Call For Proposals: North American Virtual Reference Online Conference 

North American Virtual Reference Online Conference

To submit a proposal, please fill out the proposal submission form by Friday, December 6, 2024.

Proposals Due: November 29, 2024 December 6, 2024

Conference Dates: February 25-27, 2025

*Deadline for proposal submission has been extended to Friday, December 6, 2024.

The NAVROC planning committee is currently seeking proposals for this free, online conference held Tuesday through Thursday, February 25-27, 2025. We are seeking proposals for 45 minute sessions and 20 minute lightning talks from virtual reference providers relating to our theme, Applying The Trends of Tomorrow, Today. These sessions will comprise the 2-3 hour time frame of each conference day. Because this is a virtual conference, presenters can present from anywhere as long as they have a stable internet connection.

Conference Description: The future of libraries is unfolding today, with many institutions embracing cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies to better serve their communities. By integrating advancements such as artificial intelligence, chatbots, and augmented reality, libraries are transforming into dynamic, user-centered spaces that evolve to meet the changing needs of their patrons.

The keynote for this year’s conference, Dr. Sandra Hirsh who currently serves as the Associate Dean for Academics in the College of Information, Data & Society at San José State University. Their work focuses on the future of libraries and they recently published the book “Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries,” which explores lessons learned over the past decade and forecasts opportunities, strengths, and challenges for libraries in the future. 

Potential Topics include but are not limited to:

Adaptability

• Adjusting to the next wave of trends

• Use of chatbots, nextgen searches

• Sustainability

• Crisis management

• Building partnerships with other organizations or departments

Challenges

• Maintaining user privacy

• Tech agnosticism

• Climate change

• Creative solutions to staffing challenges

Equity & Engagement

• Accessibility tools

• Centering race in virtual reference (VR)

• Mitigating microaggressions in chat

• Engaging BIPOC staff and patrons

• Multi-lingual VR services

Evaluation & Appraisal

• Transcript analysis tools

• Analyzing user ratings

• Telling your story with data

Marketing & Promotion

• Marketing your service

• Advocating for the relevance of your VR service

• Securing funding for your VR service

Reference

• Evaluating and vetting information resources

• Unique changes in vendor services

Technology

• AI and machine learning tools

To submit a proposal, please fill out the proposal submission form by Friday, December 6, 2024.