Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024: ARSL Welcome

Patrick Bodily, President, Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).

Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024
February 23, 2024
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/bigtalk

1. Patrick Bodily 2024 ARSL President Welcome to Big Talk from Small Libraries 2024!

2. Fast Facts About ARSL The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) has been dedicated to meeting the needs of libraries serving rural and small communities since 1984 . 2024 marks our 40 th anniversary! ARSL has more than 2,800 members representing every state in the US and several provinces in Canada! The 2023 ARSL Conference was our largest in-person gathering to date, with more than 1,000 library workers and supporters in attendance! As of this month ARSL has provided more than $1M in grant funding and conference scholarships to libraries nationwide!

3. Mission ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. Vision As the premier organization representing rural and small libraries, ARSL recognizes the uniqueness of small and rural libraries and is committed to providing an environment that encourages excellence within this community of practice, supporting their goals of service and speaking on behalf of this important constituency. Mission & Vision

4. Membership Benefits Include: Access to the active and friendly ARSL Member E-List Access to and inclusion in the ARSL Member Directory (opt-out available) Use of ARSL Zoom rooms for online library programming and work-related staff activities Reduced-cost attendance at ARSL professional development events, including the Annual Conference Free access to members-only roundtables and networking events Opportunities to serve on national boards and committees Membership Benefits

5. Membership Options Individual Memberships Library Employees: $20 - $100 dues based on self-reported income Students: $20 Library Advocates: $20 Retirees: $20 Seeking Employment: $20 Organizational Memberships Libraries: $70 - $225 dues based on self-reported annual budget Nonprofit Orgs: $100 - $200 dues based on number of employees Businesses: $150 - $500 dues based on number of employees

6. ARSL TRAIN Continuing Education Series Monthly webinars & roundtable discussions designed with you in mind! March: Community Mapping Workshop April: Community Mapping Follow-Up Roundtable Discussion May: Professional Resource Discussion Group: Managing Staff Relationships Grant Funding for Small & Rural Libraries Business Support & Resources for Entrepreneurs June: Addressing Food Security in Small & Rural communities

7. ARSL Professional Networking Groups Meet with your professional peers to share ideas, advice, and support! Monthly Groups Solo-Ish Librarians Happy Hour Directors, Managers & Administrators Bimonthly Groups Library Workers of Color LGBTQ+ Library Workers Adult Services Youth & Teen Services Readers’ Advisory Neurodivergent Library Workers

8. 202 4 Conference: Libraries Are (r)Evolutionary When : September 11-14 , 202 4 Where : Springfield, Massachusetts Who: YOU! The ARSL Annual Conference is the conference for rural & small libraries! With programs designed by librarians, for librarians this is a professional development opportunity you don’t want to miss. Topics include programming, fundraising, working with boards, keeping up with technology, and much more! *Mark your calendars - scholarship applications open on February 27th!

9. Patrick Bodily (he/him) 2024 ARSL President Library Director, Independence Public Library, Independence, OR Email: [email protected] Phone: [phone] Web: www.ci.independence.or.us/library

10. ARSL Office is open M-F, 7am - 5pm (Pacific Time) Email: [email protected] Call/Text: [phone] Website: www.arsl.org Social Media @ARSLPage (Facebook) @RuralLibAssoc (Instagram) Connect With ARSL !