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 ARSL Conference Testimonials
“Libraries and library conferences are all special and a lot of fun. However, ARSL speaks to a small and rural libraries that are often overshadowed by larger library organizations. ARSL speaks to the heart of small and rural libraries. ARSL and its members are my people.”
“Interesting sessions and so many interesting fellow librarians to meet, make friends with and learn from! Love the encouraged get-togethers-- great to chat with folks from all over!” “Best library conference there is!” “Through ARSL, my network of connections and friends continues to grow each year. The annual conference is always motivational and inspires me to create innovative programming for my community and library.” “I've attended several library conferences and ARSL is a win every time. The content is so much more applicable and the people are great to network with.” “This was my first ARSL conference. It was the best library conference I have ever been too.”
“The sessions were relevant, the keynotes were top notch in their respective fields, and the networking gave opportunities for new friendships.” “This conference is hands down the best conference you'll ever attend. The ARSL community is welcoming, inclusive, and generous with sharing practical, expert information. Once you attend, you'll never want to miss another ARSL Conference!” “I've been to ARSL twice now and I'm such a fan of this conference. If you are in a small or medium size public library, and have the chance to attend just one professional development activity, I would chose this conference over anything else. You'll walk away with so much inspiration and support, and lots and lots of actionable ideas.”
“ARSL is by far the best conference to attend that gives smaller libraries ideas and information that can be used in the libraries and communities that they serve.” “Not every small town has a McDonald's, but every small town has a library. The Association for Rural & Small Libraries is the national professional association serving the majority of libraries in America. ARSL's commitment to having the voices of tiny libraries represented at the national level and providing support & programing specifically geared to these libraries is outstanding.” “ARSL is amazingly welcoming to all with great sessions and speakers and a fantastic commitment to helping us serve those we serve.”
"This is one of the best conferences I have ever attended. The committee and ARSL were such a pleasure to work with and took great care of my team. The energy, engagement, and enthusiasm from attendees was phenomenal and I can't wait to come back next year!” “This conference is absolutely essential for small libraries. The program, exhibit hall, and extracurricular activities are all designed specifically with the needs of the small and rural library in mind. The committee is responsive to feedback. You’ll have plenty of time to network and find your people! I go to a lot of conferences, but this is my favorite.” “I have been to my own state conferences and Public Library Associations. I appreciate ARSL greatly because it gives a space for rural and small libraries to advocate for our specific needs. I also learned a lot about equity at this conference!”
“Every library employee of a small or rural library needs to attend at least one ARSL conference” “State library associations focus so much on the huge libraries. At ARSL, every program, speaker, and networking contact is relevant to the needs of our communities and our resources.” “This has to be the friendliest conference I have ever been to! Everyone I met was so willing to talk and share their ideas and experiences. I learned a lot and met so many people. Thank you for organizing a wonderful conference.” “The ARSL Conference is the single best networking event I participate in during the year. I love how it is a big conference, but feels much smaller. I have met some of my best friends through ARSL.”
“If I could only attend one conference per year, ARSL would be the one I choose. I'm even willing to pay for it out of my own pocket. It has been the most valuable conference for me professionally, and I have made long-lasting friendships that I look forward to renewing each time we meet at ARSL!” “As a new Assistant Director this conference was absolutely AMAZING for networking and getting valuable information to put in place with my library and staff.” “Coming from a small, rural library, this is the best conference for us. It's well worth the cost. The sessions are all things I can use in my own area or that I can easily adapt for my community.” “ARSL conference was a game changer for the trajectory of my career! I found support, friendship and guidance and family. I learned things that helped me, my library and my community to be better and do better.” "Once you come to an ARSL Conference, you'll be back. The sessions are MADE FOR YOU! The presenters live the small/rural life and KNOW YOU. The problems or challenges that we face are universal at the ARSL. Someone has a suggestion for you to try, doesn't have to be a presenter, could be the yellow-haired lady in the elevator on the way up (happened to me). I can't describe to you the feeling of belonging, it just is. I have been to all the other conferences ONCE. I didn't fit there, my daily life is not theirs. ARSL fits me, so well.”
“Attending the ARSL Conference is always like going to a family reunion where my family just keeps growing.” “The sessions are top notch and the keynotes were thoughtfully selected. I enjoyed that we had thought leaders as keynotes and as session presenters. I come to conference to learn and to network and ARSL always provides many opportunities.” “The ARSL conference offers a great value for attendees—quality content on a scale that is inviting and approachable.”
“In my professional life, I've attended MANY conferences in the fields of nursing, theology, and technology. This was my first library conference. ARSL was by far the most friendly (as in warm and welcoming) conference I've ever attended. Not only the staffers, but the attendees as well were kind and helpful and genuine. I've not enjoyed a conference this much ever... if you are on the border trying to decide whether or not to attend next year, I highly encourage it! It speaks to how much a part of our mindset and work is spent making sure all are welcome and find a place. And the information has been invaluable!” “ARSL is the best library conference I attend. It is the most relevant to librarians in small, rural systems, and the ARSL conference always rejuvenates me and encourages me by letting me know I am not alone in some of my struggles . . . and my victories too.” “Our minds were ignited and blown. My Director and I went and attended separate sessions. Whenever we saw each other, we could not talk fast enough. So many ah-ha moments. Needless to say, we came back energized and ready to get the staff on board with new ideas and better, more efficient ways to go about our days. Great job to everyone responsible for this year's conference.”
“It is the best conference I have attended. The sessions are so helpful.” “A fantastic opportunity to learn and connect with small and rural librarians all over the United States! Practical and relevant learning opportunities for librarians by librarians who understand the unique challenges and joys of this type of library.” “The work that is performed behind the scenes to make this conference a success was fruitful and evident in every way. ARSL makes me proud to be a Library Professional.” - 2022 ARSL Conference Attendee “The ARSL conference was an amazing experience that allowed me to connect with other librarians from different regions and come away with more knowledge. It also gave me lots of great ideas for my library in the future.” “I came back with so many business cards of librarians who are working with similar resources—what a treasure! And in between meeting people, I went to some great sessions!”
“I have been to [other conferences], and neither hold a candle to ARSL when it comes to relevant information and ideas for my rural library.” “Amazing food, inspiring and relevant content, inclusive atmosphere, and overall great energy! I could feel good things happening.” "First time conference goer— loved the location and the array of sessions! It was so nice to connect with others that understood not only the challenges of being in a small library system, but to share in the love of them as well!" “Hands-down my favorite conference to attend. Being able to connect with and learn from librarians facing similar challenges to your own is invaluable.” “The ARSL conference gave me the opportunity to connect with other libraries all over the country that share the challenges mine has. Every conversation was like a solutions workshop. It was so helpful and good for morale to know we're not alone.” “This was one of the most useful conferences I've ever attended. Every session was created by library staff for other library staff and was readily applicable for us to implement with few changes. Sometimes in other conferences there is a significant amount of configuration to adapt resources/programs/ideas to our library size and/or culture.”
“ARSL puts on the most relevant and beneficial conference that I've been to. If you get the chance to attend this conference, do it.” “This was the best conference I attended this year. The session topics were timely and relevant to my small community. I've returned home recharged with lots of ideas and suggestions on how we can better serve my community as well as my staff. I can't wait for our next conference.” “The opportunity to network with librarians from such a wide range of backgrounds, locations, and experiences always broadens my views and knowledge, and opinions.” “I left the ARSL conference feeling rejuvenated! The pandemic has drained all of us, but spending time with excited librarians who want to make their communities the best they can be, made me remember why I love this profession.” “I love the smart and scrappy ethic of this community. The great brains and huge hearts we get to meet when we are together are such an inspiration!” “Attending the ARSL Conference for the first time, I felt like I had found a home. The sessions relate to my work with small rural libraries. The people I met face the same hurdles and celebrate many of the same successes. Finally–-a library conference that meets me where I am rather than asking me to scale down from the larger and more urban library landscape.”
Turns out not only are small and rural libraries the best, but so is their annual conference! Our service areas may be smaller, but not our hearts, talents, work-ethics, and professionalism. This is the #1 conference to attend, for any size library. “This conference will be something I remember for a long time! An amazing first time experience that left me wanting to come back every year!” “ARSL continues to be the can't-miss conference for the many small and rural libraries whose big-hearted staff need tailored programs and the chance to chat with each other.” “What a tremendous opportunity to learn from the best and brightest. Thank you ARSL for an awesome event.”
“ARSL is one of the best national conferences I have attended. Plenty of opportunities to network and meet other library leaders, timely, applicable sessions, and all three keynotes were awesome.” "The ARSL conference was everything I did not know I needed. I went in thinking ‘My library is doing so great’ and ended the conference thinking, ‘Yes, my library is great, but now I know what to do to improve and take on the future.’ ARSL, THANK YOU!” “ARSL provides the absolute best opportunities to network and exceptional sessions. It is THE library conference to attend. So much thought goes into setting the schedule to meet the needs of attendees and to offer a variety of conference activities but also events to participate during off hours. I wouldn't miss it!” “Wow! What a line-up of virtual sessions! Almost every one of them I want to go to!”
“The conference was fantastic! They considered every facet of professionalism and food choices. I enjoyed greeting my professional colleagues!” "People are so friendly and the conference is so well planned and well thought out. I enjoy the small community vibe I always feel." I really enjoyed the message boards and the pre recorded virtual sessions. Being able to network on a whim and ask questions about what others have done in their libraries was incredible. Also being able to go back and watch sessions has been great. It allows me to take extra time to really listen between other responsibilities while at work."
“Often times my biggest takeaways come from the natural networking the conference creates. To me, it is not to be missed!” “If I only go to one conference a year, I go to ARSL. The sessions are directly applicable to small and rural libraries. It's inspiring to be around others who know exactly what you're experiencing and can provide practical advice and encouragement.” “I attended my very first ARSL conference 5 or 6 years ago and I remember feeling at home! I manage two very small, rural libraries, and most conferences are geared toward much larger, more urban libraries and it is hard to incorporate a lot of what you learn or hear about because it simply won't apply or you can't afford it in your library. ARSL is the place for those who work in and manage small and rural libraries!”
“This was my first time attending the ARSL conference and I had a fantastic time! I made networking connections, learned about new and exciting library trends and ideas, and made lifetime friends!” “I am a longtime business manager who has managed million-dollar companies and have attended many of those companies’ conferences and seminars. So, when I say, ‘The ARSL conference is the most organized, informative, atmospheric [conferences], causing me to pause and reflect on the information that I have absorbed,’ this statement would not be one of folly and fiction. I am looking forward to being a member of this association for a long time to come.” “I am making it a policy and part of my Library Director job description that I will be at this conference every year. Truly value all of the PD I took in for the week.” “Finally! A professional Library conference geared directly to libraries my size!”
“This was my first conference and I was so glad to have gone! I made friends and connections that will continue through the years, I’m sure.” “Having attended many conferences as a teacher, this was my first experience with a library conference and ARSL in particular. Every single person that I met, whether library staff or ARSL employees, had a huge smile and were welcoming and VERY open to sharing their knowledge. It was incredible to see just how far reaching ARSL is and how many people they are able to support through their fundraising and services. Having little knowledge of them prior to the conference, I will definitely be joining and look forward to helping with their cause in the future.” "It was really great to see people from all over the country who live in rural spaces come together. How amazing to see how much we have in common!”
“It was great being able to interface with other small libraries and learning about the programs they were putting on for their patrons, and what the thought processes and physical logistics were. I hope to emulate some of those programs in our system.” “ARSL has the potential to positively impact the lives of every rural and small library community and its members across our country.” “Every session I have attended has provided me with new ideas and valuable resources.” |
"Small and rural libraries are holding the line in our communities—the line for access, education, inclusion, hunger, healthcare, literacy, and a million little interactions that support our communities. ARSL helped me find my people that understand what it means to hold that line and tools to do it better. I have new friends I can call for advice, for help, or just to chat and celebrate victories. It was amazing to connect with other feral librarians who are rocking it in their communities!!” 
“The ARSL conference has left me inspired and invigorated. Seeing the impact of small and rural library across the nation is a powerful thing.” 
“ARSL provides a space to be seen and listened to unlike any other conference. You have the wonderful opportunity to connect with librarians across the country who have the singular perspective of a small and/or rural library, and who understand the challenges these libraries face. It's the biggest small library conference, and the staff does a really nice job of creating an atmosphere of excitement, enthusiasm, and inclusivity.” 
“Everyone is friendly and expects to talk to people they've never met before to share stories and learn from each other's experiences.” 
“Because I attended, feel much better prepared to take on the post pandemic challenges my library and community are facing.” 
“If you are a small Library—you need ARSL!” 
“An extremely valuable conference. The knowledge ARSL presenters brought to this was thorough and relevant to me.” 
“As a first-time attendee, I was pleasantly surprised by the presentations. Everything was so relatable and accessible. This was one of the most valuable conferences I've ever attended. I appreciate the focus on the small and rural libraries and their recognition as vital organizations in our country.” 
“Wonderful conference with lots of applicable and practical information for my library size and community.” 
“I've never felt more community and welcome at a conference than I did at ARSL-Chattanooga. Such a great opportunity to grow in networking and professional development.” 
“I left the conference feeling full of ideas that I can put into practice right away! Two weeks post-Conference, and we've already implemented some small changes to improve my library.” 
“ARSL is hands down my favorite conference because I get to connect with other librarians who face the same sort of challenges as I do. We get to share innovations, hacks, tips and tricks with one another, and I leave each time feeling like I've rediscovered my passion for the work that we all do.” 
"I am such a fan of the ARSL association and the yearly conference. This is definitely my go-to conference experience. It is so much more practical for the realities of a small library than bigger gatherings, where I spend my time having to consider how I can downsize a good idea to make it work with a small building, a small staff, a small budget. Here, the ideas are practical and 'do-able'.” 
“I hadn't known about ARSL or the conference before this year. Where have you been all my life??” 
“It was so great to be able to network with people and learn new things. For myself it is so much more effective to hear information in person! I tend to listen better and gain more insight. Having others to talk to and network with is such a valuable tool.” 
"A life-changing opportunity! I felt like I was in college again - learning from lectures and meeting great new people every few minutes!" 
“Wonderful conference. I will definitely attend again in the future. It felt more welcoming and pertinent because I was with librarians with similar challenges and patronage. The networking was easier for similar reasons. I highly recommend this conference to all small and rural librarians and their staff.” 
“If you are from a small library and can only attend one conference, this is the one for you.” 
“If rural and small libraries are the beating hearts of their communities, ARSL is the circulatory system.”