The 9th Empirical Librarians conference, “EmpLibs,” call for proposals (CFP) has been extended and is due Tuesday, January 20th, 2026! Looking for some cool facts about EmpLibs?
- EmpLibs is the conference that unites librarians who help researchers with librarians who are researchers, to share our insights.
- Presentations focus on practical “how to.” Share your advice about what works, what you learned, and how others can apply your methods or projects. Even if findings or assessment numbers were presented elsewhere, the EmpLibs conference appreciates a closer look at practical takeaways from your research methods, your study or program, and your project techniques with your researcher patrons.
- We welcome presenters and teams presenting online, onsite in Clemson, SC, or in a mixed format (onsite and online). Not sure about travel? You can pick your modality later! Uncertain funding? Presenters can get a waiver of the registration fee!
- Many proposals get feedback from the (anonymous) peer review process on how to better fit the EmpLibs audience.
Interested? Read on for the full announcement below, or submit your proposal abstractl!
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Are you a library worker who does original research or one who supports researchers?
Then please join us for the 9th Empirical Librarians Conference on Wednesday and Thursday, May 13-14, 2026, a hybrid simulcast gathering of in-person and online attendees focusing on the unique place held by original research & researchers in the larger information ecosystem, staged at Clemson University in Clemson, SC.
We seek proposals from librarians, library professionals, and LIS students on our two conference topic tracks:
- Track 1: Supporting original research. We encourage presentations on the unique needs of researcher-patrons, through faculty and graduate outreach, scholarly communications, data services, and more, and how supporting original researchers differs from work with other patrons.
- Track 2: Performing research in libraries. We seek discussions of practical methodology, including why research could be or was done a certain way and what lessons may help attendees conduct their own research.
Please submit proposal abstracts and information on this form. Proposals will be anonymized and peer reviewed.
The deadline to submit proposals has been extended to Tuesday, January 20th, 2026.
Presenters are expected to register as attendees. Registration will cost $50.00 for both virtual and onsite attendees, but presenters without funding (including students) can apply for a waiver to cover the registration fee.
Questions? Please contact Nina Exner, EmpLibs Conference Chair, at nexner@vcu.edu.
We look forward to seeing you there!
~ EmpLibs Conference Committee