A: Yes. Details and a full list of Core Competencies are available on the OLC website.

A: Choose the primary Core Competency that most closely matches your program’s content.

A: A sponsor is a group or person, typically an OLC Division or Committee, that advocates for a program. While it is not required to have a sponsoring OLC Division or Committee for your session, it is recommended.

A: It is recommended that programs be submitted with a sponsor, but it is not required at the time of submission. The Professional Development Committee will work with you to find an appropriate sponsor, if needed.

A: OLC provides several delivery methods, whether standalone events or as part of a conference or convention.

• Keynote: A dedicated headline presentation of general interest to the entire event audience.
• Breakout Session: A one-hour program that is part of a conference or convention.
• Un-program: A moderator-facilitated discussion among a group of participants.
• LIBChat: (Library Interesting Briefs) A short, 10-15 minute session on a thought-provoking topic meant to introduce ideas to the group with no discussion or Q&A. Does not include audio-visual elements.
• Poster session: A visual representation of an educational topic that is displayed at another event. May include informational handouts.
• Panel: 3-4 speakers led by a moderator, who facilitates discussion between the members of the panel and the audience.
• Workshop: A standalone educational event on a specific topic or to develop a specific skill.
• Webinar: An educational event that is delivered electronically.
• Article: A written informational piece that may be published in OLC’s newsletter or other publication.

A: If you work in an Ohio library or for an organization that directly works with an Ohio library, you are usually not eligible for reimbursement or compensation. A speaker who is not a member of the Ohio library community may be eligible for expense reimbursement or compensation; reimbursement is to be negotiated prior to the program’s acceptance.

A: Every speaker must be registered for the event they attend. A speaker-appreciation rate may be available for some events. Speakers who are not members of the Ohio library community may have the registration fee waived and attend the event for free.

A: Committee members review all program submissions after the published deadline. Once a decision is made, the OLC will contact the primary speaker by email.