2025 Conference Scholarship Recipients

I attended sessions that focused, in part, on reframing information ethics, the importance of evaluating and diversifying our collections, the process of contributing to library literature, the power of community-driven research, and the importance of uncovering hidden history. As a special collections librarian, these sessions included helpful research resources that I can use to create impactful public program opportunities for my library.

Transitioning to academic librarianship from public librarianship has, frankly, been at times challenging and isolating. While many of the skills are the same, so much of the culture, day to day work, and sense of connectedness to the community beyond/outside campus life is different. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate the ACRL scholarship that allowed me to attend this conference in person. First, of course, for the high quality of information sharing, learning about best practices and strategies in what is still a new environment for me (academic librarianship), and the quite inspiring keynote speakers. But, even more significantly, in person attendance was invaluable in helping me feel more connected to colleagues in and beyond my institution, having enriching discussions about our motivations within our work, and building camaraderie during a stressful time in the state of higher education and the country at large. I am so tremendously grateful to the generous donors who support early career librarians like me who are inheriting a pretty severe economic and ideological moment to invest in our professional development and relationship building.

By receiving a scholarship to attend ACRL 2025 in Minneapolis, I was afforded the incredible opportunity to take part in some of the most meaningful and timely conversations regarding the future of the field, dive deep into topics that will enhance my skills as an early-career librarian, and forge new connections with colleagues across the United States. As a new academic librarian, I was particularly excited to attend some of the longer workshop sessions which afforded me the time and space to think critically about pedagogical methods and new technologies. I am so fortunate to have had this experience early on in my career and I came away from ACRL feeling more empowered to try new things in order to transform librarianship for the better.

As a Technical Services Librarian serving the vibrant and indigenous community of the Northern Mariana Islands at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the opportunity to participate in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) virtual conference felt like a significant bridge connecting our island realities with the broader world of academic librarianship. Receiving the ACRL scholarship was not just a financial blessing; it was an affirmation of the importance of diverse voices and perspectives within the field.

From my virtual vantage point in the Northern Mariana Islands, the conference offered a unique window into the innovative practices, critical discussions, and forward-thinking initiatives shaping academic libraries globally. While the miles may separate us physically, the virtual platform dissolved those boundaries, allowing me to engage in real-time with colleagues from institutions across continents.

This scholarship from ACRL has not only broadened my professional horizons but has also reinforced the vital role that libraries, in all their forms, play in fostering learning and empowering communities. I am eager to bring back the knowledge and insights gained from this virtual conference to the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, enriching our services and strengthening our connection with the educational needs of our island community. This experience has truly underscored the power of connection and the boundless opportunities for learning and growth that exist within the library profession, no matter where you are in the world.

Attending the ACRL 2025 Conference in Minneapolis was an invaluable experience. The keynotes alone made it worth every penny. Hearing Ruha Benjamin and Saeed Jones speak was not only inspiring but extremely validating. At the ACRL 2025 Conference, I also connected with several librarians, former colleagues, friends, and new acquaintances! I learned different ways to engage with the community and came back with lots of ideas I hope to implement in my future programming. Thank you again for allowing me to experience this wonderful conference!

Attending the 2025 ACRL Conference was a meaningful experience that left me energized and inspired. The sessions I attended deepened my understanding of research-driven library practices, and I returned with new ideas to support my college's students. Connecting with fellow librarians also reminded me that our work is both vital and shared—I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside such a passionate community.

Coming from a small academic library with no professional development funds, I was delighted to win a mid-career scholarship to ACRL this spring. I attended many exciting presentations and poster sessions and brought back ideas on how to transform our popular collection, get involved in curriculum mapping, tap our student employees for outreach ideas, and so much more! This is the kind of opportunity that is so rare for those in my position, and it will pay dividends in the upcoming years at my small college library.

Attending ACRL 2025 virtually was a wonderful experience for me! As an early career librarian, I loved getting the chance to better understand the context of the work being done by libraries and librarians across the country. Getting to experience so many diverse programs allowed me to get a better sense of how my work fits into the larger goals of the profession, and it certainly gave me a plethora of new ideas to think about implementing in my own work. Thank you again—it was a very valuable experience!

Attending the ACRL 2025 conference has been a transformative experience in my library journey. Connecting with other Black librarians felt empowering, and sharing ideas with fellow instruction librarians was incredibly enriching. The valuable information I gained about trending topics and current issues in academic librarianship has already inspired me to start implementing new workshops and services. Given the limited professional funding available at my library, it can be challenging to attend national conferences, making this opportunity even more significant due to its academic-focused content. None of this would have been possible without the generous contributions of the donors and the hard work of the scholarship committee. I am deeply grateful for their support, which has made a significant impact on my professional growth. This continued support can make a profound difference in the careers of many librarians, enabling them to access valuable resources and knowledge that drive positive change in our field.

The 2025 ACRL Conference was quite insightful. I found the sessions on open educational resources particularly relevant to our current initiatives to make learning more affordable for our students. Networking with librarians from other institutions also provided some practical solutions to challenges we've faced with student engagement in online research. It was a worthwhile experience that has already informed some adjustments to my personal workflows.

Attending the ACRL 2025 conference was an energizing experience that made a real difference for me. I had the opportunity to connect with librarians from across the country and came away inspired with several ideas I’m excited to implement in my library right away. One of my goals is to develop AI competencies for paraprofessional staff, and I’m also interested in conducting a study on hotspot and laptop lending practices among colleges and universities.

The Early Career Librarian scholarship allowed me to attend ACRL for the first time. I felt especially grateful to have the opportunity to present my own work for the first time in a poster session. My in-person attendance allowed me to re-connect with peer librarians of color from my ALA spectrum cohort which helped me feel re-energized and re-committed to librarianship. Additionally, I was able to attend sessions that helped me see beyond my day-to-day tasks and challenges at my library but see larger trends. It was wonderful to engage with the profession at ACRL!

ACRL 2025 was an incredibly valuable experience for me. I appreciated the large number of sessions on inclusive practices for different types of learners, the lessons of which I and my colleagues plan to incorporate into our practices. One group in particular that I was pleased to find a number of presentations on was graduate learners, particularly as they navigate the publishing and research landscape. Coming from an institution that is rapidly expanding our graduate degree programs, having better knowledge of how to support them will allow me and my team to offer more effective and targeted education and resources to this unique group of students, many of whom come from underrepresented and underserved communities. It was a privilege to learn from other amazing library workers from across the country and around the world, and I am extremely grateful to have been a scholarship recipient and have had the opportunity to attend this excellent conference.

Attending the 2025 ACRL conference was a huge boost to my confidence in my profession. As library and information professionals, we are so rarely afforded the opportunity to celebrate our work and our successes. Being a scholarship winner proved to me that I chose the right line of work and that my contributions to the field matter. We often get isolated into our bubbles in libraries, whether that’s within departments, institutions, regions, or states so attending the ACRL conference gave me a wider perspective about the stat of the industry as a whole. It was refreshing to hear new ideas, new solutions to issues, and new innovations from across the country. It gave me ideas to take back to my department, and new connections to reach out to when I’m feeling stuck. It was an inspiring trip!

Attending the 2025 ACRL Conference allowed for me to explore different current topics in the area of academic librarianship, as well as develop a deeper understanding of how to navigate librarianship as an early-career librarian in a time where there is a lot of change undergoing in our institutions. Additionally, attending the conference has provided me with inspiration in regards to what type of research I can do as an academic librarian, as well as how I can choose to present that information!

Attending the ACRL conference virtually helped me because as a part time librarian, I do not qualify for any professional development stipends. The scholarship helped me access the sessions and also gave me the ability to watch sessions I was unable to attend. By continuing my education in librarianship and remaining current in the field, I am better able to serve our student population.

ACRL 2025 conference exceeded my expectations with thought provoking sessions that one wouldn't want to miss any. As an academic librarian and a faculty, the pressure to, "Publish or Perish" posed a significant stress with underlining challenges, as we source tirelessly for diamond, gold Open Access and likes for resort. Panel session like "Publish it with ACRL" particularly gave me a glimpse of hope and motivation to keep striving.

The conference shaped my existing leadership skills as the ACRL grant enabled me to participate in person and volunteer as a minute mentor in the mentoring-on- the-fly-session. I had the opportunity of having one-on-one discussions with students, early career and experienced librarians. Where we shared ideas and practical career advice on how to successfully navigate various library career paths and opportunities. I was really inspired and excited to be part of the session.

Mentoring on the fly is surprisingly undervalued, yet it's sessions like it and the career center job fairs that I believe should be integrated into Library and Information Science conferences in my country, given their distinctiveness, innovative approach, and potential to drive career advancement in librarianship.

The networking opportunities were also invaluable, as it allowed me to connect in person with long time virtual colleagues, librarians from other parts of the world and share best practices, as well as contacts that I intend to maintain for future collaborations.

The exhibitors showcased innovative library products with immense potential to sharpen our library routines. I'm absolutely thrilled about every aspect of the ACRL 2025 conference, and its highly recommendable. Huge appreciation to the conference grant sponsors. I am really grateful for the experiences and I'm eager to implement them in my community. Thank you, ACRL!

Attending the 2025 ACRL Conference was a transformative professional experience. Even before the conference officially began, I could connect with colleagues worldwide through the virtual platform, greatly expanding my professional network. The sessions were highly valuable, particularly for establishing a scholarly communication infrastructure. I gained practical insights into copyright, open-access funding, faculty publishing support, and engagement strategies. The author's recommendation to read Effective Practices Strategies for Open Access Outreach was a standout moment I have since explored.

Moreover, sessions on automatic textbook billing, digital accessibility, and strategic planning through learning frameworks also offered actionable ideas that I have already begun applying to enhance research support services in my library. As a librarian from a developing country, I know this opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors. I am sincerely grateful for the scholarship that made my participation possible. This experience has deeply enriched my professional journey and the services I deliver at my institution.

Receiving a scholarship to the 2025 ACRL Conference gave me the opportunity to access cutting edge scholarship from other librarians, which I hope to integrate into the work I do at my library. In particular, I was very inspired by the work librarians are doing to develop resources and teach their communities about generative AI tools, which is a hot topic that librarians are uniquely suited to address.

Attending my very first ACRL Conference was nothing short of extraordinary, and I am deeply grateful to the Scholarship Committee for making this milestone possible. Thanks to their generous support, I not only participated in this premier event but also had the honor of speaking on a panel to spotlight the engaging work happening at the AUC Woodruff Library.

The energy throughout the conference was electric — a true celebration of knowledge-sharing, community, and professional growth. I found myself immersed in dynamic roundtables and thought-provoking presentations, each offering a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of librarianship.

What resonated with me most was the incredible diversity of roles within the library profession. Before ACRL, I had no idea just how many unique and meaningful career paths existed within this field. This exposure has been eye-opening and is already shaping the next chapter of my professional journey.

Thank you again for investing in emerging professionals like me. Your support has not only made this experience possible — it has made it impactful.

Attending ACRL allowed me to connect with academic and public library professionals from across the country, and I came away inspired by sessions focused on inclusive services, community-driven programming, and the evolving role of libraries in higher education and lifelong learning. The conference reinforced my commitment to bridging public and academic library work, and I’m already applying some of what I learned to my programming and outreach efforts at Betts Library in Syracuse, NY.

I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for the scholarship that helped me attend my very first ACRL Conference! It was such an incredible experience—one that I wouldn’t have been able to have without your support. I had the chance to present and received valuable feedback on the importance of the topic I presented on-Imposter Phenomenon. I also learned about emerging trends shaping the future of academic libraries. The sessions were insightful and inspiring, and I came away with new ideas and renewed energy for my work. One of the best parts was connecting with library folks—some I’ve known for a while and others I just met—and having those real, meaningful conversations that only happen when we’re all in the same place.

Attending ACRL 2025 was a meaningful step in my early professional journey. I was honored to receive a scholarship to attend my first library-specific conference and grateful for the opportunity. The conference provided an invaluable experience to immerse myself in the profession and connect with colleagues. I appreciated the openness and generosity of my fellow attendees and enjoyed the chance to share stories and ideas. I left feeling inspired and more deeply rooted in the library community.

I was very honored to be one of the recipients of the 2025 ACRL Conference scholarships. This was my first time attending ACRL as well as my first time presenting there. Without the help of this scholarship, it would have been very difficult for me to attend, as my professional development funds were extremely low. This scholarship allowed me to learn, grow, and network in ways that I haven’t had with any other conference. The 2025 ACRL Conference and its programming were immensely relevant to my daily tasks and my imminent future in the field. Thank you to all the donors who see the value in providing support, financial and otherwise, for professionals like me.

Attending ACRL, the preeminent professional conference for academic librarians, is a breath of fresh air for my work. We are stronger as a profession together, and ACRL Conferences allow us to dedicate time to learning about the triumphs and challenges of librarians across the world. No two libraries are the same, but we can learn from each others' approaches. In day to day work, it's difficult to dedicate meaningful time to keeping up with the broader profession. I'm able to do literature reviews to support projects I'm working on, but there simply isn't enough time to read broadly. ACRL gives us the dedicated time to absorb advances in the profession at a broader level, with the added bonus of networking. It's wonderful to see familiar faces, or faces I've only had the pleasure of seeing on a Zoom call. I'm currently starting a project with a librarian across the country I chatted with at a mixer. I was also able to present on a panel with colleagues from different states that I was able to meet in person for the very first time. I was able to carry the energy back to the office, along with fresh ideas for our department's ongoing work.

I am a recent MLS graduate who is working in a part-time, adjunct role. My current institution does not offer funding for conference travel but thanks to the ACRL scholarship, I was able to attend Minneapolis 2025. The scholarship allowed me to participate in networking and educational opportunities that I would not have been able to otherwise. I learned so much at ACRL, but more than that, I got to meet fellow librarians, reconnect with friends from library school, and network. While at ACRL, I received a job offer for a position as a reference librarian (which I accepted) and was even able to meet up with some of my new coworkers! I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and I can’t wait for ACRL 2027.

I had an AMAZING time at the conference! It was only the second conference I’ve ever attended and was the first national conference I’ve attended. I’ve been strongly considering living and working in Minnesota, so it was invaluable to visit the Twin Cities for the first time and talk to the librarians that live and work in Minnesota about their work and how they feel about working there. I also felt like all of the sessions I attended were invaluable for my professional development and really helped me get a good sense of the strengths and challenges of being an academic librarian in a way that I don’t think I would have been able to learn otherwise. Overall, I was really impressed with the commitment at every level of the ACRL to be a welcoming and inclusive place, and I would 100% attend again after I graduate.

Attending the ACRL conference for the first time was an invaluable professional development experience. The workshops specifically tailored to academic libraries provided significant insight and practical knowledge. The networking opportunities with colleagues from other academic institutions fostered meaningful connections and exchange of ideas. Additionally, exploring the vendor exhibitions offered valuable perspective on emerging technologies and resources that could potentially enhance our library's services and collections.

Receiving the 2025 ACRL scholarship to attend the conference virtually was an incredible opportunity. For librarians with limited funding, this scholarship makes it possible to stay up to date with the latest practices in the field. It provides access to current trends, emerging technologies, and effective strategies that shape librarianship today. Connecting with experts and peers enhances my professional growth and sparks new ideas. It reinforces my dedication to lifelong learning and strengthens how I can best serve my community.