History Section: Discussion Groups

About our Discussion Groups

Everyone interested or engaged in historical research is welcome!
In-person and virtual events are open to all, regardless of membership.
Participation in the online Connect forums linked below requires membership in the History Section.
- If you are already a RUSA member, you can join the History Section at no additional cost. Just select the History Section when you are joining or renewing your ALA membership.

A forum for the exchange of information about library services in local history and genealogy, with previous discussion topics including the effects of the pandemic, community outreach, and programming.
Join the Genealogy & Local History Discussion Group on Connect.
Participate in our upcoming events
- ALA Annual: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 2:30-3:30pm
- All are welcome!

A forum to introduce and consider a wide variety of topics of interest to librarians providing services to historians in all types of librarians, with previous discussion topics including newspaper collection strategies, library spaces for historical research, and promoting primary sources.
2025-2026 co-conveners: Jennifer A. Hofer and Jeffrey Wheeler
Join the History Librarians Discussion Group on Connect.
Participate in our upcoming events
- ALA Annual: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 1:00-2:00pm
- All are welcome!

New as of 2026, this discussion group serves as a forum to share best practices and foster collaboration among those who collect, promote, and use newspapers for historical research, including librarians, local historians, genealogists, vendors, and publishers.
2026-2027 co-conveners: Bryan Benilous and Brandon Nightingale
Join the Newspaper Interest Discussion Group on Connect.
Participate in our upcoming events
- ALA Annual: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 4:00-5:00pm
- All are welcome!