Lightning Talk Proposals
***The deadline for proposal submissions was January 19, 2026; proposals are no longer being accepted.******Thanks to everyone who submitted a proposal!***
The LOEX 2026 Conference Planning Committee invites you to submit lightning talk proposals for consideration to the 54th Annual LOEX Conference. The conference will be held May 7-9, 2026.
A small, but fun & invigorating, part of the LOEX Conference are the Lightning Talks, which are a great way to share with a big group of people your ideas and best practices that don't warrant a full-blown, almost hour-long, breakout session. Topics can be practical implementations or conceptual ideas, and they should showcase effective practices or highlight new projects in various stages of development.
A small, but fun & invigorating, part of the LOEX Conference are the Lightning Talks, which are a great way to share with a big group of people your ideas and best practices that don't warrant a full-blown, almost hour-long, breakout session. Topics can be practical implementations or conceptual ideas, and they should showcase effective practices or highlight new projects in various stages of development.
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.
Lightning Talk Format, Timing, and Quantity
Each presenter will have seven minutes total. There will not be additional time for questions, but presenters may reserve part of the seven-minute allotment for Q&A if desired.
Lightning Talks will very likely take place after lunch on the Saturday of the conference, and be presented in the largest breakout session room.
We expect, at maximum, six Lightning Talks proposals will be accepted for the conference.
Lightning Talks will very likely take place after lunch on the Saturday of the conference, and be presented in the largest breakout session room.
We expect, at maximum, six Lightning Talks proposals will be accepted for the conference.
Lightning Talk Submission Information
***The deadline for proposal submissions was January 19, 2026; proposals are no longer being accepted.***
Proposals can be submitted only through the ***online submission form*** and must be received by Monday, January 19, 2026.
There is only one presenter permitted for each Lightning Talk presentation due to time constraints.
If your proposal is accepted, the presenter will be automatically registered for the conference, and required to pay registration in full by the due date in April. A Lightning Talk presenter can submit a full paper version (up to 1,000 words) of their talk for inclusion in the LOEX Conference Proceedings. This is not a requirement. Contact for lightning talk presenters: Jenny Stout at lightning2026@loexconference.org
If your proposal is accepted, the presenter will be automatically registered for the conference, and required to pay registration in full by the due date in April. A Lightning Talk presenter can submit a full paper version (up to 1,000 words) of their talk for inclusion in the LOEX Conference Proceedings. This is not a requirement. Contact for lightning talk presenters: Jenny Stout at lightning2026@loexconference.org
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.
Lightning Talk Proposal Timeline
- Monday, January 19, 2026: Deadline to submit lightning talk proposals
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Notification of acceptance of proposal
- Friday, May 1, 2026: Deadline for Lightning Talk presenters to submit a paper (up to 1000 words) for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings
- Thursday, May 7 - Saturday, May 9, 2026: 54th Annual LOEX Conference
Lightning Talk Proposal Selection Criteria
The committee will be using a rubric to score the proposals during a double-blind review process. The rubric grades each proposal on:
- Content and objectives of presentation
- Clarity of topic, particularly how presenter will achieve presentation objectives in seven minutes or less
- Relevance 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
For more guidelines on preparing and giving lightning talks at LOEX, please visit our Lightning Talk Guidelines page.
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
- Receive automatic registration at the LOEX Conference in Norfolk, VA.