About the Conference
The University of Wisconsin-Madison iSchool is excited to announce Upgrade, a new conference dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology and library services. This two-day event in Madison, WI will bring together library staff from across the globe to discuss innovative practices in library technology.
This conference will focus on cutting-edge topics, including artificial intelligence applications in libraries, effective use of social media for community engagement, and the crucial importance of cybersecurity in protecting our digital resources.
Call for Proposals
All session proposals for Upgrade must be submitted through the proposal form for consideration. Submit your session to the Proposal Form by March 2, 2025.
We are looking for presenters to offer insights, strategies, and tools that will transform how we serve our communities through technology.
- Topics may include but are not limited to: Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, cybersecurity and data privacy, media labs and makerspaces, social media, media literacy, podcasts, digital collections, equity, accessible and inclusive technology, and OER.
- Staff from public, academic, and K-12 libraries of all sizes are welcome to attend.
- Conference sessions can take one of several formats, and you are welcome to submit multiple proposals!
- Lecture presentation: 45-minute presentation + 15 min Q&A
- Workshop presentation: One-hour hands-on learning experience about a tool of your choice
- Lightning talk: 5-minute mini presentation about a new initiative at your library
- Roundtable discussion: Lead a one-hour in-depth full-group discussion on a topic of your choice. No need to prepare a presentation—just shepherd good conversation!
- Priority will be given to sessions that include interactive elements and audience participation.
- Full-length presentation speakers will receive free conference registration; lightning talk speakers and roundtable moderators will receive discounted registration.
- If you are willing, please include a jpeg photo of yourself that can be uploaded to Sched, our conference agenda app. This can be either a professional headshot or a more casual photo!
- Presenters will be required to present in Madison, WI.
Proposal Evaluation
The committee will evaluate all of the submissions as individual entries and how they fit within the balance of conference content as a whole. The Program Committee will evaluate all proposals submitted by the deadline using the following criteria:
- Clarity and completeness of the proposal, particularly having well-developed content and sufficient speakers to address all relevant aspects of the topic;
- Originality and relevance of the proposed topic;
- Uniqueness of content in relation to other conference presentations;
- A range of speaker experiences and representations