Libraries are not confined to traditional institutions; they exist in a myriad of unexpected places, serving diverse communities in innovative ways. From lighthouses and artists’ studios to mobile book vans and digital platforms, libraries continue to evolve, offering knowledge and resources in creative and unconventional settings. This call for papers seeks to explore the rich and often overlooked world of libraries that exist outside the norm—whether in remote villages, repurposed structures, personal collections, or virtual spaces.
We invite scholars, librarians, historians, and researchers from various disciplines to present their research at the 2025 LHRT Research Forum, which will focus on how libraries in unexpected places serve communities, preserve history, and expand access to knowledge. The forum aims to highlight historical studies of library outreach and development, including 20th and 21st-century topics. Single-case studies, theoretical perspectives, and other approaches are welcomed, but use of primary sources is expected. Each speaker will be asked to present for approximately 20 minutes, with a 10-minute Q&A to follow.
To accommodate as many attendees as possible, the 2025 Research Forum will be held virtually after the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, on Wednesday, July 23, 2:00-3:30 EST.
Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
Libraries in Unconventional Spaces
- Libraries and library collections housed in unique buildings or premises.
- Personal and private libraries with public impact.
- Community-based initiatives such as Little Free Libraries and other book-sharing projects.
- Rural and mobile libraries that reach remote and underserved populations.
Library Outreach and Collaboration
- Librarians bringing books and services to nontraditional settings.
- Novel partnerships between libraries and other institutions and organizations.
- Efforts to preserve and document library collections that exist outside formal institutions.
Access Beyond Physical Spaces
- Online and open-access libraries in areas lacking traditional library services.
- Hybrid models that combine physical and digital library services to reach broader audiences.
- The role of technology in expanding knowledge beyond geographic and economic barriers.
Submission Guidelines:
We welcome submissions from a variety of perspectives, including historical studies, case studies, ethnographic research, theoretical analyses, and reflective essays. We will consider research projects already underway or, if at the beginning of the project, a discussion of new methodologies to be used in the work. Please note that projects or project plans should include a primary source research component.
- Each proposal must include the paper title, an abstract (up to 500 words), and the presenter’s one-page vita. Please indicate in the abstract whether the research is in progress or completed.
- Proposals are due March 15, and decisions will be communicated shortly thereafter.
- Completed papers are due May 31.
Please submit proposals and direct inquiries to Jennifer Bartlett, LHRT Vice Chair/Research Committee Chair, at jen.bartlett@uky.edu.
We encourage interdisciplinary approaches and diverse voices to contribute to this exciting exploration of libraries in unexpected places. If you have a unique perspective or case study that falls outside these categories but aligns with the theme, we welcome your proposal! We look forward to your submissions and to celebrating the vast and varied ways libraries continue to inspire, adapt, and serve.
Research Committee Members:
Jennifer Bartlett
Bernadette Lear
Catherine Minter
Deborah Smith
Rachel Trnka
