CFP: RBMS Conference, “A Multitude of Stories”

Deadline: Friday, December 13, 2024

The RBMS Conference Program Planning Committee enthusiastically invites you to contribute to our exploration of “A Multitude of Stories“. We seek innovative and thought-provoking proposals for in-person or virtual presentations that delve into the transformative work of decolonization in libraries and cultural heritage institutions.

This conference is your opportunity to showcase how you are actively engaging with critical themes such as repatriation, reparative cataloging, reconciliation, and more. We want to hear about the bold steps you’re taking to rethink and reshape the narratives within your collections, particularly those connected to colonial histories, Indigenous cultural heritages, and marginalized communities.

Your voice and experience are crucial to this dialogue. Whether you’re pushing boundaries with new methodologies or reflecting on the challenges and successes of your decolonization efforts, we want to amplify your story. Join us in a collective effort to rethink and reimagine the role of special collections in fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.

Six session formats are available and potential topics might include but are not limited to:

  • Innovative repatriation practices
  • Strategies for reparative cataloging
  • Reconciliation efforts in archival work
  • Ethical challenges in decolonization projects
  • Collaborative initiatives with Indigenous communities
  • Addressing the legacy of colonialism in special collections

Submit your proposal and be part of a powerful movement to transform how we engage with our collective histories.

Collaboration Spreadsheet

Seeking someone to collaborate with on a presentation? Use this spreadsheet to help find someone!

Modality Options

All presenters in the same session must be either ALL in-person in New Haven, CT or ALL virtually presenting from their own location(s). Please note, slots for virtual presentations are limited.

Selection Criteria

The RBMS 2025 Conference committees will evaluate proposal content on the following criteria:

  • Point of view/Creativity
  • Applicability/Timeliness
  • Relevance to Conference Theme (exclusion for Seminars and Workshops)
  • Clarity of Proposal and Suitability for Session Format

Seminar proposals will also be evaluated for their:

  • Educational component
  • Originality

Workshop proposals will also be evaluated for their:

  • Level of preparation, including:
    • Plan for the session
    • Selection of speakers
    • Learning objectives
  • Potential value as a workshop

For every session format, you must complete the proposal application in full to receive full consideration.

You may submit multiple proposals for consideration, but if accepted for more than one program, you may be asked to choose one.

Requirements

RBMS 2025 presenters will be required to: 

Leave a comment