflows |
| Library Programming, Outreach & Collaboration | Creative programs, student & faculty engagement, cross-department & inter-library collaboration |
| Instruction & Information Literacy | Active learning, beyond PowerPoint, teaching info-seeking behaviors, research instruction, classroom engagement |
| Leadership, Staff Management & Professional Development | Supervising staff & student workers, team building, training, solo librarian strategies, admin relations |
| Faith / Christian Integration | Faith-based instruction & programming, panels comparing secular and Christian contexts, biblical literacy |
| Collection Development & Library Planning | Evidence-based / demand-driven acquisitions, budgeting, OER, copyright, library assessment, strategic planning |
| Archives & Special Topics | Archival practices, compliance & accessibility, storytelling, children’s literature, church libraries |
| Marketing & Relevance of Libraries | Promoting libraries to faculty/admins, marketing, physical space as “third space” |
| Wellness & Work-Life Balance | Stress management, resilience, neurodiversity, personal development for librarians |
Additional topics based on current library trends and areas of focus in the library community.
- Student Support & Engagement
- Student workers & engagement
- Research support / embedded librarianship
- Campus partnerships (Writing Center, Student Life, etc.)
- Assessment & Resources
- Assessment of student learning or library services
- Open educational resources / open access
- Electronic resource management / LibGuides
- Scholarly communication & specialized collections
- Copyright
- Professional Growth & Leadership
- Career development / navigating librarian careers
- Writing (professional or creative)
- Leadership & teambuilding
- Culture competence / DEI
- Library Operations & Environment
- Library types (academic, public, school, special)
- Public, access, or web services
- Changing library environments / distance learning
- Future of librarianship
- External Relations & Funding
- Fundraising & vendor relationships
Presentation Formats:
Workshop
A lecture or hands-on session led by a presenter, with 10 minutes at the end for questions and discussion.
Panel
Group of two or three experts present on the same concepts or convey varying points of view, allowing time at the end for questions and discussion.
Roundtable
An informal group discussion on a specific topic, guided by a leader who encourages focused participation from all attendees.
How are presentations selected?
A selection team reviews and chooses presentations based on several criteria included in the below rubric. We hope this tool is useful in understanding what the selection team is looking for and will assist in your proposal formation.
- Purpose, Clarity, and Organization of the Proposal
Does the topic address current, relevant, and/or significant issues in the field of librarianship?
Is the proposal written professionally, and does it adequately explain the topic? - Outcome
Will participants leave with inspiration, new knowledge, skills, tools, or innovative perspectives? - Relevance to Theme
Does the workshop connect to the conference theme?
- Topic/Content
To what extent will the session result in a gain of knowledge in a specific area?
To what extent will the session result in the development of a new skill or practice?
To what extent will the session provide a tangible tool or best-practice model for use? - Speaker
To what extent is the speaker qualified or respected in the proposed workshop content area?
2026 Expectations for Presenters
- Presenters are required to attend at least one day of the Annual Conference, but highly encouraged to participate in the whole conference for maximum benefit.
- Presenters must register for the ACL Annual Conference by the end of the Early Bird Registration period March 16.
- Selected presenters have the opportunity to receive a discount on conference registration.
Timeline for Presenters
- October 28, 2025 – Call opens for presentations
- November 12, 2025 – 2 PM EST – Presentation Proposal Lab #1
- November 18, 2025 – 11:30 AM EST – Presentation Proposal Lab #2
- December 5, 2025 – Deadline for submitting a presentation proposal
- January 12, 2026 – Notification of acceptance of presentations
- January 20, 2026 – Deadline for presenter acceptance
- February 13, 2026 – Deadline for uploading presenter photo/bio and workshop description to platform
- March 16, 2026 – Deadline for presenters to register for conference
- Week of May 13, 2026 – Zoom check-in for presenters
- June 7, 2026 – Attend Presenters Meeting at conference
- June 9, 2026 – Deadline to upload or link presentation slides and handouts to workshop profile
- June 7-10, 2026 – Attend 2026 ACL Annual Conference at Grace College & Seminary. Present during your scheduled presentation timeslot.
