Preconference Workshops | Wednesday, September 17

Preconference workshops are priced separately from general conference registration.

Additional preconference workshops are still being finalized! Check back soon for new additions. Attendees who are already registered for the conference and need to add-on preconference workshops can do so below.

Preconference Workshop Registration

For attendees who still need to be registered for the conference, you may include preconference registrations with conference registration using the general conference registration form.

2026 Preconference Workshop Rates

ARSL Member Rates

Preconference Workshops**
3-Hour Workshops - $65
4-Hour Workshops - $80

Student, Advocate & Retiree Rates*

Preconference Workshops**
3-Hour Workshops - $65
4-Hour Workshops - $80

Nonmember Rates

Preconference Workshops**
3-Hour Workshops - $90
4-Hour Workshops - $105

*Must be a Student, Advocate, or Retiree member of ARSL to receive this pricing.

**Preconference Workshop fees are charged in addition to Base Conference Registration and are available for in-person conference attendees only.

Can't join us in person in Montgomery? ARSL members get FREE access to our expanded year-round TRAIN Workshop schedule! Look for virtual replays of our highest-rated 2026 conference sessions coming down the TRAIN tracks in 2027.

All Day Workshop | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 2:00-5:00 PM

Libraries 101
Are you new to your position in libraries or library leadership and find yourself overwhelmed and without a clear guidebook for how to do the job? Join us for a crash course in the fundamentals of leading and running a small and rural library taught by experts in the field. In this all-day workshop, you’ll get practical training in HR, policies, budgeting, advocacy, and more. This Preconference Workshop was envisioned by the ARSL Board of Directors. Stay tuned for more detailed information on the curriculum and a list of presenters.

Morning Workshops | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Collection Management (But Were Afraid to Ask)
Collection management is more than buying books. Learn all the stages, from collection mapping to selection and purchasing to inventories and weeding. This interactive session will cover the basics and dive a little deeper to reveal time-saving ideas for rural and small libraries with big to-do lists. The collection is still the heart of the library, but with more formats, Libraries of Things, and the rising popularity of digital content, it can feel like a lot to keep track of. Bring your questions and your experience, and if you can, a computer that can log in to your library's integrated library system (may be useful but is optional) for this crash course in all things collections.

Anna Szczepanski, Colleague on Call Consultant, The Colorado Library Consortium

Afternoon Workshops | 2:00-5:00 PM

Healthy Roots, Strong Communities: Health Information Resources & Programming

Rural and small libraries play a vital role in connecting their communities to trustworthy health information. This interactive workshop is designed for library staff who want to feel more confident helping patrons find reliable health information. Participants will explore trusted National Library of Medicine resources, including MedlinePlus, and practice navigating them in real time. Through guided activities and practical planning tools, you’ll learn how to respond to health questions, support various community members (including older adults), and develop effective health programs tailored to your library’s unique needs. You’ll leave with practical skills, ready-to-use strategies, and greater confidence in connecting your community to trustworthy health information. By the end of the class, participants will be able to navigate and demonstrate MedlinePlus and related NLM resources, practice responding confidently to health information requests, outline a simple plan for health programming or outreach, and identify potential community partners to support health initiatives.

Jessi Van Der Volgen, Associate Director, NNLM Training Office
Sam Nunn, Program Manager, NNLM Training Office

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