You are invited to submit your proposal to lead a concurrent presentation at the Public Libraries Victoria (PLV) Conference. The two-day conference will be held at the Rydges Melbourne, Victoria from 7th to 8th September 2026.

All items must be submitted in full for your application to be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Bumper Conference Management at info@bumpermgmt.com.au or (03) 7031 9900.

Abstract Submission Format

• Presenters need to ensure their presentation is strictly meets the time requirement: 15-20 mins for panel presentations, 10 mins for strategic conversations & 5 minutes for lightning talks; presentations should not be too short nor too long.
• Title of abstract
• Abstract (250 words maximum)

Conference Theme:

"Libraries Loud and Proud".

A time to amplify the voices, values, and vibrancy of public libraries across Victoria and beyond. Public libraries are dynamic community hubs. Public library staff are champions of equity, defenders of democracy and facilitators of knowledge, creativity, and connection.

When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.

Session Overview

The conference will include 45-minute interactive presentations, including Q&A.

Presentation submissions will be assessed on the overarching theme “Libraries: Loud & Proud”. The overarching theme has six streams for consideration as listed below, plus a ‘wild card’ entry (great ideas).

Please indicate on your submission form which category is most relevant to your submission. You can enter your abstract into more than one category if appropriate.

• Outreach: Libraries coming to you, diversifying service delivery methods
• Early Years: Building brighter futures
• AI & Digital Literacy: in the library and in the community
• Access & Inclusion: diversity, language, accessibility, etc.
• Libraries today & tomorrow: Trends impacting libraries today and what that might look like in the future (workforce, social value, etc)
• Program & Partnerships: Collaborating for impact

Key Criteria

Submissions will be assessed on their:

• Alignment with the conference theme
• Context within the overall conference program
• Relevance and congruity to the session stream program

Please ensure your abstract can stand alone. It should be understandable without reading a paper or seeing a presentation.