Sam Rogers Apr 10, 2026
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Start September 9, 2026 9:15 am |
End September 9, 2026 4:00 pm |
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Location The Venue@DMU, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE2 7BU |
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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 Conference 2026 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.
Our Sponsors
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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.
More Information
You can find all up to date and relevant information about the conference – including Calls for Papers and Posters – on our dedicated Mercian 2026 Conference pages.
