Program Proposals Now Open: MLA|DLA 2026 Annual Conference

Proposals for 2026 MLA/DLA conference sessions can now be submitted.  If you are interested in participating in May's conference in Cambridge, you can submit a proposal for pre-conference sessions (Wednesday) or regular conference sessions (Thursday and Friday).  If you prefer to do a short presentation, you can submit a proposal for an Ignite session or a Poster session. 

Pratt always has a strong presence at the conference, and I look forward to seeing what our staff has to share with the MD library community.

Links for the online form and the proposal submission guide are below, or you can email Paula Mitchell for assistance.  Terrible puns for session titles are encouraged. 

Dear Maryland Library Community, 

We’re excited to announce the call for program proposals is now open for the 2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference! Join us May 6-8, 2026, back at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland, as we explore this year's theme: "Our Stories, Our Shelves."

We look forward to seeing the programs you'll propose for what promises to be an unforgettable conference celebrating the power of stories in our communities and the library collections that reflect those communities.

Submission Guidelines
All proposals must be submitted through our online form. Proposals should clearly demonstrate relevance to library professionals across all sectors. Review our program proposal submission guide for a preview and descriptions of the form's questions. 

Proposal Submission Period: August 25 - October 17, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: December 2025

Program Proposal Form »

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to a conference that celebrates the diverse narratives within our library community. 

We're Seeking Proposals For: 

• Pre-Conference Sessions
• General Sessions 
• Ignite Sessions 
• Poster Sessions

Questions? 
Contact the Conference Director, Paula Mitchell, at md.la.conference@gmail.com or check out our proposal submission guide. 

Sincerely,
The MLA|DLA Conference Planning Committee

This email was sent on behalf of Maryland Library Association located at 1401 Hollins St., Baltimore, MD 21223.

Conference mileage/tolls reimbursement

There are two ways to get reimbursed for mileage/tolls for local conferences like MLA, CIL, and local ALA conference locations  These are available on the Vine:  https://sites.google.com/prattlibrary.org/workday/expense-reports

If you successfully completed an expense report prior to October 2023 (when the city changed how Workday handles expense reports) you can continue to submit your own expense reports in Workday. If you did not submit a report prior to October 2023, then you have to use Pathway B listed on the website.  This sends a request to the business office which submits the request on your behalf.

Either way,  if there were tolls or parking involved you must submit receipts.  Copies of EZ pass statements that show the charge information (e.g. date and location) can be used.

Conferences and Entering Time in Workday

 

For those staff attending conferences here is how to mark your time in Workday.

For each day, you need to manually change the "Time Type" at the top of the hours form so that it reads "Training or Conference" and then enter 8 hours of time.  

If you forget to enter your time, or need to make changes, please contact your supervisor.

ALA and MLA conference funding deadlines

 Here are some upcoming conference application deadlines:

ALA Annual Conference funding requests are due by March 7, 2024.

MLA Annual Conference funding requests are due by March 14, 2025.

Emails with funding amounts and other information will be coming soon.

ALA's LibLearnX 2024 will be in Phoenix in January

 

EPFL's Registration deadline is November 15

LibLearnX is where library professionals at all levels can take part in a conference experience that will provide ultimate learning benefits. Attendees will participate in hands-on workshops, bite-size sessions, and other formats designed to match preferred learning styles with an emphasis on experiential learning.

Be inspired and motivated by thought-leaders, authors, and subject matter experts, and celebrate your colleagues and favorite authors at the Award ceremonies.

Upcoming Conference dates and deadlines

 

Instructions for funding applications are on the Vine on the Forms page of the SD&T blog.  If you have questions, please contact SD&T.

LibLearnX     January 19-22, 2024 in Baltimore

registration opens 10/16

deadline to EPFL staff to complete requests is November 24, 2024

Computers in Libraries      March 12-14, 2024 in Arlington, VA

registration is open

deadline to EPFL staff to complete requests is February 2, 2024

PLA     April 3-5, 2024 in Columbus, OH

registration opens 10/11

deadline to EPFL staff to complete requests is February 16, 2024

PLA members please apply by January 1, 2024 to get early discount

MLA/DLA 2023 Conference "Leveled Up" to Success

 

Over 600 staff members from Maryland and Delaware libraries gathered in Cambridge for the 2023 MLA/DLA Annual Conference.  Conference director Kelsey Hughes and co-director Anita Crawford, and the entire conference committee, brought together exciting guest speakers, authors, and an interesting group of vendors.  With over 60 breakout sessions, 3 Ignite sessions, MLA and DLA member meetings, a tech playground, a meetup with the new BCMLA, and a return visit from Pets on Wheels of Delmarva, attendees had plenty of opportunities for learning and networking.

There were also lots of fun activities, including s'mores by the campfire, karaoke, the silent auction, the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center Tour, and morning yoga on the lawn. The now infamous pub quiz was well attended, and the EPFL team of Julie Johnson, Heather Yost, Kinshasa Vargas-Pile, guest Heather Riley, and yours truly, held our own against much larger teams, even winning a round and coming in second in several others. 🏆 

Thanks to all staff who participated as committee members, program presenters, or attendees.

Lisa R. Kenyon

Staff Development and Training

ALA Annual Conference Deadline is Wednesday, March 22, 2023

 Registration for the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago is now open.   If you wish to attend the conference, submit your signed and completed paperwork to the SD&T Office by the end of the day on March 22, 2023.

To request funding, please complete and submit the 354 (request for funding), the ALA 2023 information page, and a  copy of the registration form.    All of these forms are attached to this email, and are also on the shared drive in Shared (S:) > Training > ALA 2023

Conference information can be found here:  https://2023.alaannual.org/

Unfortunately the conference brochure is not available at this time, but I will send out the link once it is posted.  

The hotel allowance for the conference is $275/night, and the food allowance will be $25 for travel days and $50 for conference days.  We are also providing up to $60 for transport to and from the airport in Chicago.  We will not be covering pre-conference or conference events this year.   

If you have any questions about these forms, please contact SD&T.

MLA Annual Conference Funding Deadline is March 10, 2023

 

Registration for the MLA/DLA 2023 conference is now open.  If you wish to attend the conference, submit your signed and completed paperwork to the SD&T Office by the end of the day on Friday, March 10, 2023.

To request funding, please complete and submit the 354 (request for funding), the MLA 2023 information page, and a  copy of the registration form.    All of these forms have been saved for you on the shared drive in Shared (S:) > Training > MLA 2023

The conference information can be found here https://www.mladlacon.com/

You can view the conference brochure here  https://bit.ly/mladla2023

The breakout session for Ellen Oh is missing from this version of the brochure, but it will be on Thursday from 3-4.  I will send out the corrected brochure link when it becomes available.

The hotel allowance for the conference is $225/night, and the food allowance will be $25 for travel days and $50 for conference days.  You may also request a ticket for one of the conference meal events, such as the author breakfast on Thursday.  Please include this amount in the registration column on your 354.

If you have any questions about these forms, please contact SD&T.

Computers in Libraries deadline for applications is February 17

Registration is now open for the Computers in Libraries conference in March 2023.  

The deadline for submitting your funding requests will be February 17, 2024.  

Please request $330 per night for your hotel, as the website price does not include taxes and fees.

If you have any questions, please contact SD&T.

REGISTER Workshops Venue  Agenda Check Out This Year’s Conference Program! Computers in Libraries caters to all interests and all levels of knowledge. The 2023 conference program offers five simultaneous tracks plus many preconference workshops, networking opportunities, and an extensive exhibit hall. Speakers are knowledgeable, authoritative, and focus on practical applications, “how to” solutions, and case studies as well as technical and managerial issues. Click here to see specific speaker and session information. Sessions include: Impactful Curated Intelligence: Tips & Tools Understanding Websites & Prioritizing Changes Impact of Industry Consolidation for Libraries Designing Future Libraries Connecting Patrons & Collections With Machine Learning Technology Open Source Software for Libraries Finding Our Way With UX Design: By Compass & Heading Beyond Going Green: Community Sustainability Initiatives Library Opportunities: Robotics & Virtual Reality Inspiring the Next Generation: Teaching TechGirlz Measuring Effectiveness in Libraries Change, Innovation, & Libraries Data Librarians in Action Creative Spaces in Academic Libraries Preserving Patron Privacy in Public Libraries And more!

MLA/DLA conference proposals due by October 8

The MLA/DLA Annual Conference will take place this year from May 10-12, 2023 in Cambridge, Maryland. The annual conference strives to build and promote a strong, engaged, knowledgeable, diverse, and inclusive library community to advance the transformational impact of library staff and libraries. MLA/DLA seeks proposals and speakers representing the full range of library organizations (academic, school, public, specialized, etc.) and positions within the library. 

Programs will be selected with an eye toward amplifying underrepresented groups that have been historically marginalized or excluded due to race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, religious identity, economic background, educational background, age, or other factors.

Another option for the conference is the Ignite Talks series.  What is something that you are passionate about in libraries that you tell us about in 10 minutes? Ignite Talks can look like storytelling, a how-to, or a research share – anything that sparks interest. Ignite Talks are a great opportunity to try presenting for the first time, to share experience or lessons learned, or to make your colleagues laugh with an entertaining topic and slides. We can’t wait to hear about your passions!

Please consider submitting a proposal using this form (https://forms.gle/K5HwKz3J3gE57xge9) and sharing it with colleagues.   If you have any questions, you can email kelsey.hughes@hclibrary.org or md.la.conference@gmail.com. 

All proposals will be due by October 8.

MLA/DLA Annual Conference 2022 - Back together again

The MLA/DLA conference returned to Cambridge, MD this year to the delight of attendees.  There is something about meeting in person that just makes a conference a better experience, especially when you are with a group of fantastic librarians and staff from Maryland libraries.

Tuesday was a beautiful day to drive to the Eastern shore, and check in to the Hyatt in preparation for the pre-conferences on Wednesday.  An interesting array of pre-conferences were attended by EPFL staff, including the "Everyone Leads" follow-up workshop and the adult programming unconference.  Bright orange backpacks, colorful badges and committee ribbons were available for participants, and by Thursday morning we were ready for the breakout sessions, visiting vendors, and the MD author award luncheon.  Whenever we feature a poet they always bring a tear to your eye, and Afaa Michael Weaver's reminiscences about growing up in Baltimore was no exception.

As always, the social events including the pub quiz and scavenger hunt brought extra fun to the conference, and the De-Stress with Pets puppies brought smiles to many faces.  The drive back on Friday was a bit nasty with the rain and traffic, but overall a fantastic event.

Lisa R. Kenyon
Staff Development and Training Coordinator

It was great to meet the new ALA president Patty Wong

Remember this viral sensation?  It was in the vendor's room.

Lots of good donations for the silent auction!

ALA Annual registration information

 ALA Conference Registration Opens March 1, 2021

If you wish to participate in the virtual conference, SD&T must receive your completed and signed funding requests by  

5 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2021

Visit the ALA website to view registration rates and get more information about the virtual conference.  You can also register for email updates on this page.

https://2021.alaannual.org/registration/registration-rates

The conference program is not complete at this time, so try to be as specific as you can in your goals statement without this information.  What is your overall goal of participating?  What do you expect to learn?  What do you hope to do with the knowledge you receive?

Supervisor signatures can be provided by email if you are not currently working on site.  Contact SD&T if you have any questions.

ALA announces 2021 Annual Meeting will be Virtual

 The following message is sent on behalf of American Library Association President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr.

CHICAGO — The American Library Association’s Executive Board announced today that the 2021 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition scheduled for June 23-29 in Chicago will take place virtually.

“We hoped that by this summer, it would be safe to meet again in person. However, that is clearly not the case. Despite the promise of vaccines, the pandemic continues to devastate our country. For the safety of everyone involved, we will be moving our Annual Conference to a virtual format,” said Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., ALA president.

Jefferson continued: “Given the success of our just-wrapped virtual Midwinter meeting, I am confident that Annual will be just as dynamic, engaging and inspiring. As always, we will have big name speakers, a full online exhibit floor, and more events and opportunities to network, learn and grow that I know participants will love.”

ALA Annual attracts some of today’s most highly regarded keynoters and authors, and speakers will be announced early this spring along with additional information on programs, sessions, meetings, and exhibits. Registration will open March 1, 2021, and advance rates end April 16. In the coming weeks, presenters who submitted program proposals will be contacted by ALA representatives with more information about next steps for the online format.

“COVID-19 has profoundly changed the library world – and, of course, the wider world around us. But I’m buoyed by the incredible determination, resilience and community-building I’ve seen in the past year,” ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall said. “As a body, ALA has proven nimble and unflappable in the face of adversity and we will continue to prioritize safety, even as we strive to innovate the digital conference experience to widen attendance and deepen engagement well after this period. Based on the incredible response that Virtual Midwinter 2021 received, we look forward to a dynamic Annual Conference program guaranteed to illuminate, inform and inspire.”

Julius C. Jefferson Jr.

2020-2021 ALA President

Continuing education credits for recordings and webinars

 Many staff members are currently participating in webinars, SkillSoft training, and other online programs including recorded conference sessions.

If you are attending a session that provides a completion certificate or confirmation email, then you should attach this to your CEU form and submit a copy to your supervisor.  If you are using the program for continuing education credit then you should also submit a copy to SD&T.  

If you are watching a pre-recorded webinar or a recorded conference session, or any program that does not provide proof of completion, you should follow the "Recorded Webinars" procedure.  This information can be found on the Forms page of the SD&T blog  http://learning.prattlibrary.org/p/forms.html

If you are not certain that a program meets the criteria for continuing education credit, please send a link to the program to SD&T.

Ten Tips for Comfortable Conferences

This is a great list for new attendees, or as a reminder for the seasoned conference veteran.

• Take a sweater/jacket even if the weather is warm, as the conference hall and session rooms may be glacial.  Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.  
• Take a refillable water bottle and keep it filled.  Top up at every opportunity.  You never know when you might get stuck in a session without water or start coughing during a keynote.  Fill it before you leave for the day to avoid having to buy $4 bottles of water at your hotel.
• Charge you devices frequently, for they will run out of power at the most inconvenient time.  One tip is to take a power strip with you, that way you don't have to fight for outlets, and you'll be a hero to other attendees.  The best option is to purchase a recharger that you can carry with you, but be sure you have all the cords you need before you leave your hotel.
• Arrive at sessions early where possible to get a good seat (or even a seat at all).  Aisle seats go fast, as do table seats that face the presenter.
• Carry baby wipes, or face cleansing wipes in case of stickiness or greasy food at lunch.
• If there is a huge vendor area, review the list and make notes of those you actually want to meet.  It makes it easier to traverse the vendor jungle and not get lost among the booths.  You also won't "miss" any really important companies.
• Take a small bag of mint/hard candy/breath strips in case of garlic at lunch (not gum).
• Check Amazon.com before buying books at the conference, unless you want to take them to author signings.  Often conference prices aren't the best price and you won't have to haul them back in your suitcase.
• Check the conference app (if there is one) for presentations and slide decks before the first day of the event.  Not only will this save photocopying, but in some cases you can get a sense of the program from the slides and decide if you really want to attend that program.
• Get in a line, it's a great way to meet people.  Lines for registration, meals, general sessions, and even the bathroom are ways to make contact with new people in a more casual way.  The movement of the line also helps keep the conversation brief and can give you a opening to the conversation.  "Have you seen the bags they are giving out this year? or "That lunch yesterday was interesting, I hope today we have better options."

Top 5 Tips for Networking at Conferences

One of the best things about conferences is meeting new people and making connections.  Here are 5 tips to help make the most of this opportunity.

- Take your business cards with you and have them handy at all times.  This is a quick way to share information with new people, and also to enter give-away events during sessions.  Many conferences are using QR codes on name badges, but physical cards are still a great way to make connections.

- If you take someone's business card, take a minute to jot a few notes on the back - who is this person, where did you meet, what did you discuss, what is your followup, or even a physical description in case you run into them later.

- If the conference has a "meet to eat" option, where you sign up to go out for meals, then sign up for these.  It's a great way to meet people in a more casual atmosphere but still with the conference connection.  Also great if you are the only one from your system at the event.

- Sit with someone new in breakout sessions and at meals, especially if you are with other staff members from your system.  Don't huddle together in a group, spread out and say hello.

- Get in a line.  Meal lines, registration, even lines for the bathroom are great places to meet people in a natural way and this has the advantage of limited time to talk so you won't get stuck in an awkward conversation.

Bonus tip -- Look up from your phone at meals and before breakout sessions.  Look around and try to meet the people sitting near you, rather than sitting with your head down and ignoring everyone. 

Top Five Qualities of a Successful Goals and Intentions Statement

Your Goals and Intentions Statement doesn't have to be long, but it does need to have all of the necessary information.  Here are the top five aspects of a well-written Goals and Intentions Statement:

1. The statement briefly describes the event, its intended audience, and its purpose (2-3 sentences maximum)
2. The requesting staff member clearly demonstrates their interest in the event/program and why they wish to attend.
3. A clear connection is made between the purpose of the training/conference and the position of the staff member.
4. The statement includes information about what the staff member hopes to learn at the program.
5. The staff member explains what she/he/they want to do with the information learned at the event once they return to the library.

Here's what it might look like all together:

I would like to attend the MLA/DLA Joint Library Conference in Cambridge, MD from May 1-3, 2019  The MLA conference brings together library staff from across Maryland to discuss relevant topics and issues. 

There are many programs offered at this year’s conference that would benefit the library, the HR department, and the SD&T office.  On Wednesday morning, there is a pre-conference on making sense of library management.  This program will be very helpful when we start to plan the new EPFL leadership program.   

On Thursday, there are programs supporting inclusion at the library, as well as creating engaging multimedia and updates on statewide MLA programs.  There is also a program discussing methods for teaching adults, which might offer new information that would support our program offerings.  

On Friday, there is a program about teaching online, which is something I’d like to start doing in the future to expand SD&T programming, as well as a program on getting staff to advocate for their library.

The sessions offered at the MLA conference this year will support and contribute to the programs offered by SD&T in the upcoming year.  I will also be sharing the leadership program information with other HR staff at an upcoming meeting, and updating them on various state-wide issues we've been discussing this year.