Annual Conference Programs FAQ
At the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim in June 2008, the ACRL Board approved a new process for managing the ACRL Annual Program conference programs. The process is now managed by the Professional Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC). This new process was put in place largely to: systematically coordinate the program offerings of ACRL; ensure a diversity of programming options; share ideas about programs that may be proposed, individually or jointly; and help ensure the quality of ACRL programs offered at the conference.
When do I submit a proposal for an ACRL program to be offered at the ALA Annual Conference?
Proposals must be submitted 13 months ahead of the intended conference date. For example, proposals for the June 2011 conference should be submitted by May 3, 2010. Review the ACRL Annual Conference Program Planning Calendar for details.
How do I submit a proposal for an ACRL conference program?
Proposals must be submitted electronically by May 3 (13 months ahead of the intended conference date). The call for proposals will provide a link to the ACRL online proposal form. A proposal form must be submitted for each program. Specific directions for completing proposal forms will be included in the call for proposals.
Who is responsible for the selection and funding of ACRL conference programs?
The ACRL Professional Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) is responsible for the review and selection of program proposals and funding requests. PDCC will review and select the programs which will be offered at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference just prior to the 2010 ALA Annual Conference. Program planners will be notified of the PDCC’s actions and programs approved by PDCC will be scheduled.
What is the PDCC?
The Professional Development Coordinating Committee is an ACRL division-level committee that oversees a wide variety of professional development offerings for ACRL members. In 2007 the ACRL Board charged PDCC with oversight of the Annual Conference program planning and selection process.
What is the ACRL Board of Director’s role in the conference program planning process?
The ACRL Board of Directors has delegated the responsibility of reviewing program proposals to PDCC. PDCC will review and select programs to be offered at Annual Conference. PDCC does work with the Board and other groups, as needed, to determine the needs of the Association’s members to ensure that their professional development needs are met.
Do other ALA divisions require a member group to oversee their program planning process?
Yes, the Public Library Association (PLA), for example, has a Conference Program Coordinating Committee that evaluates and selects programs for each ALA Annual Conference.
What criteria will PDCC use to evaluation and select the programs?
PDCC will evaluate whether program submissions:
- Strongly supports the ACRL strategic plan or supports top issues facing academic librarians
- Demonstrates how three learning outcomes would be achieved
- Follows full program description: identifies program’s main points
- Identifies specific strategic objectives or top issues related to academic librarians
- Strong evidence of collaborative co-sponsorship
- Engages audience in program
- Is relevant to attendees
- Program content could be repurposed to ensure it has a life after the program
- Program content is unique and different from other programs
Does PDCC select topics for the Annual Conference?
No. PDCC can suggest topics that advance the ACRL strategic plan to sections, committees, or individuals that plan to submit a proposal.
Can individuals submit a proposal for an ACRL Annual Conference program?
Yes, under the new review process, ACRL members may submit proposals for an Annual Conference program.
Will proposals from individuals and proposals from sections or division-level committees be evaluated the same way?
Yes. All proposals will be evaluated using the selection criteria. There is no set limit on the number of programs that may be approved.
Is a Section or Committee required to submit a program each year?
A Section or Committee is not required to have a program annually. Some groups may want to sponsor programs every other year; perhaps alternating with the ACRL National Conference. Groups may also consider co-sponsoring programs with other sections or committees.
Can programs be co-sponsored?
Yes, PDCC strongly encourages units and/or individuals to cosponsor programs with other ACRL or ALA units and outside organizations. ACRL recognizes two types of co-sponsorships:
- Co-sponsorship in name only (a written request should be sent to the ACRL Program Coordinator as early as possible, but a least 9 months prior to the Annual Conference at which the program is being presented).
- Co-sponsorship with shared planning and financial responsibilities (should be treated as a regular conference program with written proposal responding to criteria and guidelines and submitted 13 months prior to the Annual Conference).
What if I need funding for a program, including travel expenses, or honoraria for non-librarian speakers?
The ACRL Board of Directors allocates $20,000 from its budget to support ACRL programs at the ALA Annual Conference (excluding cost of audiovisual equipment). PDCC will determine how these funds will be allocated among the accepted program proposals. How well your program proposal meets the criteria outlined above will be one of the determining factors in whether it is funded or not. Preference for increased funding is given to groups who jointly plan and sponsor a single program (not an additional program or one where one group lends their name as a co-sponsor). See Tip Sheet #10a, Fiscal Policy and Funding Guidelines for Annual Conference Programs.
Is the ACRL President’s Program selected by the PDCC?
The President’s Program will be exempt from review by the PDCC, although the President’s Program Planning Committee works closely with PDCC. PDCC will approve the President’s Program funding request.
Questions? Contact mconahan@ala.org.