GAIL 2026 Call for Proposals
McKenna Jacquemet
GAIL 2026 Call for Proposals
Deadline to submit: March 30, 2026
You
are invited to submit a proposal for the 3rd annual Generative AI in Libraries
(GAIL) virtual conference aimed specifically at librarians here: GAIL Conference
Proposal Form. This conference seeks to
explore the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries. It is
also an opportunity for librarians to share their experiences with generative
AI technologies and their applications in the library setting.
Scheduled to take place July
13-16, 2026 from 1-4pm EDT each day, the GAIL virtual conference aims to
promote a deeper understanding of how generative AI can revolutionize library
services like instruction, research support, collection management, access
services, outreach and collaboration, while also addressing the challenges and
ethical considerations this new technology brings to libraries.We welcome a
variety of perspectives, disciplines, and methodologies.
We welcome submissions from
librarians, researchers, educators, and practitioners working in libraries or
related fields with AI. Proposals are now being
accepted for 10- or 45-minute demonstrations, virtual discussion groups,
lightning talks, panel discussions, posters, presentations, or workshops on
topics related to generative AI and its applications in, and implications for
libraries, including but not limited to the
following tracks:
● AI implementation in libraries (examples of using AI in libraries)
● Ethical considerations and policy in AI
● AI and teaching/Information Literacy
● AI applications or products
● Assessment of AI use in libraries
If you submit a proposal and it is accepted for the conference, you acknowledge and give permission for the GAIL Committee to stream sessions live to YouTube; record your presentation to share digitally on our conference website, and YouTube channel; and you provide the rights for the GAIL Committee to deposit the presentation recording and any presentation files you share (such as slides, etc.) in the GAIL Conference Archive collection in the VTechWorks institutional repository of Virginia Tech for long-term preservation and access.
The conference planners wish to ensure a respectful and inclusive space. Please review the code of conduct. Submitting a proposal acknowledges acceptance and adherence to this code of conduct.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
● Name(s) and Affiliation(s) of Presenter(s)
● Brief bio of each presenter
● Session Description (See Categories below) - 300 words or less (Lightning Talks and Posters - 100 words or less)
● Proposed Audience (Academic, Public, School, Special Library, Other)
CATEGORIES
Session format- All sessions will be 45 minutes in length except lightning talks (10 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A) and poster sessions.
Demonstration - live demonstration of a specific AI application/product and how it can be used in a library setting.
Virtual Roundtable Discussion Group - is an interactive conversation about practices, research applications, or topics of interest to library professionals facilitated by one or two individuals on a specific topic initiated using questions selected by the facilitators (included in the proposal).
Lightning Talk – distill a larger talk into 10 minutes of the most relevant material on a topic with a 5 minute Q&A. Presenters will share innovative projects, new approaches, and research summaries.
Panel discussion - is a structured, informative conversation on a proposed topic featuring three to five panelists with different perspectives sharing ideas and answering questions in front of an audience.
Poster - a visual image (PDF) illustrating a project, process, research summary, instructional example, etc. that includes a link and QR code to a recorded explanation of the poster contents. Poster authors will be asked to respond to viewer questions generated online during the 4 days of the conference via a Google doc or interactive app via a QR code.
Presentation - a formal talk given by one or more individuals on a specific topic, project, or research area.
Workshop - a hands-on, interactive session designed to teach specific skills or provide in-depth knowledge on a particular topic.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
1. Relevance to Conference Objective and Tracks
● Alignment with the conference’s objective and tracks, focusing on generative AI applications in libraries
● Potential to contribute to (but not limited to) the advancement of library services, instruction, resources management, user engagement, public services, and research support
2. Innovation and Originality
● Demonstrates a novel application or innovative use of generative AI that addresses a specific need or challenge in libraries or in theory, practice, research, or pedagogy
3. Significance and Value to Libraries
● Demonstrates potential impact on enhancing library services, improving user experience, supporting research and learning or contributing to the library community
● Consideration of the proposed AI application or practices’ adaptability to other libraries or contexts
4. Variety of Perspectives, Disciplines, and Methodologies
5. Clarity & Organization of Proposal
6. Challenges & Ethics of GenAI considered within the Context of the Proposal
DATES:
● Call for Proposals opens February 2, 2026
● Proposal submission deadline: March 30, 2026
● Notification of acceptance: May 15, 2026
● Confirmation due from accepted presenters: May 29, 2026
● Conference Registration for committee, moderators, presenters opens: June 1, 2026 (ALL presenters MUST register by June 14th)
● Conference dates: July 13-16, 2026 from 1-4pm EDT each day
For inquiries or further information, please contact: gailconfer...@googlegroups.com We look forward to receiving your proposals and engaging in insightful discussions at the conference!
Sincerely,
Your Generative AI in Libraries (GAIL) Committee