13th Annual Kraemer Copyright Conference
June 15- 17 20262026 Conference Theme
The 2026 Kraemer Copyright Conference will explore the transformative power of disruption in shaping the future of libraries, copyright, and access to knowledge. Disruption—whether sparked by technology, legal challenges, or shifting cultural expectations—presents both profound risks and extraordinary opportunities. This year’s conference invites participants to consider how libraries and copyright professionals can navigate and harness disruption as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and advocacy. Together, we will examine how disruptive forces are reshaping copyright policy, redefining publishing and licensing models, and challenging traditional assumptions about information access. By embracing disruption, libraries and library workers can reimagine their roles as agents of change, leading the way toward forward-looking systems of knowledge sharing.
Bootcamp Day- Monday, June 15, 2026
The conference opens Monday afternoon with our optional Copyright Bootcamp, designed for those who want a strong foundation or a refresher before the main conference begins. This is an ideal arrival day—giving you time to get oriented, settle in, and ease into the week.
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm | Registration/ Nametag Pickup |
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Bootcamp, Part I |
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm | Break |
3:15 pm - 5:00 pm | Bootcamp, Part II |
5:30 - 7:30 | Optional Social Hour |
Full Conference Day- Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Tuesday is a full day of keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions. The day begins with registration, breakfast, coffee, and a welcome, followed by a full slate of programming and opportunities to connect with colleagues.
Lunch is provided for all registered attendees.
An evening reception with hor d’oeuvres will follow.
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Registration, Coffee & Light Refreshments |
9:00 am - 9:45 am | Seth Porter- Designing for Creativity: Beyond Innovation Theater in Higher Education |
9:45 am - 10:40 am | Tucker Taylor and Eric Harbeson- Copyright in the Public Library |
10:40 am - 11:00 am | Break |
11:00 am - 11:55 am | Kenneth Crews- Copyright of 1976, Plus Fifty Years: We Hardly Knew What Slipped Away |
11:55 am - 12:55 pm | Lunch (provided) |
12:55 pm - 2:00 pm | Ask Me Anything Round Table Discussions (65 minutes) |
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm | Break |
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm | Katherine Klosek and Stephen Wolfson- It's Only Fair Use the First Time... Right? Debunking Copyright Rules of Thumb |
3:15 pm - 4:00 pm | Lightning Talks (45 minutes) |
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Kyle Courtney- The Architecture of Collection Resilience: Building Knowledge Systems that Outlast Disruption |
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Reception and Poster Sessions (concurrent, poster sessions 5:15 - 6:30) |
Closing Day - Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Our final day features a shorter schedule with breakfast, morning sessions and a closing program. This day is designed to allow participants to travel home in the afternoon. Attendees can plan departures for early to mid-afternoon.
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Morning Coffee & Light Refreshments |
8:30 am - 9:30 am | Kevin Smith and Lisa Macklin- Advancing Your Career as a Copyright Librarian |
9:30 am - 10:30 am | Sandra Enimil- Copyright Roundup |
10:30 am - 10:45 am | Break |
10:45 am - 11:45 am | John Willinsky- How Copyright Can Fix Open Access: A Disruptive Remedy |
11:45 am - 12:00 pm | Closing Remarks |