Reimagining Librarianship: Purpose, Practice, and Possibility 

Tuesday 24th March 2026 in the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.

What does it mean to be a librarian today?

As society, technology, and institutions transform, so too does the work of librarians and the role of libraries. Yet the mission and values that define our profession remain as relevant as ever.

At ASL2026, we invite you to reflect on the purpose of our work, the practices that define it, and the possibilities that lie ahead. Why do we
do what we do? How are our core values enduring (or changing)? What shapes the daily practice of librarians today? How can we innovate and adapt while honouring the foundations of our profession?

The Committee invites submissions on the following topics (or any others that may be relevant to the theme):

•⁠ ⁠Ethics of librarianship and the mission of libraries in today’s world
•⁠ ⁠Professional identity and evolving roles
•⁠ ⁠Key skills and emerging competencies
•⁠ ⁠Transformations and innovations in library services
•⁠ ⁠Emerging technologies and their impact on libraries