Call for Proposals: 2025 WILU Conference

November 13, 2024

The Workshop for Instruction in Library Use (WILU) is accepting proposals for their 2025 Annual Conference, taking place June 9-12 at McMaster University in Hamilton ON.

Call for Proposals

The WILU Planning Committee invites proposals for WILU 2025, hosted by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, from June 9th-12th, 2025.

In a world full of uncertainty, the library classroom brims with potential to be a space of care and criticality. Our approaches to teaching and learning have the power to cultivate connections, exemplify our values, and extend our reach beyond the walls of the library. In doing this work, our relationships are paramount: with our colleagues, learners, communities, and the Earth.

With this in mind, we ask: how do we create learning environments, in person or online, that inspire feelings of belonging and inclusion, where everyone has a place? How is our work shaped by the institutions, communities, and spaces in which we find ourselves? How do we invite learners to grow and shape their learning alongside us? How might commitment to climate sustainability and stewardship be mirrored in our library instructional practices? How do we, as practitioners, support one another, enhance our collective impact, and build professional communities where our identities can flourish?

We welcome proposals on a wide range of topics related to library instruction, including (but not limited to):

• anti-racist, equitable, and inclusive teaching
• accessible teaching and Universal Design for Learning
• place-based learning and community engagement
• climate action and advocacy
• professional development, mentorship, and community-building
• student co-creation and partnerships
• student-centred instruction and assessment
• and reflective teaching practices

Session Types

Proposals are now being accepted for the following session types:

Presentations – These 45-minute sessions, consisting of a 30-minute presentation and a 15-minute Q&A, allow you to report on original research, leading-edge teaching practice, or both.

Workshops – These 90-minute practical workshops allow you to share knowledge and expertise through active learning and participation, enabling attendees to develop and practice skills related to information literacy instruction.

Panel discussions – These 45-minute panel discussions (which includes the time for all speakers and Q&A), allow you and up to 4 colleagues to share thoughts, opinions, and experiences about timely projects or pressing issues through short presentations followed by interactive discussion, fueled by audience questions.

Lightning talks – These 7-minute presentations are short but impactful, allowing presenters to provide a pithy glimpse into an innovative project or practice. Q&A period to follow.

Wildcards – Do you have an idea that doesn’t fit neatly into one of the other session types? Tell us about it, and we’ll see if we can make it happen! Think outside the box – you could propose a walk in the woods, a self-guided tour, an art experience…the world is your oyster.

Submission Process

Please submit your proposal using the submission form.

Please ensure your proposal includes:

• Name and contact information of the primary presenter
• Name(s) and affiliation information for other presenters
• Title of presentation
• Short abstract (100 words maximum), for use in the conference program if the proposal is accepted
• Full proposal description
• Lightning talks (250 words maximum)
• Presentations, panel discussions, and wildcards (350 words maximum)
• Workshops (500 words maximum, include active learning strategies)

Submission deadline: January 10, 2025

Evaluation Process

Proposals will be anonymized, peer-reviewed, and evaluated using the following criteria:

• Originality and contribution of the proposal to the field
• Clarity and rigour of the submission
• Timeliness of the topic
• Implications and applications for current practice
• Contribution to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility are principal values of the University Libraries at McMaster. To engage meaningfully in DEIA, we strive to provide greater opportunities to historically marginalized or excluded groups. We encourage individuals to explain how their proposed session and their personal and professional experiences will advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals, while broadening attendees’ perspectives. We encourage self-reflection while situating oneself and while not mandatory, extra consideration will be given to those who address these points. We champion the viewpoint that equity is everyone’s conversation and invite everyone to reflect this in their submissions.

Notification of decisions: Late February, 2025

Those who have been accepted will need to confirm that they will present in-person at the conference. For a presentation to be included in the program, at least one presenter must register and attend the conference. Please note, presenters will be responsible for registration, travel and accommodation costs as well as any other expenses.

As we reflect on both distant and recent pasts to look ahead to what’s next, we want to hear how you are imagining and preparing for the future of library instruction, no matter where or what it looks like.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact wilu2025@mcmaster.ca.

(Via WILU 2025)