BCLA is happy to announce that the call for proposals for the 2027 BC Library Conference is open from October 8 – November 23, 2026. You can read the submission FAQs and submit a proposal via the online portal.
The 2027 BC Library Conference will take place April 21-23 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, on the territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and other hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (hun-ki-meen-um) speaking people, in Richmond.
Conference Theme
Our conference theme for 2027 is Forecast Unclear: Libraries Carry On.
We are living through a period of significant change: new technologies, funding challenges, political polarization, social upheaval, and much more. Amid so much uncertainty, the future of libraries can sometimes feel unclear.
Recently, as we were looking through BCLA’s historical files and documents, we were struck by a reassuring reminder: since BCLA was formed in 1911, libraries have weathered many profound changes.
We have faced challenges that, at the time, seemed existential: the rise of the internet, repeated waves of censorship, and countless changes in formats and technology. Through it all, libraries have persevered. We adjust, we adapt, and we carry on. As a profession, we have the knowledge, skills, and experience to navigate change while continuing to serve our communities.
There is no question that this is a challenging time, and sometimes it can feel as though we are in the midst of a storm. But we know from our history that libraries endure. The forecast may be unclear, but when this storm is over, libraries will remain.
Submitting Your Proposal
We encourage potential presenters to submit session proposals that range from practical to theoretical. We welcome creative interpretations of what our theme may mean for different people in their varied areas of library work.
If you work in kids/teens or in a small or rural library, please consider putting forward a proposal! We generally receive few proposals about children and teen services, or proposals from people working in small or rural libraries, yet we hear from delegates that they are interested in those sessions.
Tips & Guidelines
Crafting a successful conference session proposal takes skill. Check out the Call for Proposals section of our website for a recording of “How to Write a Successful Conference Session Proposal” and a list of guidelines and tips on how to create a successful session proposal.
Consider working with a co-presenter. We tend to select proposals that feature multiple presenters – sessions are stronger when they represent a variety of viewpoints and lived experiences. We can accommodate panels of up to 3 people per session.
If you have an idea for a session that would benefit from a panel approach but don’t know who to invite to co-present with you, use the “find co-presenters for your 2027 BC Library Conference session idea” thread on the BCLA Forum to find someone.
What to Expect
You will submit your session/poster proposal via the online portal. The submission questions are available for review in the Call for Proposals FAQs, where you can also find a description and timeline of the process.
Accessibility
Pheedloop’s Call for Proposal form is not currently accessible for screen readers. We apologize for this lack of accessibility and continue to advocate with the vendor. We will be happy to provide support to make the process accessible until this is resolved. Please email our Conference Coordinator, Sarah Bolton, for support for this or any other access issues.
Conference Format
We are trying a new schedule this year. Conference will begin with a keynote on Wednesday morning at 9:30am, followed by a full day of sessions and our welcome reception in the evening. Thursday will be another full day of sessions, including another keynote, with a social event in the evening. Friday will be a half day of sessions leading to the Awards Lunch, which will be the closing event of conference.
Our 2027 conference will include in-person sessions, poster sessions, events, and trade show. We’re excited to bring back “Birds of a Feather” sessions for 2027! These were some of the most popular sessions at the most recent conference, and you told us that you appreciated the chance this format offered to meet new colleagues, have conversations, and learn from each other in less structured ways. These are informal sessions where you come together to discuss a shared interest, hosted by 1-2 people. The goal is to provide opportunities to make connections, spark ideas, and develop communities of practice. The hosts aren’t expected to be experts, but rather to engage in the conversation, help everyone feel welcome, and encourage sharing questions, ideas, and experiences.
We are continuing with our Conference Virtual Reboot series this year. We will only be streaming and recording the keynotes; we will not be streaming or recording any other sessions at conference. Virtual access to the keynotes will be included with your 2027 in-person registration or available as a separate registration option. In the months following conference, we will invite some of the conference presenters to offer a version of their presentations as standalone webinars. This will allow for a more engaging and interactive virtual experience and ensure that people who could not attend conference still have access to these learning opportunities.
We expect that our conference format will continue to evolve. We will continue to adjust and respond to your feedback and the changing nature of conferences in the coming years.
We hope to see you at BC Library Conference in Richmond on April 21-23, 2027!