California Academic & Research Libraries

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Fall 2026 Program - Call for Proposals

What: CARLDIG-S 2026 Fall Program, "Reframing Reference: The Evolving Face of Academic Support"

When: December 4, 2026, 9am to 2pm

Where: California State University, Los Angeles & Online (Hybrid)

Description of Program Theme:

Academic libraries have reimagined reference services in response to shifting student engagement patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving budget and staffing realities, and the growing use of AI chatbots to answer research questions. As user expectations and modes of interaction continue to change, libraries are adapting their approaches to providing research support and maintaining meaningful connections with their communities. Some academic libraries have moved toward primarily virtual or chat-based reference models due to a decline in in-person desk interactions, while others continue to prioritize face-to-face reference services, recognizing students’ ongoing need for personal, relationship-based support. We invite proposals that explore the evolving landscape of academic reference work, including virtual and in-person service models, AI and emerging technologies, outreach, assessment, and relationship-centered approaches to supporting students. We welcome research, case studies, practical strategies, challenges, lessons learned, and critical perspectives that reflect experimentation, change, and the future of reference services in academic libraries.

We invite presenters to consider the following questions:

• How has your academic library adapted or changed in how it provides reference services to students and faculty in the last 5 years?
• What do you think the future of reference could be?
• What modality has worked best at your institution and how do you evaluate the success of individual modalities?
• Has funding impacted the reference services you provide for students?
• How does your institution promote reference support to students, faculty, community, etc.?
• Does your institution include reference support when conducting outreach efforts?
• How do equity and accessibility considerations impact the design and delivery of reference services?
• How do libraries measure the impact of reference services on student academic success and satisfaction?
• Have AI tools or chatbots started to play a role in reference work at your institution? Has this been successful or unsuccessful?
• What strategies have been successful in increasing student engagement with reference services?
• How are libraries assessing the impact and value of reference services in changing institutional climates?
• How are librarians building relationships and visibility with students and faculty outside of the reference desk?
• What innovative outreach, embedded librarianship, or point-of-need support models are emerging in academic libraries?

While the program will be hybrid for attendees, feature presenters are encouraged to present in-person at California State University, Los Angeles, where we’ll be offering door prizes and food; though accommodations can be made if a presentation needs to be conducted remotely. 

The Program Review committee invites proposals for the following formats relevant to the program theme:

• Feature Presentation (20 minute presentation + 10 minute Q&A)
• Lightning Talk (5-7 minute presentation + 5 minute Q&A)
• Virtual Poster Presentation (PDF, PowerPoint, or Video [5 minutes or less] presentation that will be posted with a space for asynchronous questions)

Depending on the number of submissions, potential presenters may be asked to switch their format.

Guidelines for Proposals

Proposals should be no longer than:

• 500 words for Feature Presentations
• 300 words for Poster Presentations

Presentations will be recorded via Zoom and presenters will be asked to provide their presentation materials in PDF, Word, or PowerPoint format ahead of time, so that they can be provided to attendees. 

The deadline to submit is Friday, September 18, 2026.

Accepted presentations will be confirmed by Friday, October 12, 2026.

Please use this Google Form to submit your proposal for our program taking place on Friday, December 4, 2026.

For more information, please visit CARLDIG-S LibGuide at: https://carldigs.libguides.com/home or contact the CARLDIG-South Program Chair: carl.discussion.s@gmail.com 

CARLDIG-S Resources LibGuide

Check out our CARLDIG-S LibGuide to see our suggested resources covering a wide variety of topics!

Highlights include information about racism in reference work; staffing and training for reference; how reference work is changing; professional development resources, and more!

Contact

If you have questions, please email carl.discussion.s@gmail.com