The Association for Rural & Small Libraries

The Voice of Rural & Small Libraries

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Inc. is a network of persons throughout the country dedicated to the positive growth and development of libraries. ARSL believes in the value of rural and small libraries and strives to create resources and services that address national, state, and local priorities for libraries situated in rural communities.

The Benefits of Membership

ARSL proudly supports and represents rural & small library staff. We welcome library staff of all kinds, partners, and ally organizations to learn more about ARSL membership. 

Become a Member

2020 ARSL Conference

#ARSL2020 is coming to Wichita, Kansas, on September 30–October 3, 2020! At this time, we are eagerly planning to meet in person for our annual event.

2020 Conference Homepage
 

ARSL Round Table: Rural & Small Libraries’ 
Response to COVID-19

This is an uncertain time for everyone but we are all in this together. If staff are working from home, how are they adapting? What services are currently being offered, and what ways can we increase access to them? Drop in for this opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing the COVID-19 public health crisis. All are welcome to attend and participate in our free, one-hour weekly ARSL COVID Round Tables. 

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Libraries Transforming Communities: 
Facilitation Skills for Small and Rural Libraries

The American Library Association (ALA) and ARSL have extended the application deadline to May 29 for Libraries Transforming Communities: Facilitation Skills for Small and Rural Libraries, a one-day facilitation / community engagement workshop at ARSL 2020.

The opportunity is open only to ARSL members. Fifty libraries will be selected. Each participating library will send one employee to participate in a one-day pre-conference workshop at the 2020 ARSL Conference in Wichita, KS.

The opportunity comes with a $1,000 travel stipend and free full conference registration. Participants agree to:

  • View five modules of an online course in advance of the workshop (total estimated viewing time: 2 hours)
  • Participate in the one-day, in-person pre-workshop on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at the 2020 ARSL Conference
  • Attend monthly coaching sessions (July 2020 – December 2020)

The application deadline has been extended to Friday, May 29. Winners will be notified by mid-June (before general registration for the conference opens).

Please read the full guidelines and apply online: http://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities/LTCARSLStipend/guidelines.

Questions? Email ALA’s Public Programs Office at [email protected].

DEADLINE EXTENDED: ARSL Conference Scholarships

Due to current circumstances, the deadline to apply for the 2020 ARSL Fall Conference Scholarships has been extended.  Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Central Time on Saturday, May 30, 2020 to be considered.

If you have any questions about the process or have any trouble with the application form, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] or [email protected].