The following is the BCALA’s call for proposals for their 8th National Conference. No doubt, I’ll propose something, but what??!! I’ve considered a proposal on the disappearing black male voice in children’s and YA lit, but I’d want to present it with black male authors. The few I can think of a. I don’t know well and b. are so prominent that I wouldn’t feel comfortable asking them about a presentation. I just don’t think women speaking on this issue would have the same impact. I’m mulling on it!
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) is seeking educational and thought-provoking program and workshop proposals for the 8th National Conference of African American Librarians (NCAAL) “Culture Keepers VIII: Challenges of the 21st Century: Empowering People, Changing Lives” to be held August 7-11, 2013, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. The deadline for proposal submissions is October 15, 2012.
The conference serves as a national meeting for professionals in all areas of the information industry and provides opportunities to discuss varying issues, formulate new visions, celebrate achievements and share best practices, as issues relevant to libraries are addressed. NCAAL holds a reputation for excellence as the largest conference devoted to African American librarianship and those librarians serving African American and/or minority constituents. The multi-day event offers top-quality education programs, and social events that include author luncheons, receptions, networking opportunities, and a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products and services.
Presentation formats include:
Conference Sessions/Panels/Workshops bringing together as many as three presenters into a cohesive 90-minute conversation of evolving issues, current topics, or innovative ideas;
ConverStations providing conference attendees with 60-minute forums for discussion on timely, relevant topics for library professionals; and
Poster Sessions, 60-minute time blocks presented twice during the conference, as an interesting and visually inspiring way of presenting research, services, projects, and issues in the field.
Overall suggested topics include, but are not limited to: Empowering People, Changing Lives: Leadership and Management; Empowering People, Changing Lives: Innovation and Creativity;
Empowering People, Changing Lives: Health & Wellness; Empowering People, Changing Lives: Diversity and Cultural Heritage; Empowering People, Changing Lives: Advocacy, Outreach, and Community Engagement; and Empowering People, Changing Lives: Collections, Programs, and Services.
Proposals must be submitted online at http://ncaal.kla-itrt.org. Conference committees will evaluate proposals for relevance to the conference theme, clarity, originality and timeliness. Presenters will be required to register for the conference (complimentary registration may be requested for non-librarian presenters); assign first publication rights to BCALA; and provide both hard-copy and electronic versions of presentations by the deadline date. In accordance with American Library Association (ALA) practices, librarian presenters cannot receive honoraria nor have expenses reimbursed for presenting conference programs. Non-librarian presenters may be eligible for per diem, and/or travel reimbursement. All requests for reimbursement or honorarium are subject to approval by the program committee. Acceptance of the proposal does not guarantee funding.
For more information, contact: Program Co-Chairs: Eboni M. Stokes, eboni.stokes@dc.gov, or Julius C. Jefferson Jr., jcjeffjr@verizon.net ;or Poster Session Co-Chairs, Deloice Holliday, dehollid@indiana.edu, or Latisha Reynolds, lmreyn01@exchange.louisville.edu.
Fannie Cox, fmcox@louisville.edu, and Denyvetta Davis, ddavis@metrolibrary.org, are 8th NCAAL conference co-chairs.
Founded in 1970, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association is one of seven ALA ethnic affiliates. BCALA serves as an advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation’s African American community; and provides leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians.
This information originally appeared in the BCALA’s press release calling for proposals.
