Perspectives from the Field: Association for Rural & Small Libraries
Small and rural library staff have long had a champion through the professional organization, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL). Hear from executive director Kate Laughlin as she shares the experience of the association as they navigated the everchanging landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the organization's first executive director, Kate started in her role in January 2020, just before libraries began shuttering their doors to minimize the spread of the virus among staff and community members. As a member of the REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM) Executive Steering Committee, Kate has been representing the perspectives of her constituents and contributing to shaping the direction of the project activities.
ARSL's mission is to build strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. WebJunction and ARSL have partnered on many projects over the years as we work on the common goal of supporting continuing education needs.
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Libraries and museums are innovative community centers, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been essential to the community and national response.
Want to learn more?
More resources are available through the REALM project website.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, project number: ODIS-246644-ODIS-20.