Call for Proposals
ACRL book Supporting Skilled Trades Training in the Academic Library
“Please share widely!”
I am excited to invite chapter proposals for the forthcoming ACRL book Supporting Skilled Trades Training in the Academic Library. This edited volume aims to help readers develop collections development, instruction, and research strategies that support skilled trades education. I am seeking case studies, empirical research, and alternative ways of knowing representing all types of academic libraries as important partners in skilled trades programs. Demand for skilled tradespeople has never been stronger, with private and public sectors responding with investment in training people for promising careers on the shop floor, the construction site, the kitchen, and the salon. The role of libraries in hands-on learning may not seem obvious but across North America, libraries are contributing everything from collaborative makerspaces and essential technical data to focused workshops and simulation technologies. This book examines the real challenges and opportunities in trades education and how academic libraries have positioned themselves to support learning and teaching success. I am looking for multiple perspectives on library/trades program partnerships that have real impact on student skill development, career pathways, and entrepreneurship. The book is tentatively divided into the following sections:
Part 1. Academic Libraries in the Skilled Trades Training Ecosystem
Chapter 1. Exploring the library / skilled trades training connection
- Definitions and the range of careers in trades
- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats in trades education (e.g., retention, access to specialized tools, etc.)
- Critical thinking in the trades
- Implications of the above for libraries
Chapter 2. Collections Development in the Trades
- Identifying and acquiring the specialized, unique information resources for trades education
- Challenges and opportunities of working with industry-focused vendors; challenges (fiscal, technical) of acquiring industry resources for the library
- Copyright, fair dealing/use and the role of OER – library’s role
- How AR/VR Technology is Disrupting Trades Education – library’s role
- Creative collection development initiatives; libraries loaning non-traditional materials (e.g., a cooking gear or tools)
Chapter 3. Entrepreneurship and Trades Education
- The business of trades for those interested in opening their own businesses
- Ideas for courses and research assignments, like creating business plans, conducting local market research, etc.
Part 2. Case Studies from the Shop Floor to the Library
Case studies could include for each trade: collections/specialized resources, supporting off-campus locations, preparing students for exams from governing bodies, and specialized instruction, spaces, services, etc.
Chapter 4: Transportation Trades
Chapter 5: Construction Trades
Chapter 6: Manufacturing Trades
Chapter 7: Service Trades
To submit a proposal, please visit https://forms.gle/
The form will require:
- Author names
- Job titles
- Emails
- Institutional affiliations
- A working chapter title
- An abstract up to 500 words
- Link to a current CV or list of publications
Timeline:
- December 1, 2025: Chapter proposals due
- January 12, 2026: Authors notified of acceptance of chapter proposals
- June 1, 2026: Chapter drafts due
- August 3, 2026: Chapter drafts returned to authors for revisions
Questions? libraries4tradesbook@gmail.com
