The State Library of Iowa invites you to submit session proposals for the annual ILOC conference to be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024. The theme for this year’s conference is “Libraries are Forever!” The ILOC conference will encourage attendees to consider sustainable operations, long-term outcomes, and positive community differences the library makes. 

Library staff and trustees who have demonstrated ways to prove the library is “there to stay and make a difference” are encouraged to apply.  Ideas for presentation topics may include:

• Sustainability in building operations (i.e. “green” improvements)
• Ongoing partnerships 
• Library collaborations within a county or region
• Positive interactions with other city services or departments
• Programs that are making a noticeable impact in your community
• Sustainable and alternative funding options
• Innovative practices in strategic planning

Not sure if your idea is a good one? Watch this Kernel (IA Learns Link | YouTube Link) for some suggestions on what makes a good conference proposal. Please complete the 2024 ILOC Proposal Application by December 1, 2023.  Selected presenters will be notified by December 8. 

Additional Details:

• If accepted, your proposal will be presented online in a State Library Zoom Room. You will be able to share your screen, so participants will see the presentation.
• Using a camera and microphone is required for presenters. The State Library can loan you a "presenter kit," if needed.
• Breakout presentations will be 50 minutes in length and should include time for Q&A from the attendees.
• Presentations should be applicable and adaptable for use in libraries of all sizes.
• Presentations may be done solo or as a group. Due to time constraints, it is recommended that no more than three people serve in any one breakout session.
• A technology test scheduled during the week prior to the conference will be required of those individuals selected as presenters.
• Presenters must agree to be available the entire day of January 25, 2024, have good Internet connectivity, quiet and uninterrupted computer access within an office, study room, home, etc.
• If you have a presentation or slides you want provided to your session attendees, you should provide a copy to the State Library by January 18, 2024 for inclusion on the conference website.
• Presenters receive no compensation for their services, but they will receive 2 CE credits for each presentation given.
• Librarians from outside of Iowa are invited to submit proposals; however, preference will be given to Iowa librarians when the ILOC committee makes session selections.

If your library is doing great things to establish your library as a sustainable, “forever” service, we want to hear from you!  If you are considering an idea for a presentation, but don’t know how to flesh it out, give one of us a call.

See you in January!

The ILOC Planning Committee: Samantha Bouwers, Emily Bainter, Brenda Hall, Becky Heil, Bonnie McKewon, and Maryann Mori

Click the NEXT button below to enter your contact information and proposal idea.