Call for Proposals
MLA will now be using the Slideroom platform for proposal submission as well as some nominations and applications. This change aims to make it easier to review and organize proposals and applications, shorten the time it takes for applicants to receive a reply, and streamline our internal processes.
MLA’s Slideroom homepage will list all open programs; just select the application you wish to complete and set up a Slideroom account. You will be able to log in to this account to see updates and submit future applications and proposals. The application form will be very similar to past MLA applications, and full details can be previewed before beginning your application.
Please note that Slideroom will only accept one submission per email address. If you would like to submit multiple proposals, please use a second email address or have a co-presenter complete the form.
Annual Calls for Proposals are issued for our Spring Institute for Youth Services Conference and our Annual Conference. Calls for Proposals for webinars, workshops, and additional resources are issued as needed. Review details of open and upcoming calls for proposals below.
Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026 Call for Poster Proposals
Submissions are welcome through February 16, 2026.
Spring Institute is the premier professional development and networking event for Michigan library youth and teen services professionals. Are you working on a new project, but don’t have results ready to present a formal program? Have you worked on something really cool that you think others want to know about? Consider submitting a poster for Spring Institute for Youth Services and share your work with peers in an informal format. It’s a great way to jump into presenting without building a full-blown program.
- Posters will be displayed in the exhibit area of Spring Institute on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20. Please bring your poster to the registration desk when you arrive at the conference.
- Presenters do not need to accompany their poster during the event. Attendees will be encouraged to explore them on their own time.
- MLA staff and volunteers will monitor posters but are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
- Presenters who wish to take their posters home must collect them no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, March 20. Posters left after this time will be recycled.
Poster Submission General Guidelines
- You do not need to be an MLA member to submit a poster proposal.
- Presenters are not reimbursed or compensated for presentation time, mileage or any other expense related to their production of a poster or participation in the conference.
- Presenters, including MLA members, must register and pay for the day(s) they attend Spring Institute.
Selection Notification
MLA will contact each submitter in writing with regards to final decisions of the acceptance process by February 23, 2026.
Selection Criteria
The MLA Spring Institute workgroup will use the following criteria in assessing the viability of each poster presentation.
- Purpose: Does the proposal clearly identify one focus or idea?
- Practicality: Is the topic appropriate for a poster session in content and target audience?
- Relevance: Is the topic of current interest, bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to its intended audience and theme?
Poster Specifications
- Poster presenters are required to provide their own poster content.
- One (1) tri-fold presentation board with dimensions of 36’’ height by 48’’ width (24’’ center panel and 12’’ side panels) will be provided to each poster presentation at no cost to the presenter. Presentation boards will be provided at check-in during the conference. The usage of the MLA-provided presentation board is not a requirement; presenters may provide their own board if desired.
- Posters will be displayed on easels and should be able to stand on their own with some support. No table space will be provided.
- Poster presenters are required to provide their own means of adhering content to the poster board via tape, tacks, clips, putty, etc.
- Tri-fold boards will be available for pickup beginning at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Questions
Please feel free to contact MLA Event Coordinator Mackenzie Hanfland or Courtnei Moyses, Spring Institute 2026 Conference Chair, with any questions you may have prior to your submission.
Mackenzie Hanfland, Michigan Library Association: [email protected]
Courtnei Moyses, Grand Rapids Public Library Ottawa Hills Branch: [email protected]
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