December NMRT Online Discussion Board Article: Brainstorming Proposal Ideas & Collaborating with Colleagues

By: Jessica Kiebler

Hello readers, my name is Jessica Kiebler and I am writing as a member of the NMRT Online Discussion Forum Committee to provide you with an update from our December discussion, hosted on the NMRT-L listserv.

December’s discussion topic was about the best ways to brainstorm an idea and collaborate with colleagues for a conference proposals. 

The discussion questions focused on how librarians make time for conference work, gather their ideas and see it through to a proposal or accepted session:

1.  What are the most effective ways you brainstorm and select ideas for conference proposals?
2.  How do you find time to work on proposals outside of your daily library work?
3.  How do you find someone to partner with if you don’t want to submit alone?
4.  What are some tips you have for working with existing colleagues on submitting proposals?
Write about what you do

 A theme in the responses that were received was to find inspiration in your daily work for conference proposals. This can be done two ways:  review your recent projects to find ideas or create projects within your position that both fill a need in your job responsibilities and would also be beneficial for other librarians.

Collaborating with Colleagues

In terms of collaborating with colleagues, there are a few ways to get the most out of proposal partnerships.

Focus on your curiosity.  If you want to learn about a specific topic, you can reach out to a colleague who knows that area and brainstorm a proposal that blends your work and theirs.  You both learn something new from the experience!

If you are on any committees at your library, those partnerships with fellow committee members can be a great source of conference inspiration. This can also apply to committee work with state or national organizations where your work with colleagues could provide unique ideas for proposals.

Get Accepted!

There were some practical tips to take away from the month’s discussion:

  • Start by submitting a proposal to smaller local conference or consortium as opposed to a national or international conference. The experience is just as valuable by could increase your chances of acceptance.
  • The previous year’s conference brochure can provide information on what types of proposals are accepted.
  • If the conference has a theme, that can lend itself to ideas for potential proposals and ideas for titles.
  • Sometimes a small idea can transform into something more complex and conference-worthy after some reflection or discussion with colleagues. Don’t discount any ideas!
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