We're very pleased to share that the Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference (CALC) is returning for 2026. We're planning an online conference during the week beginning 11th May. Tickets will go on sale in early 2026.
Stage 1 of our Call for Papers (CfP) is now open. If you're not familiar with CALC, we use a two-part process with the stage 1 reserved for sessions led by presenters who experience under-representation and/or marginalisation in libraries, academia or traditional library conferences. A second unreserved CfP will open in January.
More details, a guide to writing proposals and a form to submit session proposals can be found on the Call for Papers page of our website.
The closing date for the Stage 1 CfP is Friday 19th December, 23.59 (GMT).
If you have questions, queries or want to discuss a potential session you can contact us using calcconference@gmail.com
All the best,
Darren Flynn & Michelle Bond
The Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference 2025 (#CALC25) took place Tuesday 13th - Thursday 15th May 2025. We're proud to say that this was our biggest conference yet with over 170 attendees, 39 speakers/contributors, 27 sessions and 19 hours of critical library content.
You can find the full details about the conference on our #CALC25 page, including links to session abstracts, recordings, presenter slides and collaborative resources from attendees. Session recordings from 2025 and our archive from previous conferences can also be found on our YouTube channel.
We're a non-profit conference and need to raise funds to deliver the conference to you. If you're able to donate to us, please do so via our Open Collective site.
Darren Flynn and Michelle Bond
Co-organisers - Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference
Get in touch with us at calcconference@gmail.com