Academic Libraries North Conference 2026

The 2026 Academic Libraries North (ALN) Conference is on the theme of 'Reimagining Openness in Academic Libraries'.

The conference will span two days, with an online session on Wednesday June 24th and an in-person event in the Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, on Monday July 6th. The conference will examine how, in a landscape shaped by open access mandates, open research infrastructures, open educational resources, and open data, academic libraries are often positioned as champions of openness.

ALN Conference 2026 (#ALN26) will delve into the issues raised by what openness means within academic libraries in all its forms: open access, how open they are to different users groups, and how open staff are with one another. The programme comprises a range of thought-provoking workshops, presentations, lightning talks and keynote speakers. More information is available on the conference website: https://academiclibrariesnorth.ac.uk/conference/aln-conference-2026/

ALN acknowledges the financial constraints institutions are currently facing. To align with our conference theme, we are offering a discount for bulk bookings to help offset the additional costs. The discount applies to:

• In-person day tickets

• Combined tickets for the in-person + online day

The discount does not apply to:

• Online day tickets

If you wish to buy 5 (or more) tickets for the in-person day or the combined tickets for the in-person + online day, then please contact us at [email protected] and we will be in touch with more information (please note: this option will require payment by invoice).

We are offering 10 sponsored places for both presenters and delegates at ALN26. Sponsored places will cover attendance at both the online and in-person days, as well as provide a contribution towards travel costs (up to £80) for attending the in-person day. We are offering the places to those who work in an ALN institution or are studying in the North of England for a relevant qualification. We welcome applications from underrepresented population groups in the library community, and those who may otherwise have experienced barriers to attending to apply for a sponsored place.

If you are successful, you will be expected to produce a personal output within four weeks. This could include contributing to social media during the conference, producing a blog/vlog post summarising the sessions attended, or another creative way of showcasing your experience that can be published on the ALN website.

To apply for one of the sponsored places, please email [email protected]. Use the email subject ‘ALN Sponsored Place Application’ and include the following information:

1. Your name, job title, and name of the ALN institution you work for/study in.
2. A maximum of 250 words on your anticipated learning outcomes of the conference, how you feel you will benefit from attending, and how you hope to put your learning into action.
3. Your suggested output for promoting/contributing to the conference - e.g. a blog post.
4. Whether you would like to attend the online day only, or the whole conference.

Applications should be recevied by the 29th April.

If you require a carer to accompany you to the in person day, please let us know on the order form questions or contact us at [email protected] and we will be in touch to arrange for a ticket for your carer to join you on the day.

Delegates can choose to attend both days, or the day that is most relevant to them.

Delegates are welcome from all regions, not only those who work in ALN member institutions.

Please visit the website for the full programme. Parallel sessions do not require booking in advance.

The in person day of the conference is due to begin at 10am.

Photos will be taken at the event and delegate names / institutions will be shared with other attendees by default. If you'd prefer to be excluded from this, please let us know.

If you have any questions about the conference, or have questions about booking and payments, please contact us at [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Academic Libraries North Conference Committee