(via the Illinois Library Association)
The Illinois Library Association has made the difficult decision to hold the 2021 ILA Annual Conference virtually. While we anticipate and hope the climate will be better by October the decision needs to be made now and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet safely in Peoria. The ILA Executive Board, 2021 Conference Program Committee, and ILA staff have discussed our options and agree that the safety of our members, exhibitors, and speakers is our top priority.
While we all wish we could meet in person this year, the Conference Program Committee is committed to developing a high-quality virtual conference for the Illinois library community. We are working with Peoria to reschedule for a future year and look forward to seeing you in person in Rosemont in 2022. More information on submitting a proposal for the 2021 meeting is below.
The Conference Program Committee is seeking proposals for the 2021 Annual Conference. The theme is “Breaking Down Barriers: Building Up Communities”. Proposals should reflect the various approaches that libraries of all sizes, service areas, and geographic locations within Illinois have had to use in addressing the challenges of 2020-21 and beyond. Now, perhaps more than ever before, it is critical for Illinois library staff to share knowledge, resources, and expertise with each other and their communities. The goal of the Conference is to create an environment that enables attendees to learn from each other and leave with ideas, themes, and mindsets that they can take back to their own organizations and communities.
Share your ideas by submitting a program proposal here. The Committee is seeking programs that focus on pushing boundaries, thinking big, inspiring, imagining possibilities, and encouraging innovation. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 31.