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ARSL 2024 Conference Recap

 

Originally published October 25, 2024





Waiting outside Gate 21 where the scent of pizza from the nearby Eastside Pies booth filled the air, I excitedly chatted about the transitional weather with my new teammate – to quote James Hurst “summer was dead but autumn had not yet been born” – the logistics of traveling for work, and our preparedness to attend the 2024 Association for Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL) conference. Neither of us truly knew what to expect, but we had been told that ARSL is THE conference for rural and small libraries, with conference organizers who not only understand the constraints of these libraries but also the unique opportunities for their being chrysalises of change.




The conference theme “Libraries are (r)Evolutionary” proclaimed the event aimed to provide an opportunity for exploring the transformative power of rural and small libraries in our communities. Thus, I’d spend the next four days flitting from session to vivid session through the meadow of the MassMutual Center—sipping the nectar of inspiration while gathering the pollen of innovative ideas. Then, I’d fly home to Texas where our libraries can bear the fruit of better supported leadership needed to nourish the ever-changing needs of their patrons.

These are the sessions that made my brain float the most:

Library Policies: What You Need & Why

In this pre-conference session, Patty Collins and Gail Santy of the Central Kansas Library System discussed the essential policies a small library should adopt before they’re needed. Drawing upon their collective years of public service and library consulting experience, Collins and Santy shared a treasure trove of resources including cautionary tales, sample library policies, and a checklist for taking stock of current operating procedures. Given the uptick in requests that I’ve received regarding this matter, I was ecstatic to begin the conference by receiving this much needed information!


HR for Small & Rural Libraries

Presenters Sarah Vantrease of Sonoma County Library and Sara Koehn of Haskell Township Library shared their tips for successful personnel management for rural and small public libraries. Albeit the discussion offered a relatively high-level look at common human resource issues, Sarah and Sara began their talk with my new favorite insight: “There is no such thing as library HR; HR is HR.” Furthermore, they suggested some gems of practicality in directing attendees to Keva Usuf’s podcast and newsletter "I hate it Here,” the Public Library Director's HR Toolkit; and the Society for HR Managers (SHRM).


Professional Networking Group Meetups

Many of ARSL’s Professional Networking Groups held in-person meetings so members were able to connect in real life while attending the conference, rather than in their usual virtual spaces. Modeled on the success of the association’s “Solo-ish Librarians Happy Hour,” these groups generally host one-hour online meetings where attendees can share ideas, find support, and build community. With the exception of the existing Solo-ish Librarians Happy Hour and the Library Workers of Color group, ARSL Professional Networking Groups are open to ARSL members only. Moreover, there is no limit to how many Networking Groups members can join! For more information, visit the networking group webpage.


Partners for Rural Impact


After following each other online for quite some time, I had the opportunity to finally meet Dr. Regina Washington of Partners for Rural Impact (PRI) in the Exhibit Hall and hear more about how this nonprofit organization works to improve educational outcomes for rural youth. PRI believes that real change comes from transforming communities through a many-sided approach:

  • Increasing access to high-quality programs and supports to improve outcomes for children and youth in rural America

  • Strengthening civic infrastructure in rural places so that residents and local organizations have the systems and structures to come together to move outcomes

  • Driving resources and investment in rural communities by convening rural stakeholders to shape a shared narrative and advocating for policy changes at the state and federal levels


For more information about their work in Texas, visit the East Texas Cradle to Career Partnership webpage.


Igniting Partnerships: Strategies for Establishing Collaborative Bonds Between Public Libraries & Public Schools

As a former school librarian, Kristin Smith of Scottdale Public Library’s explanation of how her small, rural library has created a strong, successful relationship with their public school district that is mutually beneficial to both was the final session that I didn’t know I needed! Her ideas of how to start the relationship, maintain it, and collaborate for programming and resource sharing could be taken home and implemented right away! Moreover, participants were encouraged to share their concerns and experiences so they could troubleshoot ways to strengthen these relationships together!


***


After four days of connecting with fellow library workers from across the country, I was anxious to return home to the Lone Star State equipped with tools that addressed gaps in my personal experience and professional resources. After all, Texas—being a large field of small library flowers—turns a bountiful harvest of food for thought that I’m now better prepared to help nurture.
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