Breakout Session Proposals
***The deadline for proposal submissions was December 1, 2025; proposals are no longer being accepted.******Thanks to everyone who submitted a proposal!***
The LOEX 2026 Conference Planning Committee invites you to submit breakout session proposals for consideration to the 54th Annual LOEX Conference. The conference will be held May 7-9, 2026.
Successful proposals will showcase effective and innovative library instruction & information literacy practices, provide valuable information that participants can utilize at their libraries, support collaboration, and be applicable to a broad variety of academic institutions.
Successful proposals will showcase effective and innovative library instruction & information literacy practices, provide valuable information that participants can utilize at their libraries, support collaboration, and be applicable to a broad variety of academic institutions.
Breakout Session Formats
Two types of proposals will be accepted:
- Presentation: A 50-minute session that includes time for a 40-45 minute presentation and 5-10 minutes of question and answer. Most feature a successful program, practice or key issue related to instruction or information literacy. Presenter(s) should include in the proposal a description of the topic and an outline of the presentation. Based on past experience, sessions can have as few as 25 people or as many as 150.
- Interactive Workshops: A 50-minute session where the presenter facilitates a learning experience in which attendees develop or explore teaching and/or research techniques. Presenters are expected to facilitate a well-planned and interactive session. Proposals should include a description of the topic and details on how the presenter will make this session a "hands-on" experience for attendees. Workshops are intended for an audience typically of 30-60 people, but can be as high as 90.
For all breakout sessions, the exact number of participants won't be known until the session takes place; however, estimates of attendance based on the results of an interest survey will be provided to the presenters before the conference.
Proposal Tracks
- Proposals should reflect elements of one of the following seven tracks:
- Pearls of Pedagogy: Teaching Techniques that Work
Dive into the treasures of effective teaching with this track focused on worthwhile instructional practices. Sessions may spotlight active learning strategies, assessment-driven lesson design, or inclusive classroom approaches that engage all types of learners. Presenters will share classroom-tested ideas, lesson plans, or creative approaches that have produced results. From small-scale tweaks to transformative redesigns, these pearls of wisdom can enhance any instruction program. Come ready to collect gems that will enrich your teaching toolkit.
- Techtonic Shifts: Innovation and Educational Technology
Catch the waves of change as we explore how educational technology is transforming library instruction, in ways large and small. Topics may include the integration of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality, or interactive platforms into instruction, as well as digital pedagogy and scalable online learning experiences. Presenters might discuss tech-enhanced classrooms, user-centered design, video or mobile app utilization, or tools that bridge gaps in access. Join us where innovation meets instruction.
- Captain's Log: Navigating Leadership in Library Instruction
Chart a course through the often choppy waters of leadership that exist in the teaching and learning space. This track welcomes those steering instructional programs, mentoring new educators, or fostering a culture of teaching excellence. Topics may include strategic planning, advocating for instructional work, shepherding to fruition a for-credit course, or building sustainable teams or initiatives. Presenters may reflect on lessons learned, pivotal decisions, and leadership at all levels. Set sail with fellow captains navigating the evolving seas of instructional leadership.
- The Depth Gauge: Measuring Instructional Impact
Plumb the depths of library instruction by examining how we define and measure success. Sessions might explore assessment techniques, data storytelling, learning analytics, or reflective practice. Presenters may share insights into using feedback for improvement, aligning with learning outcomes, or making the invisible impact of instruction visible. Whether qualitative or quantitative, this track helps you calibrate your equipment and develop actionable evaluation. Find your footing in the shifting sands of instructional assessment.
- Swimming Together: Collaborating with Others
Just as schools of fish navigate the seas together, librarians thrive when we collaborate with others in our teaching. Presenters may highlight partnerships with faculty, instructional designers, student groups, or community organizations. Topics might include co-teaching, shared curriculum design, or cross-campus initiatives that expand instructional reach. Sessions will explore both the challenges and rewards of collaborative work. Join this school of thought where teamwork makes waves.
- The Bermuda Triangle: Exploring (Seemingly) Eternal Challenges
Some issues are mystifying in their complexity. This track takes on persistent, puzzling problems in library instruction. Sessions may examine information literacy misconceptions, one-shot limitations, burnout, or reaching disengaged students. Presenters may offer innovative strategies, cautionary tales, or radical reimaginings of stuck systems. Together, we’ll question norms and reflect on why some challenges persist. Enter the triangle—solutions may be elusive, but exploration is essential.
- Uncharted Waters: Proposals that Defy Categorization
Some ideas drift outside the usual lanes—but they still carry meaning. This catch-all track is for innovative proposals that don’t quite align with the existing tracks but would still resonate with our audience of teaching librarians. Sessions might include emerging areas of exploration, unconventional formats, provocative questions, or cross-cutting topics that defy easy categorization. Whether your work floats between tracks or dives into the unknown, we invite you to send us your proposal.
Submission Information
***The deadline for proposal submissions was December 1, 2025; proposals are no longer being accepted.***
Proposals can be submitted only through the online submission form and must be received by Monday, December 1, 2025. The primary contact for the proposal will receive an automated email indicating receipt of the proposal when it is submitted and will be notified if the proposal has been accepted for presentation by Monday, January 19, 2026.
If your proposal is accepted, then up to three presenters will be automatically registered for the conference and required to pay registration in full by the due date in April. Presenters are encouraged, but not required, to submit a full paper version of their presentation (see due dates below) for inclusion in the LOEX Conference Proceedings.
All proposals must include the following:
If your proposal is accepted, then up to three presenters will be automatically registered for the conference and required to pay registration in full by the due date in April. Presenters are encouraged, but not required, to submit a full paper version of their presentation (see due dates below) for inclusion in the LOEX Conference Proceedings.
All proposals must include the following:
- Session title (limit 20 words)
- Short description of the session (limit 100 words)
- Long description of the session (limit 500 words)
- List of 1-3 learning outcomes for the attendees (visit Tips on Writing Effective LOs from the University of Arkansas for guidance)
- Type of audience(s) for which the session is intended
You do not need to be a LOEX member to submit a conference proposal. We accept the best proposals, regardless of institution or membership. LOEX membership only matters for general registration, which begins Friday, February 13, 2026.
Note: Failure to pay the registration fee will result in the cancellation of presentation and conference registration. All presenters are responsible for paying their own travel and lodging expenses.
Note: Failure to pay the registration fee will result in the cancellation of presentation and conference registration. All presenters are responsible for paying their own travel and lodging expenses.
Proposal Timeline
- Monday, December 1, 2025: Deadline to submit proposals
- Monday, January 19, 2026: Notification of acceptance of proposal=
- Thursday, May 7 - Saturday, May 9, 2026: 54th Annual LOEX Conference
- Friday, May 1, 2026: Deadline for Presentation presenters to submit a paper (up to 2500 words) for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings
- Friday, May 29, 2026: Deadline for Interactive Workshop presenters to submit a paper (up to 2500 words) for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings
Proposal Selection Criteria
Successful proposals will showcase effective and innovative library instruction & information literacy practices, provide valuable information that participants can utilize at their libraries, support collaboration, and be applicable to a broad variety of academic institutions and student communities .
The committee will be using a rubric to score the proposals. Along with the criteria listed under the session format descriptions, the rubric scores each proposal on:
The committee will be using a rubric to score the proposals. Along with the criteria listed under the session format descriptions, the rubric scores each proposal on:
- Content and objectives of session
- Relevance to the selected conference theme and track and to the field of library instruction
- Originality and creativity
- Demonstrated expertise of the presenter(s) on the topic
- Methods used to inform and also engage the audience
In addition, the rubric scores Presentation proposals on how well they utilize a variety of presentation modes; Interactive Workshop proposals are scored on the degree and type of audience participation.
All committee members participate in the review process. Each proposal will undergo double-blind peer review by two committee members and be scored based on our rubric. Upon receiving the recommendations of the reviewers, the LOEX Director and conference co-chairs will conduct a final, overall review of these sessions to ensure variety in presenters, institution types, and topics.
All committee members participate in the review process. Each proposal will undergo double-blind peer review by two committee members and be scored based on our rubric. Upon receiving the recommendations of the reviewers, the LOEX Director and conference co-chairs will conduct a final, overall review of these sessions to ensure variety in presenters, institution types, and topics.
Presenter Benefits
The solid reputation of the LOEX Conference ensures that presenters benefit as much as their audience. Presenters can expect to:
- Contribute to the field of library instruction and information literacy
- Receive professional recognition at the conference
- Highlight their institution's accomplishments
- Publish a full paper on the session topic in the LOEX Conference Proceedings (optional)
- Obtain valuable feedback from colleagues
- Receive up to three registration spots set aside, per session, for presenters at the LOEX Conference