[Libs-Or] Oregon Reference Summit - Call for Proposals

[STARKSMITH Gesse * SLO]

Call for proposals - Oregon Reference Summit Presents
The Oregon Reference Summit (OrRS) planning committee invites you to submit proposals for virtual programs relating to reference service. OrRS offers regular opportunities for virtual programs throughout the year. Our goal is to share reference-focused content appropriate for all skill levels, library types, and experiences. We are gathering proposals<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzOiDVRCj9_ywMFSNt-rzlizFKAvzK_sQGm3AdVbrEOGiDFQ/viewform> for Spring and Summer 2026 programs. However, feel free to submit a proposal even if you would rather present farther out.

We welcome any subjects. Nontraditional librarians, library support staff, and first time presenters are encouraged to submit.

Possible topics might include:

  *   Mental and Emotional health in library services including self-care for Library workers
  *   The intersection of reference services and social justice
  *   Communication: Best practices in impactful communication in reference services
  *   Anti-Racist reference practices
  *   Multi-lingual reference services
  *   Supporting K-12 students
  *   Providing  reference services and accessible options to patrons with disabilities and special needs in your library
  *   Reference services for patrons experiencing houselessness and/or other trauma
  *   On-going training practices
  *   AI in reference work (AI research assistants, chat-bots, ethics)
  *   Finding and utilizing culturally-appropriate resources
  *   Engaging underrepresented staff in reference services
  *   Success stories
  *   Not-so-successful stories (What did  you learn when things didn't work out as planned?)
  *   Specialized research topics (e.g. medicine, law, science)

Programs should be designed to run for either 60 minutes or 20-30 minutes including Q&A. The Summit Planning Team will provide the presentation platform (Zoom), manage advertising and registration, and assist and support presenters.

More information is on the OrRS website<https://sites.google.com/olaweb.org/oregon-reference-summit/home>. The submission form is here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzOiDVRCj9_ywMFSNt-rzlizFKAvzK_sQGm3AdVbrEOGiDFQ/viewform?usp=sf_link>. In addition to gathering proposals, we are looking for new members to help us coordinate trainings! We will also be presenting at OLA in April to share more about our work and how you can be involved.

Questions about any of this? Contact the group at oregon-reference-summit at googlegroups.com.

Gesse Stark-Smith, MIS (she/her)
Virtual Reference Coordinator
State Library of Oregon
gesse.stark-smith at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:gesse.stark-smith at slo.oregon.gov> | 971-600-4992
www.oregon.gov/library/libraries<https://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
Work Schedule: Mon 11-5, Weds & Thurs 8:30-4

[Logo for the Library Support & Development Services division at the State Library of Oregon]<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>


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