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Poster Proposals

The LOEX 2026 Conference Planning Committee 1) graduate students in library and information science programs (or recent graduates who have yet to find employment as a full-time librarian) and 2) library fellows and residents to submit proposals to host a poster session at the 54th Annual LOEX Conference. The conference will be held May 7-9, 2026.
Exploring existing research and conducting new work is important to any professional, particularly those new to a field. Poster sessions should visually convey research, classwork, or projects from your job in at least one (1) of these areas: reference, library instruction and/or information literacy. They typically take the form of an exhibit and should include brief narratives, data, and graphics that quickly summarize the presenter's research. Successful poster proposals reflect elements of one (or more) of the conference tracks.

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.

Eligibility

Proposals for poster sessions will be limited to graduate students currently enrolled in library and information science programs (or those who have graduated in the last three years and have yet to find employment as a full-time librarian) and to library residents or fellows who have been in the field no more than five years.

Poster Presentation Format

Academic conference posters are a single canvas that have a mix of text with pictures, narratives, data tables, and graphics on a particular topic. A typical printed out poster is 36" x 48", but it can be a bit smaller or larger depending upon the amount of information. The conference committee will provide each poster session with a 36" x 48" trifold presentation board. Photocopying and materials to make the poster will be the presenter's responsibility. Poster session presenters will be expected to informally discuss their presentations and answer questions in-person at the conference.
Supporting materials (e.g., handouts) can also be created, but those should not be required for the attendee to understand the poster.

Submission Information

Proposals can be submitted only through the ***online submission form*** and must be received by Monday, January 26, 2026.
If your proposal is accepted, then you will be automatically registered for the conference, and required to pay the poster session registration amount by the due date in April. Contact for poster presenters: Rachel Hogan at posters2026@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.

Proposal Timeline

  • Monday, January 26, 2026: Deadline to submit poster session proposals
  • Friday, February 20, 2026: Notification of acceptance of proposal
  • Thursday, May 7 - Saturday, May 9, 2026: 54th Annual LOEX Conference

Proposal Selection Criteria

The following will be considered:
  • Relevance of the topic to instruction and information literacy across as diverse a set of populations and institutional types as possible
  • Originality of the topic
  • Clarity of evidence of presenter's knowledge and experience with topic

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
  • Develop excellent experience to include on a resume
  • Obtain valuable feedback from a wide cross-section of librarians from across the country, including some who are on university/college hiring committees
  • Receive a registration spot for the LOEX conference (and at a significantly reduced rate, if you are a student)