Ruth Jenkins - Executive Officer Mar 31, 2026
Mercian 2026 Conference
I can’t do any more with less! – Collaborative and innovative ways to enhance library spaces, collections, and engagement without over-stretching ourselves
(#Mercian26)
Mercian 2026 Conference is a vibrant, friendly event open to all library staff working at a Mercian Collaboration member institution. Mercian 26 offers opportunities for networking, meeting colleagues, sharing experiences, and hearing new ideas.
#Mercian26 on X and #Mercian26 on Bluesky
Date and venue
Date: Wednesday 9th September 2026
Location: The Venue@DMU, De Montfort University
In Person
Conference theme
In an era of tightening budgets, reducing staff capacity, and evolving user expectations, academic libraries are under increasing pressure to deliver more (e.g. more services, more innovation, more engagement) while working with less.
The conference aims to explore practical, collaborative, and sustainable approaches that enable libraries to maintain and enhance their offer without over‑stretching teams or resources.
It will provide space to learn from colleagues across the region, share good practice in all aspects of library work, and to reflect on opportunities to thrive within institutional and sector-wide constraints.
Keynote
We are close to confirming our keynote speaker and we look forward to announcing further details soon.
Our Sponsors and supporters
Mercian 26 is funded by sponsorship from publishers, library suppliers and not-for-profit supporters. Our sponsors and supporters are a key part of the event, exhibiting and participating in person throughout the day. Without their support Mercian 26 would not be possible as a free to attend conference.
- Platinum sponsors – Kortext and Overton
- Gold sponsors – Brown’s Books, Bloomsbury, Burgundy Information Services Ltd., Coherent Digital, EBSCO, Manchester University Press, Taylor & Francis and VitalSource Technologies
- Silver sponsor – OCLC
We offer a range of sponsorship options and opportunities. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this year or at a future conference, please get in touch via mercianconference@gmail.com.
Call for Papers and Posters
Our speakers are staff from member libraries presenting and discussing their work, priorities, and initiatives, in line with conference themes. We especially encourage proposals from new speakers, who gain valuable experience of presenting at a professional conference.
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Full details will be available with the ‘Call For Papers’ and ‘Call for Posters’, to be announced shortly.
Eligibility and Delegate Bookings
To attend Mercian 26, you must be higher education libraries staff at a Mercian Collaboration member institution. We do not charge for delegate bookings.
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Bookings are likely to open late spring/early summer.
More information will continue to be added to this website as it becomes available
We look forward to you attending, speaking and being a part of the conference on the day.
If you have any questions, please email mercianconference@gmail.com
Photo credit: De Montfort University
