Association for Rural &
Small Libraries

The future can be a scary place for libraries and librarians, right?  Between the avalanche of new technology and the rapidly changing expectations of our users, how can we move beyond merely coping to survive and thrive?  Joan Frye Williams and George Needham will provide insights into updating and rebuilding your library's services on a strong foundation of principle, current awareness, and lessons applied from other fields.  Drawing from sources ranging from S. R. Ranganathan to Dr. Phil and leavening their remarks with more than a little humor, George and Joan will offer practical strategies that can change your outlook, your services, and your ability to meet any challenges the future throws at you!

12:45 – 1:30 ARSL’s Website: New Functionality and Features
Jim Malzewski

ARSL’s web presence has just received a huge boost with the launch of the new WebJunction. Come see all that webjunction.org/arsl has to offer. It is now easier and more fun to CONNECT to ARSL members using great social and collaboration tools; CREATE user-created groups, documents, discussions, metadata, and more; and LEARN with improved course selection, flexibility and recommendations. This session will provide you with the knowledge you need stay in touch and engaged with ARSL members year-round through our website.

4:30 - 5:30 Library Journal’s Best Small Library Award According to CDL: Serving Seniors: Giving Them What They Want
Rebecca Miller, Executive Editor, Library Journal and Bill Harmer, Head of Adult Services, Chelsea District Library

How did the Chelsea District Library win the Best Small Library Award from Library Journal? One aspect was definitely their innovative programming. Hear how they plan and deliver innovative library services to one of today's fastest growing demographic groups - older adults. Collection building for seniors; book and movie discussion groups; and programming, lots of programming! You'll also find step-by-step guidance for implementing volunteer programs, outreach and homebound services, and services to residential facilities. 

Four-fifths of American public libraries serve populations of less than 25,000. Our service populations are small and many of our methods are ad hoc. How can we make the most of the networked world and new online tools while still honoring the traditions and methods of our offline communities? Jessamyn West will bring her experiences working with rural Vermont technology projects and discuss how even tiny libraries can take advantage of new technologies.

Growing up in a small town, the library is more than a place to get books and use the Internet.  As a young reader, Gordon entered the library with all the reverence and anticipating of a pilgrim stepping into a sacred grove, awed by the enormity of its secrets.  The intimacy and luxury of that experience thrilled her then, and still does.  It's what cemented a life-long love of reading, and helped guide her toward writing as a profession.  Join her when she explores what it is about the library that is so seductive no matter what your age or where you live, relates a few notable library experiences and offers an homage to that most elusive and magical rural creature, the bookmobile.

The success of a library can be measured by how connected it is to the needs and opportunities within the community. Partnering with local government managers can assist in understanding the community and obtaining resources necessary for success. The advantages to be gained by seeking a close working relationship with local government managers, which can amass to both the library and the community, are examined, as well as tips for achieving such partnerships.