Research Network Call for Proposals
2026 Call for Proposals
As part of our work to encourage and support new and impactful ideas, policy, and research in digital libraries, we are soliciting proposals from library workers, advocates, and researchers who want an opportunity to pursue their boldest questions and ideas. We encourage experimentation and creativity. To ensure consideration, apply by October 16, 2026.
Overview
We encourage all to apply and will be prioritizing proposals from those whose work is often overlooked, including public librarians, library advocates, and diverse candidates. Please don’t let your title or organization stop you from proposing an idea! We want to hear from a wide variety of people. We are also open to group submissions. We will provide selected projects with funding/honorarium of up to $4,000 based on the length of the project, the output, and the amount of labor required to complete it. This research funding can be used for contracted work, honoraria for participants, or other uses as approved by the Library Futures team. Projects will be maximum 6 months-1 year in length. We have historically funded 4-5 projects at a time.
All deliverables produced with grant funds will be licensed under CC BY.
Potential Research Topics
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in digital spaces and libraries
- Consolidation of publishers, vendors, and vended products
- Empirical analysis of the e-book market
- How federal and local technology policy impacts libraries and library workers
- Climate and digital green infrastructure in libraries
- AI and other emerging technologies (Web 3, blockchain, etc.)
- The AI Hype Cycle
- Worker rights and the future of library work in a digital world
- State and local issues/advocacy around digital libraries
- International solidarity in digital libraries
- Digital copyright and collections
- Proactive approaches to combating digital censorship and surveillance
- Building and maintaining digital public space for libraries and online programming
- Building and maintaining digital collections in a licensed world
- Digital book bans, censorship, and threats to libraries, library workers, and the communities they serve
- Digital libraries and intersections with news organizations
- Digital ownership
- Your big, bold idea!
While we encourage you to experiment with outputs, we find the best projects are highly defined and manageable. In the past, we have supported zines, short e-books, reports, and interactive projects. We are hoping for a diversity of projects this round, so be creative!
What We Don’t Support
Library Futures focuses on digital libraries. While physical libraries and in-person programming are incredibly important, we are a digital rights organization and are looking for proposals related to our work and issue set.
We do not fund conference travel or presentations, individual professional development, or any program costs incurred outside the scope of project work, including indirect costs.
How to Apply
To apply, submit a CV or resume for all members of the project team, a brief project narrative, and an itemized budget. You can preview the application on our website.
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. To ensure consideration, apply by October 16, 2026.
