AALL

Building on the signals shared in the session “Future-Focused Industry Trends,” presented by Zach Warren of the Thomson Reuters Institute, Fellows explored how to apply strategic thinking to real-world trends, including AI, and how to position themselves and their library for what’s next. #AALLLeadershipAcademy

Where is the profession headed? During the 2016 AALL Leadership Academy Zach Warren of Thomson Reuters Institute breaks down the latest research on AI, legal tech, and the trends transforming law libraries—offering a clear, data-driven look at what’s next and the skills you’ll need to keep up.

📢 New Issue Alert: May/June 2026 AALL Spectrum How are law librarians approaching AI—and innovation more broadly—with intention? This issue explores how members are navigating these questions with care, creativity, and a focus on real impact. From using AI to help transform historical legal materials into scalable, human-verified resources, to simple, thoughtful approaches that enhance the user experience, this issue highlights a range of practical, human-centered solutions. It also takes a closer look at generative AI through the lens of professional responsibility, examining how ethical frameworks can guide its use in practice. tinyurl.com/46p2npp3 #AALLSpectrum

Legal teams face growing pressure to deliver research that is accurate, timely, and reusable. Register now for the May 5 "Soutron Global Partner Webinar: How Law Libraries Can Modernize Attorney Research Workflows" to learn about how structured workflows help law librarians improve every stage of attorney research. tinyurl.com/4da6tey3

Day 2 of the 2026 Leadership Academy began with Building a Team That Thrives, helping Fellows recognize that moving from individual contributor to people manager can be challenging—and that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Leadership is learned, and growth takes time.

Day 1 ✔️ The 2026 Leadership Academy closed with a thoughtful conversation moderated by Rachel Hradecky (Saul Ewing LLP), featuring Lindsey Carpino (BakerHostetler), Joanne Kiley (Cook County Law Library), and Allen Moye (DePaul University College of Law). From delegation and volunteer leadership to navigating AI and supporting strategic goals, the panel explored what it really means to lead—and the joy of helping your team succeed along the way.

We’re grateful to Thomson Reuters for sponsoring the 2026 AALL Leadership Academy and supporting the next generation of leaders in law librarianship.

We are thrilled to celebrate the recipients of this year’s 2026 AALL Awards! 🎉 Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, and to the dedicated committees and award juries for their time and careful evaluation in selecting this year’s recipients. tinyurl.com/3k56babb #AALLAwards

At the 2026 Leadership Academy, facilitator Shawn Devine guided Fellows through a leadership style assessment, sparking thoughtful conversations about communication. Participants will carry these insights with them throughout the program as they continue to build their leadership skills.

Need funding for your educational program? The AALL/Bloomberg Law Continuing Education Grant supports development, partnerships, and expenses for AALL entities. Apply by May 18: ow.ly/hwtN30rWQq9

AALL Executive Director Dr. Joyce Gilbert kicked off the 2026 Leadership Academy in Chicago with a message focused on connection, growth, and the power of leadership in a changing profession.

AALL Membership is the perfect investment in yourself. Unlock mentoring, educational programming, networking, publications, and so much more. ⏰ Renew or join by May 31 to keep your benefits active: tinyurl.com/329vnnj2 #AALL2026 #LawLibraries #ProfessionalDevelopment

🌍 Meet the people behind the Index to Foreign Legal Periodicals (IFLP). In this spotlight from DipLawMatic Dialogues, get to know Irina Smirnov and the important work that helps make global legal scholarship more accessible. Take a closer look at the expertise and dedication behind IFLP: tinyurl.com/h9kwr8nh

🎙️ The AALLIn Podcast is here—and we’re kicking things off with a candid conversation on AI in the legal profession. In our debut episode, hosts Katie Brown and Andre Davison are joined by Marlene Gebauer and Greg Lambert of "The Geek in Review" to explore generative AI beyond the hype. Inspired by Greg’s Beyond the Model series, the conversation digs into: Where Gen AI is delivering real value Where it’s still falling short What it means for trust, ethics, and the future of legal work From practical use cases to bigger questions about professional identity, this episode offers a thoughtful, balanced look at AI through the lens of law librarianship. 🎧 Listen now: tinyurl.com/4n3p7jsa

Looking to connect, grow, or give back? AALL’s Mentor Program is here for you. We’ve updated the sign-up form with clearer expectations and new options to help create stronger, more meaningful matches—based on your preferred schedule, communication style, and mentoring timeframe. Gain invaluable insight or give back to the next generation. Sign up to be a mentor or mentee today: bit.ly/AALLMentor #AALL #Mentorship #LawLibraries

“The AALL/Bloomberg Law Continuing Education Grant allowed us to elevate our LLAM Institute and enhance the experience for attendees by helping cover costs for a keynote speaker, signage, and materials.” Need funding for your educational program? The AALL/Bloomberg Law Continuing Education Grant supports development, partnerships, and expenses for AALL entities. Apply by May 18: ow.ly/hwtN30rWQq9

Cleveland is calling! 📍 Join us for July 18-21 for #AALL26 and explore everything the city has to offer. Between sessions, explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, stroll through West Side Market, or take in lakefront views along Lake Erie. Bringing the family? Check out the Cleveland Museum of Natural History or the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. And when the day winds down, enjoy Cleveland’s vibrant dining scene and neighborhoods. Come for the conference—stay for the experience. Register by May 20 to save $100! aallconference.org/registration/

Legal teams face growing pressure to deliver research that is accurate, timely, and reusable. Register now for the May 5 "Soutron Global Partner Webinar: How Law Libraries Can Modernize Attorney Research Workflows" to learn about how structured workflows help law librarians improve every stage of attorney research. tinyurl.com/4da6tey3

If you still picture law librarians as quietly guarding stacks, it’s time for an update. In Raise the Bar, AALL President Jenny R.F.F. Silbiger—State Law Librarian for the Hawaii State Judiciary—shares how today’s law librarians are stepping into critical roles as knowledge curators, AI evaluators, and problem-solvers for complex legal research. #NationalLibraryWeek #LawLibrarians #LegalResearch #AI #RaiseTheBar tinyurl.com/mpv4wjnj

Happy National Volunteer Week! We’re proud to recognize the volunteers who give their time and expertise to strengthen law libraries and the legal information community. Your contributions support access to justice, advance research, and help others navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.