Call for Proposals

RAILS, the premier Australasian research conference on Research Applications in Information and Library Studies, is the leading annual event for researchers, practitioners, and educators in information studies and related fields, including librarianship, archival science, and social and community informatics. Since 2004, the conference has fostered a culture of informed and innovative research practice across Australasia.  

RAILS 2026 will be a three-day conference, from Tuesday, 1 December to Thursday, 3 December 2026, at the Adelaide University, City West Campus, Adelaide, Australia. The conference will include the Australasian Information Educators’ Symposium (AIES), a Doctoral Consortium, and Keynote Sessions. 

The conference aims to highlight the breadth and diversity of library and information studies. We welcome submissions across a wide range of topics, including professional practice, community engagement, knowledge organisation, literacy and reading cultures, archives and records management, digital inclusion, leadership, and innovative service delivery. While emerging technologies remain an important area of discussion, we particularly encourage contributions that explore the broader professional, social, and cultural dimensions of library and information work.

LIS is uniquely positioned to shape a vibrant, interdisciplinary future by cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning among emerging leaders. Through education and research, it delivers significant economic, social, and cultural value to diverse stakeholders and communities. By reflecting on its rich history and embracing innovation, LIS continues to drive progress and foster informed, equitable societies.  

In 2026, the School of Computer Science and Information Technology at Adelaide University, Australia, will celebrate its inaugural year after the merging of University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. LIS education and research at Adelaide University and its predecessor institutions (University of South Australia and the South Australia College of Advanced Education) have been educating LIS practitioners and academics for over 70 years.