The MLA ’24 abstract submission site is now open! MLA ‘24 is the perfect platform to create engaging conference sessions and share your innovative ideas and knowledge with your colleagues. MLA’s Contributed Content Working Group (CCWG) seeks session abstracts that will educate and inspire medical librarians and information professionals.

MLA ‘24 will offer a limited number of sessions virtually with the majority to be held at the in-person conference in Portland, Oregon from May 18-21, 2024. You will be asked to provide your preference for presentation (Live Virtual Session or In-Person Session) at the time of submission. If selected, you will be able to provide your final preferences in January 2024.

There will be two submission rounds for MLA ’24. The two rounds give authors the opportunity to receive feedback from reviewers and consider revising and resubmitting their proposals for the second round as lightning talks or posters if not selected in Round 1.

• Round 1: Contributed Papers and Immersion Sessions (now open)
• Round 2: Lightning Talks and Posters

All submission should focus on one of the following MLA Areas of Practice.

Round 1: Immersion Sessions and Papers

Now open through October 26, 2023

MLA communities and individual members are encouraged to submit proposals for immersion sessions and papers.

• Contributed Papers are 10-12-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: 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.

Submit your abstract for Round 1: Contributed Papers and Immersion Sessions by 11:59 p.m., eastern time on October 26, 2023. Please enter your submission early to avoid a last-minute rush and allow time for any assistance. 

New for MLA ’24: There are separate submission forms depending on the type of abstract you will submit.

Submit Contributed Paper Abstract

Submit Immersion Session Abstract

Round 2: Lightning Talks and Posters

Open December 14, 2023 – January 25, 2024

• Lightning Talks: 5-minute presentations. Presenters will have the opportunity to take and answer questions during and after the session.
• Poster presentations: 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.

How to Submit Your Abstract

What’s New for MLA ’24: Submission Guidance and Support

In addition to separate submission forms based on abstract type, all you need to get started on the submission process is your name and email. Your details and progress will be saved, and you will automatically be opted-in to receive reminders about your abstract submission.

MLA also provides several resources to help with your proposal submission.

• Consult the MLA ’24 Submission Tips for submitting a strong abstract
• About MLA ’24 Proposals
• How to Submit MLA ’24 Proposals

Keep an eye out for the What’s New for MLA ’24 series for the latest updates to the MLA ’24 experience.

Don’t forget, Round 1 submissions are due October 26, 2023, at 11:59 pm Eastern time.

Questions? Contact the MLA Contributed Content Working Group.