Call for Proposals Round 1: Contributed Papers and Immersion Sessions
Submitted by: Emily Brennan
The MLA ’25 National Program Committee (NPC) seeks session abstracts that aim to educate and inspire health sciences librarians and information professionals. Now is the perfect time to get involved— the MLA ‘25 submission site for contributed papers and immersion sessions is currently open. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your innovative and thought-provoking ideas and expertise with fellow professionals at MLA ’25 in Pittsburgh, PA!
Call for Proposal Details
As with previous years, there will be two submission rounds for MLA ’25. The two rounds give authors not selected in round 1 the opportunity to receive feedback from reviewers and resubmit their proposals for the second round as posters or lightning talks.
MLA ‘25 will offer a limited number of sessions virtually with the majority to be held at the in-person conference in Pittsburgh. You will be asked to provide your preference for presentation (In-Person Session or Virtual) at the time of submission. If selected, you will be able to provide your final preferences Spring 2025.
Round 1 (Now open through October 24):
Individuals and MLA communities are encouraged to submit proposals in the following types of content.
Contributed Papers are 12-15-minute presentations that fall into two broad categories:
- Program papers: Abstracts describe the creation, improvement, and assessment of products, programs, technologies, administrative practices, or services conducted by librarians and information professionals.
- Research papers: Abstracts report on designing, conducting, and analyzing a research project.
Immersion sessions are 75-minute (max) “deep dives” into a single topic. The format may include a panel presentation, group discussion, or other creative format and should include audience engagement or other appropriate activities.
Notifications for contributed papers and immersion sessions will be sent by December 5, 2024.
Round 2 (Open December 12 – January 30, 2025):
- Lightning Talks are 5-minute presentations. Presenters will have the opportunity to take and answer questions during and after the session.
- Poster presentations are highly visual presentations. In-person presenters will be asked to participate in a poster session at the in-person conference where they can answer questions.
- Round 2 notifications will be sent by February 26, 2025.
Submission Guidance and Support
MLA provides several resources to help with your proposal submission. Find additional information in the Submission FAQs.
Contributed Paper and Immersion Session Proposals are due during Round 1: October 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., eastern time. Please enter your submission early to avoid a last-minute rush and allow time for any assistance.
Questions? Contact the MLA Contributed Content Working Group.