Professional Information Exchange

The Professional Information Exchange (formerly the Professional Development Book Club and the Professional Resource Discussion Group) brings library workers together a few times a year for an informal, conversation-style discussion on a topic that matters to small and rural libraries. ARSL members and nonmembers are both welcome.

Before each session, the ARSL Continuing Education Committee curates a short list of books, articles, and podcasts to get you thinking about the topic. You don't need to read or listen to everything to join. Bring your questions, your experiences, and any resources you've found helpful.

Looking for more learning and networking? Check out ARSL TRAINs, a series of workshops and roundtables free for ARSL members.

Upcoming Discussion

Fall 2026: Positive Workplace Culture
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET
Facilitated by Dana Fanslow

What makes a workplace feel safe, supportive, and like a place people want to stay? This session explores belonging and psychological safety, and what library workers at every level can do to build a healthier culture, whether you lead a team or work solo.

Books and Articles:

Podcasts:

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Previous Discussions

This session focused on giving and receiving feedback, from preparing for difficult conversations to becoming more comfortable hearing critique.

Books and Articles:

Podcasts and Videos:

This session focused on building strong, productive relationships with Friends of the Library groups.

Discussion Resources:

Additional Reading and Toolkits:

This session focused on building and maintaining healthy relationships with coworkers.

Discussion Resources:

This in-person session took place on the last day of the 2023 ARSL Conference. Attendees shared new resources and ideas from the conference and left with fresh ideas to bring back to their libraries.

This session focused on recognizing, preventing, and recovering from burnout.

Discussion Resources:

This in-person book club discussion took place at the 2022 ARSL Conference. Attendees discussed Library Leadership Your Way by Jason Martin, a short, interactive guide to developing your own leadership style.

Our inaugural book club, held March 29, 2022, discussed Rebekkah Smith Aldrich's Sustainable Thinking: Ensuring Your Library's Future in an Uncertain World. The conversation explored how small libraries already practice sustainable thinking, and how library workers can use their skills to support thriving, resilient communities.