ArLA 2026 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am CDT

AI and Emerging Trends in Academic Librarianship

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT

Hosted by CULAR, this pre-conference will feature a discussion on AI in research, utilities such as MCPs, and other academic library interest such as the proposed changes to the ACRL Framework.

Speakers

Angela Black

Technical Services Librarian, Arkansas Tech University

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room 102 & 103

Pre-Conference, AI and Emerging Trends in Academic Librarianship

9:00am CDT

DIY Memory Lab

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT

Room 205

This pre-conference will provide an overview of how the Central Arkansas Library System developed their DIY Memory Lab service and provide insight into digitization practices that are easily accessible for the general public in preserving their history. Across two hours, attendees will receive instructions for how to set up their own Memory Labs and personal archiving programs. In the last hour of the session, attendees will participate in a hands-on demonstration using the DIY Mobile Memory Lab equipment.

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room 205

Pre-Conference, DIY Memory Lab

9:00am CDT

Natural State Librarians: Building Sustainable Programs and Communities

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT

Room 202

Hosted by the Sustainability CI, this pre-conference will explore how libraries can support sustainability through programs, services, and partnerships. This interactive session will highlight practical ideas from libraries across Arkansas while encouraging attendees to share experiences and challenges within their own communities. The main focus of the workshop is to develop a sustainable program or initiative to take home to your library.

Speakers

Sydney Mullins-Britt

Children's Librarian, Faulkner County Library

Sydney Mullins-Britt is the Children’s Librarian at the Faulkner County Library where she spends her days dreamin’ up new ways for kiddos and families to connect with the natural world around them.
When she’s not at the library, she’s advocating for a greener future as a board member for the Arkansas Environmental Education Association and working with the American Library Association’s Resilient Communities Cohort to help our libraries become more nature-friendly, sustainable... Read More →

Nicole Norelli

Librarian, Reference and Adult Services, Fayetteville Public Library

Greetings! My name is Nicole Norelli and I'm currently an adult and reference services librarian with the Fayetteville Public Library in NW Arkansas and a co-chair of the new Sustainability CI.

I was an army brat and a field biologist in my first life, chasing shorebirds and wrestling invasive plant species across the country. Now I spend my days in my favorite place in the world, constantly trading stories, references, and the most fascinating facts with the most amazing peop... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room 202

Pre-Conference, Natural State Librarians: Building Sustainable Programs and Communities

8:00pm CDT

Evening Promenade with MELLW

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00pm - 10:00pm CDT

The Grand Promenade

ArLA Conference has been meeting in Hot Springs for years, and now we're going to see it. Join MELLW for an after-dinner walk along The Grand Promenade on Friday evening for a beautiful view of Bathhouse Row.

Trail Details

1.0 mile (.5 each direction)
Brick-paved path
Wheelchair accessible
Benches and historical markers along the path

Please Bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Water
Rain jacket or umbrella (optional)
Light snacks (optional)
Headlamp or flashlight (optional)

Things to Know

To make the most of our time and be leaving well before the park closes at 10pm, we'll begin walking at 8:00 PM. Please arrive at the Reserve Street entrance to the Promenade in time to find the group! If you miss us, feel free to walk at your own pace and catch up to the group on our return.
Find a map of Bathhouse Row and the Grand Promenade here. We'll be meeting at the Reserve Street entrance to the Grand Promenade, located behind the Lamar Bathhouse and Bathhouse Row Emporium.
*If you choose to walk from the conference hotel to meet the group or to walk back to the hotel afterwards, it will add an additional .5 miles to your walk each direction. The additional walk to or from the hotel will include hills, as well.

Please reach out to Janice Weddle ([email protected]) if you have any questions, and keep an eye on Sched for any changes!

Speakers