Call for PANELISTS
MLA 2022 Annual Conference: Bridging the Divide
October 19-21, 2022
Blue Water Convention Center, Port Huron
The conference workgroup is currently in search of speakers to join panel conversations on intellectual freedom and equity, diversity, accessibility, and belonging at MLA’s Annual Conference scheduled for October 19-21, 2022, at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron.
Panels will be moderated and will offer ideas, philosophies, and/or practical solutions on a given topic. Panelists will be expected to meet at least once prior to the conference to facilitate a cohesive panel discussion.
The ideal intellectual freedom panelists understand the need for advocacy and education in defense of intellectual freedom, or the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Panelists should have experience addressing issues of Intellectual Freedom in Michigan libraries, such as book bans and book challenges, and be prepared to share those experiences with conference attendees.
The ideal equity, diversity, accessibility, and belonging panelists advocate for a more diverse and inclusive environment within the library profession and support professionals from traditionally marginalized communities. Panelists should be committed to ensuring that all individuals who apply, work, or otherwise interact with library staff are treated with fairness and respect and accorded equal opportunity, and programs and services are offered to a wide variety of patrons. Panelists should have experience with library DEI policies and practices, experience facing discrimination or supporting those who have, and be prepared to share those experiences with conference attendees.
We want to hear from you if:
- You are interested in presenting but cannot fill an entire breakout session time slot
- You have a unique or interesting perspective on an issue
- You want to lend your experience to the professional development of others
- You are willing to engage in respectful and open dialog
- You want experience speaking in a supportive environment
Questions
Please feel free to contact Amber Sheerin at [email protected] with any questions you may have prior to your submission.
General Guidelines
- Panelists must appear in person at the conference.
- Panelists are not reimbursed or compensated for session time, mileage, or any other expenses.
- Panelists must register for the day(s) they attend if they intend to stay beyond their allotted presentation time. Attendance at the event is not a requirement to speak.