The Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) Canadian Chapter invites you to submit presentation proposals for the CALA Canada Annual Event 2026, to be held May 28–29, 2026 in a hybrid format. The program is open to anyone who is interested (not limited to CALA members). We welcome proposals highlighting professional practice, research, teaching, community engagement, and innovative projects across libraries and related sectors.

Event details:

• Dates: Thursday–Friday, May 28–29, 2026
• Location: University of Manitoba Libraries (in person), and Microsoft Teams (link to be shared later)
• Time Zone: CDT (Winnipeg)
• Format: Hybrid (in person + online)

Session formats

We invite proposals for:

• Individual presentations (30 minutes total: 20–25 minutes presentation and 5-10 minutes Q&A)
• Panel discussions (please propose a structure that fits the program schedule)

Topics of interest (not limited to)

• AI literacy, AI applications in libraries, and impacts on teaching, learning, and research
• Equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in librarianship
• Library instruction, research services, and liaison work
• Collections, discovery, metadata, and resource sharing
• Scholarly communication, open access, and research data services
• User experience, assessment, and service design

Important dates

• Proposal Submission Deadline: Sunday, March 8, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: by Sunday, April 12, 2026
• Event Dates: May 28–29, 2026

How to submit

Please click this link to submit your proposal

In your proposal, please include:

• Title
• Presenter name(s), affiliation(s), and contact email
• Abstract (150 words recommended)

Draft program (subject to change)

Thursday, May 28, 2026 (CDT)

• 9:30–11:00 — CALA Canada Board Meeting
• 11:00–12:00 — Board Lunch Break
• 12:00–1:00 — Open Keynote
• 1:00–4:00 — Presentations

Friday, May 29, 2026 (CDT)

• 9:00–11:30 — Presentations
• 11:30–12:00 — Closing
• 12:00–3:00 — Networking and Library Tour

Accommodations

Campus (~4km )

• Best Western Plus Pembina Inn & Suites
• Four Points by Sheraton Winnipeg South
• Holiday Inn Winnipeg – South

Downtown (~12km)

• ALT Hotel Winnipeg
• Delta Hotels Wininpeg
• The Fort Garry Hotel

Winnipeg South Outlet (~12km)

• Hilton Garden Inn Winnipeg South
• Hyatt House Winnipeg – South

Questions

If you have questions, please contact: Wei Xuan (wei.xuan[at]umanitoba.ca ) and Fangmin Wang (fwang[at]torontomu.ca )

Open keynote (May 28)

Speaker: Leo S. Lo (University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, Advisor to the Provost for AI Literacy, and Professor of Education, University of Virginia)

Keynote Title: From Curiosity to Competence: Building AI Literacy in Libraries and Higher Education
Format/Timing: 35 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A

Abstract:
AI is changing rapidly, but one truth remains constant: the need for individuals and institutions to understand, use, and think critically about these technologies. Libraries, as trusted learning hubs, are uniquely positioned to bridge the AI knowledge gap between students, faculty, and communities. This keynote will explore how librarians can move from curiosity about AI tools to competence in using and teaching them, drawing on recent national studies of AI literacy, evolving frameworks, and practical strategies for guiding diverse learners. The session will also look ahead to what academic libraries might become over the next decade, considering both opportunities and challenges as AI reshapes education, research, and society.

Bio:
Leo S. Lo is University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, Advisor to the Provost for AI Literacy, and Professor of Education at the University of Virginia. As President (2024–2025) of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), Lo established the ACRL AI Competencies Task Force and leads national efforts to develop AI competencies for library professionals. He consults and publishes widely on AI literacy, workforce development, and higher education innovation. Lo holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania, an MS in Information Studies from Florida State University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in AI from Oxford University.

Dear Colleagues,

You are cordially invited to attend 2025 CALA Canada Chapter Conference, to be held in a hybrid format, May 5, 2025, 12:00-4:00 pm ET. The conference is free to attend for CALA members or non-members, but registration is required to help us accurately plan for both in-person and virtual attendees. Please complete the registration form by April 25. All information provided will be used solely for conference planning purposes. More details of the meeting will be emailed to registrants closer to the date of conference. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Yanli Li (yli@wlu.ca) and Wei Xuan (Wei.Xuan@umanitoba.ca). 

Dear Colleagues,

The Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) Canada Chapter (https://www.cala-canada.org/) invites you to submit presentation proposals to its Annual Conference, to be held on Monday, May 5, 2025. This conference will be free of charge and in a hybrid format. The program is open to anyone who is interested, not limited to CALA members. We would like to invite members/guests to submit their proposals on every aspect of their professional duties, research activities, or community services, and more. The types of sessions include a short 15–20 minutes presentation of slides or posters, or a panel discussion on the topics you find most thought-provoking among our colleagues. 

Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to: 

• Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in librarianship
• AI applications in librarianship and their impacts on teaching and learning
• Information technologies and security
• Library instructions, research services, and collection management
• Scholarly communication
• User experience 

Important Dates: ConferenceDate: Monday, May 5, 2025, 12 – 4 PM (Eastern Time) Location: Toronto Metropolitan University (in person), and Zoom (link to be shared later)Proposal Submission Deadline: Sunday, February 16, 2025Notification of Acceptance: by February 28, 2025 Please submit your proposal through the Qualtrics form.

Presentations will be limited to 15–20 minutes including Q&A. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Yanli Li ( yli@wlu.ca) and Wei Xuan (Wei.Xuan@umanitoba.ca).

Thanks,

Yanli Li, President, CALA Canada  

Wei Xuan, Vice-President, CALA Canada