Coming to Kingsport, TN, April 15–17, 2025

The Collective is a conference-like coming together of library workers but without all the things that make regular conferences suck.

Here's 6 of the many ways we’re different:

  1. EVEN FOOTING: Everyone who attends is an active participant and paid an equally low registration fee. Celebrity culture is for tabloids, not conferences. 

  2. ACTIVE LEARNING: We emphasize skill-building, tangible takeaways, and networking. No “CV filler” or“sage on a stage” presentations here!

  3. LOW COST: Designed for affordability, those within driving distance can typically cover all associated costs of attendance for around $700.

  4. PARTNERSHIPS, NOT SALES: We think developing relationships with vendors is far more effective than hard sales, so we program real discussions rather than sales pitches.

  5. PRACTITIONER-FOCUSED: While administrators can certainly bring a wealth of knowledge and level of expertise, we believe that the ratio of admins to front-line workers should be reflective of the real-world landscape. 

  6. NONPROFIT: Our events are put on by volunteers who give their time in service to the profession. We do not profit off of registration fees; in fact, attendance costs are subsidized for all participants thanks to our hard fundraising work. 

    Oh, and did we mention? Our registration is under $300! That’s right—we’re bringing incredible value without breaking the bank.

Where is The Collective being held in 2025?

The Library Collective 2025 will take place at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport, TN. This location offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. Attendees can enjoy the resort’s scenic golf course, comfortable accommodations, and relaxing spa, all while staying close to the vibrant local community - and all at a rate of $110 per night. The conference center provides spacious and flexible meeting rooms, ideal for our interactive and creative sessions. Plus, its convenient location near major highways and the Tri-Cities Airport makes it easy to reach.

Ready to book your room?

Reserve your $110 per night rate online here or by calling (800) 228-9290 – just let them know you’re with The Library Collective.

What takes place at The Collective?

The gathering consists of four fun nights and three full days.

The program schedule and content is set by the participants. Learn more about the unique programming process here.

Morning kickoff sessions consist of interactive plenaries and panels, followed by more takeaway-driven afternoon sessions and lightning talks.

Extended lunchtimes offer an opportunity for discussion of special topics among shared interest groups or informal gatherings in our "unconference" spaces--the IdeaLibrary and Tinker Lab.  Aside from a longer afternoon "wrap-up" plenary discussion on the third day, evenings and break-day are reserved for informal networking, personal reflection, and exploration of nature or the local culture scene. 

How do we program The Collective?

We invite library practitioners to propose sessions to see at The Collective. After the public process closes, proposals undergo a double-blind peer review, followed by a third and final review by the Programming Committee.

READY TO JOIN US?

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Interested in Presenting?

Learn more about our theme.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

READ THE FAQ.

Ready to JOIN US? REGISTER NOW!

Key Dates & Review Timeline

Oct 14, 2024 Proposals Open

Nov 1, 2024 Registration Opens

Dec 31, 2024 Proposals Close

Jan 10, 2025 Peer Review Completed

Apr 15, 2025 The Collective 2025 Begins

Here's what The Collective has looked like.

Note: There’s a lot of meeting people, conversations, and hands-on workshops. If you are looking to listen to lectures, sit in the back by yourself, or not engage with others, this is not the conference for you!