9th Annual Vancouver Library Staff Conference (VILSC) 
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
On Friday, May 3, 2024, the University of Victoria, Camosun College and the Greater Victoria Public Library will co-host the 9th annual Vancouver Island Library Staff Conference (VILSC) at the University of Victoria. The one-day conference is free and open to all those working in libraries on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Powell River, to learn from each other and connect through the sharing of knowledge and ideas.
2024 CONFERENCE THEME: The Power of Collaboration
VILSC 2024 invites proposals for presentations on the theme of “The Power of Collaboration” in libraries. Almost, if not all, of our work in libraries relies on collaboration: collaboration between colleagues, between institutions, between communities. Collaboration can be defined as a way to connect with people, organizations, spaces, and technology to achieve organizational goals and a sense of community, but it can also mean different things to different people. Topics might include:
- Benefits and challenges of working together and in partnerships
- Collaborations that centre equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization
- Collaborations with Indigenous communities and partners
- Encouraging collaboration (how can we position ourselves to invite or initiate collaboration, etc.)
- Leadership as it relates to collaboration
- How collaboration has changed post-COVID lockdown
- What collaboration looks like in an increasingly digital environment, one shaped by emerging technologies such as generative AI
- Experimental approaches to collaboration or innovations in collaboration (e.g., collaboration with technology)
- Spaces for collaboration
- The future of collaboration
Proposals for talks with multiple presenters are especially welcome.
While the Power of Collaboration is the thematic frame for this year’s conference, we always encourage proposals from our library community on ANY relevant topic of interest. We welcome first-time and experienced presenters alike!
Deadline for proposals: Monday, February 26, 2024
To submit a proposal, fill out this form and email it to libraryconference@uvic.ca