Call for Proposals 2026 CAPAL Conference

January 3, 2026

The Irreplaceable Librarian: Reasserting Human Value in Librarianship

The Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians (CAPAL) is pleased to accept proposals for the 2026 CAPAL Conference, taking place virtually on June 22-23 2026.

The theme for CAPAL26 is The Irreplaceable Librarian: Reasserting Human Value in Librarianship. Librarianship is deeply embedded in the lived experiences of the communities we serve. Our work is shaped by human relationships, social justice concerns, and the broader societal and information systems within which knowledge is created, accessed, and governed. This theme speaks to the importance of centering humanness in an era of rapidly advancing technology and the widespread proliferation of generative AI. As librarians, our roles often require us to continue to prove our value within this shifting landscape. Our profession revolves around providing information, as well as its ethical uses, critical evaluation, and various tools.

We hope this conference provides space to critically and creatively examine our experiences as librarians, and to highlight the values, expertise, and care that make librarianship irreplaceable, both within and beyond the technologies that surround us.

Optional subthemes for consideration:

• Empathy, care, and community-building in librarianship
• The human touch in digital-first environments
• Defining and defending the value of librarianship in shifting landscapes
• Teaching strategies for fostering critical thinking in the age of misinformation
• Collaborations to combat disinformation
• Innovative approaches to digital and AI literacy
• Case studies on successes and challenges in tech integration
• The evolving role of librarians in shaping knowledge work in an AI-driven world

We invite proposals from librarians, practitioners, researchers, students, and community members that speak to personal and professional experiences, research, ongoing projects, and initiatives related to academic librarianship.

Proposed sessions can take the form of:

• Panel (1 hour)
• Presentation (20 minutes, or 1 hour)
• Lightning talk (5-7 minutes)
• Community conversation (1 hour)
  • This is a moderated discussion on the topic of your choosing, related to librarianship or otherwise. The listed presenters will serve as moderators.

Submitting Your Proposal

Proposals should be:

• Submitted in PDF format
• Email subject line format:
  • “CAPAL26 Submission: Name of lead applicant (last name, first name)”

Proposals should include:

• Session title
• Name of presenter(s) and panelists, including position and institution if applicable
• Abstract (250-500 words maximum)
• Short biography about each presenter or panelists (150 words maximum per person)
• Use of AI Statement: Please indicate if AI was used to influence your submission: No OR Yes, along with an explanation of the purpose, scope and AI tools used in the submission.
• Alternative acceptance format: No OR Yes, presenters are open to conference acceptance in an alternative presentation format than original submission.
  • IE: submitted panel but suggested acceptance as lightning talk.

Notification of Acceptance/Rejection

Applicants will be notified by March 31, 2026 of the committee’s decision.

Accessibility

CAPAL is committed to an inclusive and accessible virtual conference. Presentations should be designed with diverse accessibility needs in mind, including the use of accessible slide decks and presentation materials.

Submissions

Proposals are due by Friday, February 20th 2026
Please send your proposals to capalconference@gmail.com.

Questions?

Please direct questions to capalconference@gmail.com

Conference Committee

Carli Agostino, Carleton University – Co-Chair
Jennie Fallis, McGill University – Co-Chair
Garni Assoudarin, University of Toronto
Aleksandra Blake, Carleton University
Julie Morris, University of New Brunswick
Dr. Montunrayo Olayode
Jacquelyn Sundberg, McGill University

(Via Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians)