ArLA 2026 Annual Conference

Name: Navigating the Unknown: In-Depth Research Without a Degree
Start: 2026-10-17T14:30:00-0500
End: 2026-10-17T15:20:00-0500

Navigating the Unknown: In-Depth Research Without a Degree

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

TBA

“Navigating the Unknown: In-Depth Research Without a Degree” is aimed at library workers
who would like to assist patrons who do not have formal degrees. Oftentimes, people without
higher education face barriers to access that college graduates do not. In this program, we will
look at different ways to find, verify, and compile information by using no- to low-cost methods
and sources.
Using Noah’s experience researching “Arkansas Librarians”, participants will learn how to use
local history resources in the library, access digital databases (public and private), organize
research materials in an easy-to-use system, and implement these strategies to aid patrons.
Participants will also explore ways to connect with other library & research professionals to
widen the scope of inquiry.
Encountering barriers during research can be discouraging and often overwhelming to the
everyday library patron. Following this session, attendees will be able to:
1. Successfully navigate patrons through momentum-halting questions like, “What
now?” when presented with thousands of ProQuest search results.
a. Filtering articles
b. Dissecting an Abstract/Summary
c. Translating academic articles to a layperson’s understanding
2. Create and maintain an inventory sheet of all relevant research materials.
3. Bridge the gap between academic research techniques and general understanding of
factchecking.
4. Create their own list of external source websites, directories, and collections relevant
to their patronage.
5. Reach out to other research professionals across the state for assistance.
Helping patrons navigate their own research hurdles is an integral part of modern libraries. This
presentation aims to highlight the importance of connection, diligence, and support when
processing requests.
“The greatest research skill you can have is being a nosy [REDACTED] that wants to find out.”
– youtube.com/@strageons

Speakers

C. Noah Elrod

Circulation Clerk, Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library System

Noah is a Circulation Clerk at the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library System in Conway, AR. Armed with only a high school diploma, he has spent the last five years researching the local history of Faulkner County, as well as libraries across Arkansas.

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

Break Out Session

Track Whitaker Point Trail
Audience All
global Y

Tickets

Success you have shared X tickets.

ArLA 2026 Annual Conference

C. Noah Elrod

Get help with the event

Choose your checkout method

Success you have shared X tickets.

ArLA 2026 Annual Conference

C. Noah Elrod

Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Get help with the event