Call for Proposals: Alberta Association of Library Technicians (AALT) 2018 Conference

November 9, 2017

44th Annual AALT Conference
May 10 to 13, 2018
Badlands Community Facility
Drumheller AB

Theme: Unearthing Potential

The 2018 theme, “Unearthing Potential”, expresses that all elements in the library atmosphere; old, new and in-between can be unearthed and brought to their full realization. We want you to share how you have brought innovation, creativity and new ideas into your work and life.

Specific Objectives of the Conference:

• To promote understanding of future developments in the Library Technician field.
• To discuss innovative developments in the Library Technician field.
• To create a learning environment where library and information workers can further their professional development.
• To create ongoing provincial and national networks and collaboration.

This Call for Speakers is for presentations covering topics of interest to library technicians from all sectors. Presentations that focus on practical applications will be considered, as well as interactive sessions. Proposed presentations will be evaluated on the basis of audience appeal and relevance.

Topics: General Interest, School, Public, Academic/Special Libraries, Authors.

Presentations will be 60 minutes in length which includes time for questions. Presentations should reflect work in progress, innovations or other developments. A key requirement is that the abstract has a clear focus of 100 words or less.

Deadline for submissions is December 15, 2017. Early submission is strongly encouraged.

What we are looking for:

AALT is looking for qualified speakers to deliver presentations at the AALT 2018 Conference. If you are a library technology leader, author, trainer, or expert in your field we are interested in reviewing your submission.

Types of Submissions:

AALT Conference sessions must be educational in nature. No product or service promotion will be permitted. We believe that an objective presentation, one that meets the educational expectations of the audience, will enhance the credibility of the speaker, the speaker’s employer, and the event.

• Professional Practice: discuss innovative work currently in practice.
• Hot Topics: discuss relevant, contemporary issues. Topics that identify and facilitate professional dialogue on key contemporary issues are welcome.
• New Developments: discuss new developments in the library technician field.

Benefits for Speakers:

• City location ensures attendance draw
• Name recognition in the library field
• Satisfaction of sharing personal success with library technology colleagues
• Attendees’ pre-registration for sessions helps speaker preparations
• On-site technical support
• Copies of session evaluations provided to speakers after the conference
• $100 honourarium (sessions with more than one speaker will differ)

Submission of Proposals:

When submitting your proposal you are asked to include the following information:

• Speaker Information: Your contact details including photo if possible and previous presentation experience
• Session Information:
  • Session Title and Audience: The proposed title for your session and people who would most benefit from your session
  • Session Description: A brief abstract for the session
  • Days Available: Which days you are available to present your session
• Equipment Required: Any equipment you would need to present.

All proposals must be submitted electronically using the Call for Speakers Form. We must receive your proposal online by December 15, 2017 for consideration.

Please submit your proposal form to conference@aalt.org

Criteria for Selection:

All submissions will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Relevance to conference theme
• Value to conference participants
• Balance of topic strands and attendees
• Clarity, coherence and organization of writing
• Originality and innovation of the work
• Speaker location, so as to promote local experts

Further Information:

For further information please contact the conference co-Chairs at conference@aalt.org