The annual national conference of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) will be held this fall in Sacramento on September 19-21, 2008.   The conference focus is for libraries serving a population of 25,000 or fewer. Conference information and registration is available at www.webjunction.org/arsl .  This link also takes you to the WebJunction Rural and Small Library community page, a portal to a plethora of resources.

The keynote speakers and workshops for the conference include

In light of recent conversations regarding teaching students in the 21^st century, this article from eSchool News  provides information from recent research in regard to technology and student learning.

Tech encourages students' social skills
Studies illustrate how some classroom technology can lead to student collaboration

The following link provides access to 25 Beta Research tools from libraries around the world.

This is an interesting blog post (Tame the Web) about the ability to use or not use wireless networks at libraries, along with the barriers encountered. 

 Patron uses own Wireless network. IT to Patron: Use our Network or Go Home.”

Here is a great resource on storytelling and how it is merging with technology.  Educators are using digital tools in combination with journaling to allow students to enhance their stories through pictures, videos, and audio.  It can be very powerfull.  Here is the link to see more.... EDUCAUSE