2026 MCMLA Annual Meeting

Proposal Abstract Guidelines

The MCMLA Research Committee invites proposals for presentations at this year’s 2026 Annual Meeting. To submit, you will need to write an abstract that identifies your topic and presentation format. Please read the guidelines below carefully before submitting.

Word Limit

All abstracts have a 500-word limit.

Due Date

5PM CST, Friday, July 31, 2026

How to Submit

Submit via the Microsoft Form

Submission Formats

• Presentations (synchronous 15-minute sessions)
• Lightning Rounds (synchronous 5-minute sessions)
• Posters (pre-recorded 2-minute presentations)  
• Panel Presentations (synchronous presentations, presenters will be notified in advance once the timeline of sessions is determined.)

Submission Categories

There are two categories for submission format. Select the category that best fits your presentation — the Research Committee uses separate evaluation rubrics for each.

Traditional Research Presentations

• Award Eligibility: Research abstracts are eligible for consideration for the MCMLA Research Presentation Award(s).
• Formats: Research presentations may be proposed in any presentation format, including traditional presentations, poster sessions, or lightning rounds.
• Required Abstract Structure: Proposal abstracts must be structured and include the following sections:
  

• • Objective

  • Conclusions

  • Results

  • Methods

Sharing Presentations

For presentations about programs, initiatives, or creative ideas being implemented in libraries.

• Award Eligibility: Sharing abstracts are not eligible for the MCMLA Research Presentation Award(s), even if the content is research related.
  
• Formats: Sharing presentations may be proposed in any presentation format, including traditional presentations, poster sessions, or lightning rounds.
  
• Required Abstract Structure: Abstracts should be semi-structured and include the following sections:
  
• • Background
  • Description
  • Conclusion

Questions?

Contact the Research Committee Co-Chairs:

• Danielle Masursky — DMasursky@kansascity.edu 
• Katy Smith — kesmith@missouri.edu