Call for Proposals

We are pleased to announce the upcoming Empirical Studies in Libraries Summit (ESiLS), a forum dedicated to showcasing and discussing the latest research and findings happening in and about libraries. This summit aims to bring together scholars, practitioners, and students who are engaged in empirical studies that advance our understanding of library practices, user behaviors, the impact of libraries on their communities, and more! 

We invite proposals for presentations, workshops, posters, and panel discussions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Innovative methodologies in library research

• User experience and satisfaction studies

• Data-driven decision-making in library services

• Impact assessment of library programs and services

• Trends in information seeking and user behavior

• Collaboration between libraries and community organizations

• The role of libraries in promoting digital literacy

• Case studies highlighting successful empirical research in libraries

Proposal Guidelines:

1. Submission Format: Proposals should be submitted by December 20th. Proposals should include:

   • Title of the presentation/workshop

   • Names and affiliations of all authors/presenters

   • Abstract (250-300 words) outlining the purpose, methodology, and significance of the study, as well as whether it’s in-progress or completed

   • Preferred format (20-minute session, 45-minute session, or asynchronous poster)

2. Review Process: All submissions will undergo a blind peer review process by the organizers of the conference. Proposals will be evaluated based on their originality, relevance to the summit theme, methodological rigor, and potential impact on the library community. Session proposals that do not include empirical data collection will not be accepted. Session proposals that are not accepted may be asked to convert their session to an asynchronous poster.

3. Notification of Acceptance: Authors will be notified of the acceptance of their proposals by January 20, 2025.

We encourage researchers as well as practitioners in academic, public, special, and all other libraries to submit proposals. Doctoral students are especially encouraged to apply. To further our commitment to inclusivity, proposers will have the option to disclose whether or not they are members of marginalized communities during the submission process. We aim to amplify the voices of those from these communities and strongly encourage their participation in submitting proposals.

Questions? Send us a note.