American Association of Law Libraries Annual Conference & Meeting 2026
Cleveland, OH
A big thank you to the Central New York Library Resources Council (CLRC) for supporting my trip to the 2026 AALL Annual Conference & Meeting in Cleveland. Their generosity ensured I could dive into a week of learning, leadership, and the kind of only‑at‑AALL adventures you definitely won’t find in the official conference program.
This year’s conference was especially meaningful because I attended in several national leadership roles: as President of the Association of Law Libraries of Upstate New York (ALLUNY), Secretary Treasurer of AALL’s Social Responsibilities Special Interest Section (SR-SIS), and as a member of the Conference of Newer Law Librarians (CONELL). These roles allowed me to contribute to the conference beyond attending educational sessions by helping shape programming, and collaborating with colleagues from across the country. Wearing that many hats also meant I spent the week answering questions, directing attendees, and occasionally pretending I knew which ballroom I was in before checking the app.
As a CONELL member, I hosted one of the dine‑arounds, which is basically AALL‑speak for “delicious food with librarians who become your friends before dessert.” In my other roles, I helped welcome and orient new members—everything from tabling to introducing them to the associations, the profession, and the many ways they can get involved. Think of it as librarian speed‑dating, but with fewer awkward pauses and more enthusiastic nodding.
Throughout the conference I attended educational programs on legal research, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, access to justice, library management, and leadership development. These sessions provided practical strategies that can be incorporated into my work with the New York State Unified Court System, particularly in serving self represented litigants, improving legal information services, and helping make sure AI is a helpful tool rather than something that accidentally tries to run the library.
Equally valuable were the opportunities to meet with law librarians from court, academic, government, and private law libraries across North America. Conversations with colleagues highlighted innovative outreach programs, approaches to professional development, and creative solutions to challenges facing our profession. As President of ALLUNY, these discussions fueled upcoming plans for future educational programming, member engagement, and collaboration with regional and national organizations.
As Secretary Treasurer of SR-SIS, I participated in meetings focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social responsibility within the legal information profession. I was able to share the work being done in New York, including initiatives supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion, community outreach, and access to justice, while also learning from colleagues who are piloting remarkable programs of their own. It was energizing, insightful, and occasionally involved deciphering handwritten meeting notes that looked like they were produced during a sprint between sessions.
Of course, AALL wouldn’t be AALL without the legendary unofficial programming—the stuff that never makes it into the brochure but somehow becomes the highlight reel. The Tri‑Chapter gathering with NJLLA and LLAGNY was a fantastic blend of networking and laughter (plus the unofficial sport of guessing who traveled the farthest). The Alan Holoch Reception at Nuevo Modern Mexican Restaurant offered great food, conversations and amazing connections. Karaoke at the House of Blues reminded us that librarians can, in fact, be fearless performers when handed a microphone. And the haunted ghost tour through downtown Cleveland added spooky ambiance and unexpected team bonding as we all attempted to determine whether the ghost stories were historically accurate or just very enthusiastic improv.
The conference reinforced the importance of strong professional networks and continuous learning. I returned to New York with practical ideas, new partnerships, and expanded leadership experience that will directly benefit my work at the Supreme Court Law Library in Onondaga County, my leadership within ALLUNY, and my continued service to AALL. The knowledge and connections gained through this conference will have lasting value, allowing me to bring new programming, advocacy strategies, mentorship opportunities, and best practices back to the legal information community in Central New York.
And yes there were walks to the liquor store (this is where they sell White Claw, I swear!) with brand-new friends, too, proving once again that AALL conference networking comes in all forms, including “accidental mentorship through hydration planning.”
This conference reaffirmed the importance of strong professional networks and continuous learning. I returned to New York with new ideas, renewed energy, expanded leadership experience, and a fresh appreciation for the creativity and resilience of law librarians everywhere. These takeaways will support my work at the Supreme Court Law Library in Onondaga County, strengthen ALLUNY’s member engagement and programming, and enhance my ongoing service within AALL.
Thank you to CLRC for investing in my professional development and making this unforgettable and highly productive experience possible.
Kristin K. Neri, Law Librarian
Onondaga County Supreme Court Law Library
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