2026
CRKN Virtual Conference: Creative Collaborations, Collective Momentum
Virtual
May 12 - 14, 2026
Call for Proposals
CRKN is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2026 CRKN Virtual Conference, which will be held from May 12-14, 2026.
Our conference theme is Creative Collaborations, Collective Momentum, and we invite proposals that speak broadly to this theme. We seek to explore how our community’s shared energy, ideas, and partnerships continue to drive meaningful progress. From cross-institution projects to innovative approaches to digital stewardship, we aim to highlight the ways the Canadian research community is building momentum together and shaping the future of research, access, and knowledge. Does your organization have a story or collaboration deserving a bigger spotlight?
In the spirit of Creative Collaborations, Collective Momentum, we invite abstracts on topics including, but not limited to:
- Collaborative visions for sustainable research, scholarship, and digital futures
- Shared advocacy efforts that amplify the needs of libraries, researchers, and GLAM institutions
- Innovative partnerships in the research and GLAM sectors
- Collective activities to support open knowledges, open access, and open science
- Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) initiatives
- Truth and Reconciliation in library and GLAM practices
- Collaborations to strengthen persistent identifier adoption and infrastructure
- Community-developed projects and tools
- Collective approaches to digital preservation and long-term stewardship
- Momentum-building success stories: small collaborations that scale into broader initiatives
- Cross-institution training, mentorship, and capacity-building programs
Proposals may take the form of:
- 15-minute talks or presentations
- 30-minute sessions
- 60-minute sessions
- 30-minute guided thematic discussions: guided thematic discussions are sessions that are facilitated by at least one host and that incorporate attendee participation, similar to an extended question and answer period
If you wish to propose a different type of session, please provide additional information in your submission about how your session would unfold.
We also ask presenters to include a brief positionality statement as part of their proposal. Positionality statements help contextualize perspectives, experiences, and relationships to the communities, institutions, or histories connected to your work. Including one supports transparency, deepens understanding, and strengthens our shared commitment to equitable, collaborative dialogue throughout the conference.
Proposals should include a 250-word abstract for your presentation or panel and a 100-word speaker biography for each speaker. Please submit your proposals using this form by Friday, January 9, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET.
All proposals will be considered, and final selections will be made by the CRKN Conference Planning Committee. All proposals will be delivered virtually to a virtual audience.
For more information, please contact Mélanie Plante at engagement@crkn.ca.
Conference Code of Conduct
CRKN is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive conference environment, and trains staff and committee members on incident reporting and follow-up. All attendees and organizers of the Virtual Conference must adhere to our Conference Code of Conduct.