ARSL – Association for Rural & Small Libraries

About ARSL

“The Voice of Small & Rural Libraries”

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries is a network of persons throughout the country dedicated to the positive growth and development of libraries. ARSL believes in the value of rural and small libraries and strives to create resources and services that address national, state, and local priorities for libraries situated in rural communities. Though not entirely comprehensive, in addition to the Mission and Objectives, ARSL serves membership and constituents in the following ways:

Develops a place to join in the conversation about rural and small libraries
Gives a unique rural and small perspective and expand the reach and access to information
Offers opportunities to exchange ideas online and in person with each other
Maintains a members-only listserv where meaningful discussion can take place
Provides forums for rural blogs and other social networking sites as part of our resources
Shares successes, stories, challenges and ways to solve barriers to access unique to the sustainability of rural librarianship
Creates sample policies relevant to your community library
Plans an annual rural & small conference catered specifically to the perceived needs of rural librarians
Increases recognition, awareness, and visibility for rural librarians
Act as a liaison between librarians and legislative matters and advocate on behalf of rural libraries
Offers scholarships to ARSL conferences
Partners with State and local organizations to strengthen relationships