ArLA 2026 Annual Conference

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9:00am CDT

Change Happens: Data Can Help! How to hit the trails of inevitable change with forward-thinking data collection

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

Learn from one academic library’s story, adventuring the trails of change. Anecdotes from this story include how data has been crucial to vital decision-making, from the simple question of late hours to more difficult questions about database cuts, to the complex discussions of redesign during a long-awaited renovation. In this session, participants will learn from one library’s journey into data-driven decisions: how to create surveys (and get participation), whether a space study is the answer to your library’s quandary, and how to use the data you collect to confidently present your ideas for your library. Each library’s situation is unique, and in the question-and-answer section, we can brainstorm together for data-driven solutions.

Speakers

Taylor Vanlandingham

Library Director, John Brown University

Taylor Vanlandingham is in her fifth year as Director of the John Brown University Library. She has worked in both public and academic library settings, including six years in children's services and three years as a reference librarian. She holds an MS in Library Science from the... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
TBA

Break Out Session

Track Buffalo National River Trail
Audience All
global Y

1:30pm CDT

Building Sustainable Library Knowledge Without Picking “One Tool”

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

TBA

Libraries often try to fix internal knowledge gaps by selecting a new platform, or they may have a tool selected for them at the institutional level – a wiki, a SharePoint site, a ticketing system. But tools don’t retain knowledge; practices do. This session reframes knowledge as shared infrastructure and focuses on how libraries can build sustainable Knowledge Management (KM) cultures across tools and library types and sizes. Topics will include documentation, communities of practice, onboarding and cross‑training, incentives for knowledge sharing, expertise directories, and other approaches that support continuity and innovation without mandating a single tool.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Differentiate tools from practices in Knowledge Management (KM)
Identify incentives that make KM stick, as well as potential challenges
Develop a starter KM framework appropriate to their library's size and capacity

This session fits the conference theme by exploring how a sustainable KM approach can reduce occupational stress and improve continuity by supporting staff expertise and building a culture of knowledge sharing.

Speakers

Ariane Breton

Director of Systems and Web Services, University of Arkansas

Ariane Breton is the Director of Systems and Web Services at the University of Arkansas Libraries, where she works to improve library services through assessment and evidence-based practices.

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
TBA

Break Out Session

Track Buffalo National River Trail
Audience All
global Y

1:30pm CDT

Burn Bright, Not Out: A Guide to Sustainable Library Service

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

TBA

Library professionals are passionate about serving their communities, but that dedication can often lead to stress and burnout. This session offers practical, realistic strategies for maintaining energy, focus, and well-being while continuing to provide high-quality library service.

Participants will examine Break Out Session causes and warning signs of burnout in library environments through brief guided reflection and individual analysis. The session will include exercises that help attendees practice identifying overload early and responding with healthy, sustainable adjustments. Attendees will also be introduced to tools for setting boundaries, prioritizing workloads, and strengthening peer support within their workplaces.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify Break Out Session signs and causes of burnout in library settings.
Analyze personal and workplace stressors that contribute to fatigue.
Apply practical strategies for setting boundaries and managing workload demands.
Develop one actionable step to support sustainable energy in their daily work.
Recognize approaches for fostering a more supportive workplace culture.

Connection to Theme – New Trails in Library Service:
This session encourages library professionals to rethink traditional service models that can contribute to burnout. It highlights new, sustainable approaches—healthier boundaries, supportive workplace cultures, and human-centered practices—that help staff thrive while continuing to meet community needs and build a more resilient future for library service.

Speakers

Rachel Morton

Northeast Regional Supervisor/ Heavener Public Library Manager, Southeast Oklahoma Library System

Rachel Morton has been part of the Heavener Public Library story for 15 years—10 of those in management and the last 3 as Regional Supervisor. Long before that, she was a regular patron, growing up among the very shelves she now helps oversee. Her daily mission is to infuse her... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
TBA

Break Out Session

Track Buffalo National River Trail
Audience All
global Y

2:30pm CDT

Blazing New Trails in Library Funding: Sponsorships, Storytelling, & Building Community Trust

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

Program Description/Abstract
As libraries expand services and respond to growing community needs, many are turning to sponsorships, donations, and partnerships as essential funding strategies. Why are you having to turn more to sponsorships - budget? Successful fundraising today requires strategic communication rooted in public relations and marketing, intentional timing, and sustained relationship-building.
This presentation explores how libraries can design effective sponsorship packets that clearly communicate value, impact, and community alignment. Participants will learn how to approach outreach timing for maximum engagement, avoid common fundraising and public relations missteps, and develop campaign-based strategies that strengthen long-term donor relationships rather than relying on one-time requests.
A central focus will be the role of storytelling as a core PR and marketing tool for building trust. Attendees will examine how both public-facing messaging and behind-the-scenes transparency shape community perception and strengthen support over time. The session also highlights how libraries can reframe community members as active stakeholders, not just donors, through consistent, narrative-driven communication.
Individuals will leave with practical tools for developing sponsorship materials, planning outreach timing, and building trust-centered campaigns that elevate visibility, deepen engagement, and support sustainable library funding efforts.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, Individuals will be able to:

Develop effective sponsorship packets tailored to library programs and audiences.
Identify strategic timing for donation and sponsorship outreach to maximize engagement.
Apply foundational storytelling techniques as a PR and marketing tool to build trust and community engagement.
Recognize common PR and fundraising mistakes and how to avoid t

Speakers

Rylie Yawson

Marketing & Public Relations Manager, The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library

I am a communications strategist, educator, and community leader based in Jonesboro, Arkansas. As Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, I lead strategic communications efforts that elevate public awareness, strengthen community engagement... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Break Out Session