GSW recently attended and exhibited at two librarian conferences, Electronic Resources & Libraries (ER&L) and the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), and needless to say, there was much on the minds of the information professionals gathered in Austin and Minneapolis, respectively. Several key themes emerged:
Federal Budget Cuts and Resource Planning
A major focus at both conferences was the looming threat of federal budget cuts and their downstream effects on academic libraries. Sessions offered practical frameworks for modeling various reduction scenarios and prioritizing resources when tough decisions become necessary. Librarians shared strategies for maintaining core services while facing potential cuts, with many emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making and transparent communication with stakeholders.
Defending Academic Freedom
The increasingly hostile environment for higher education emerged as a pressing concern. Presentations addressed the rising challenges to intellectual freedom, with many librarians discussing their roles as defenders of free speech and academic inquiry on campus. Sessions offered guidance on developing policies that protect controversial materials and supporting faculty facing external pressures about course content.
AI Tools and Information Literacy
Artificial intelligence dominated many conversations, with a particular focus on developing frameworks for AI literacy. Librarians explored how to integrate AI tools into reference services while simultaneously teaching critical evaluation of AI-generated content. Many sessions acknowledged the dual nature of AI as both a powerful research assistant and a potential source of misinformation, emphasizing the librarian’s evolving role as a guide in this complex landscape.
Banned Books and Collection Challenges
The unprecedented wave of book challenges and bans received significant attention. Academic librarians discussed strategies for supporting intellectual freedom amid increasing attempts to restrict access to materials. Presenters shared protocols for responding to challenges, building supportive networks with other institutions, and documenting preservation efforts for contested materials.
Building Resilience in Uncertain Times
Connecting these themes was an underlying focus on institutional and personal resilience. Sessions addressed ways to maintain morale and purpose while navigating external pressures, budget uncertainties, and rapidly evolving technologies. Many presenters emphasized the importance of cross-institutional collaboration and resource sharing as key strategies for sustainability.
As these conferences demonstrated, academic librarians continue to adapt to political, economic, and technological challenges while remaining committed to core values of access, privacy, and intellectual freedom. The conversations at ER&L and ACRL reflect a profession actively preparing for an uncertain future while preserving its essential mission in higher education.