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 will be held virtually. Please visit out conference page for information on dates, format, and programming as we transition to an online event.

2020 Conference Homepage
 

Registration Is Open for #ARSL2020—Now Online!

Registration is now open for the 2020 ARSL Conference!

When: September 28–October 2, 2020
Where: Now online!

The ARSL Conference Committee Chairs and members of the ARSL Board recently met to discuss our options for holding the ARSL 2020 Conference. It was a tough but unanimous decision—ARSL 2020 will be held virtually. The health of our members and communities is ARSL’s top priority. While we will miss seeing everyone in Wichita, we are excited for this opportunity to reach library professionals who will not be able to travel this year, as well as those who have never been able to attend an ARSL conference. We look forward to making this a fully enjoyable experience for all attendees, presenters, and exhibitors!

ARSL Receives IMLS Grant for Leadership Institute

ARSL's Board of Directors is excited to share this press release that ARSL has been selected to receive a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Award for our “Outstanding in Their Field” ARSL Leadership Institute.

This IMLS grant will fund the development of an immersive institute tailored to elevate those in key positions in rural and small libraries to step confidently into leadership roles in their libraries, their communities, our association, and the larger library field.

Stay tuned for more details coming via our member listserv soon!

ARSL Elections Nominations Now Open!

The Nominating Committee invites all current ARSL members to run for election! If you are seeking leadership experience, looking for a way to expand your library community, and passionate about advocating for rural & small libraries and their workers, we want you!

We specifically extend this invitation to ARSL members who are people of color, LGBTQIA+, or from other historically underrepresented communities to run for election to serve on the ARSL Board as we grow our association and commit to ideals of anti-racism and equity. To nominate yourself or another ARSL member, please fill out the nomination form and submit a high quality photo by July 22, 2020.

ARSL Statement on Anti-Racism

Because Black lives matter and library professionals can be agents of change in rural and small communities across the nation, ARSL urges our members to stand up and speak out to end systemic oppression and police brutality. The ARSL Board of Directors is in active discussion about how we will commit to anti-racist work within our association.

Silence is compliance.

ARSL Round Tables

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.