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)
Winnipeg South Outlet (~12km)
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.