Annual Conference

In case you missed visiting our wonderful city ten years ago (ACL 2007), here’s your chance to “Experience GR!” One of the best parts of participating in ACL conferences has to be the serendipity of exploring new cities, along with connecting with new friends and old in the library world. Each of us comes to conference with certain expectations, just as our students and patrons come to their libraries with definite expectations: good, friendly service, expert research assistance, high quality resources, and much more. That’s the theme for ACL 2017: “Great Expectations to Grand Experience”. Our keynote speaker, Steve Bell, will lend his expert voice to the User Experience. Pre-conference workshops and other presenters will address aspects of the user experience and meeting the expectations of our faculty and students. Cornerstone University and its library staff is excited to work with colleagues from neighboring institutions—Kuyper College, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Calvin College, and Grace Bible College—in planning an unforgettable and rewarding conference. We invite you to Experience Grand Rapids and explore beautiful Western Michigan, while enjoying rich Christian fellowship and learning ‘best practices’ from your librarian colleagues! We aim to exceed your expectations! Fred Sweet, Director and Host Librarian, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Here's what some librarians had to say about the 2016 ACL Conference:

"Loved it! I have never felt more welcomed into a group of people whom I have never met. So many became instant friends that I feel will last throughout the years. The worship times were excellent and offered a good variety of styles and "expressions" that everyone could enjoy. Teaching sessions were very personal and passionate. I could tell the entire conference had been extremely well thought out and prepared."

"The networking opportunities, which were tremendous as I could connect with peers from all over the world who were not only about one continent issues but tackled issues affecting Librarianship across continents. Apart from the exposure to a wealth of knowledge, experience and making valuable contacts, the event opened the bigger picture to the ingenuity that Christian Librarians, researchers and those involved in eLearning in the fraternity have to offer to others."

2016 Pricing Information (To give ballpark pricing for 2017 budgets.)

Conference Package with campus lodging* includes registration fee, lodging (sheets, towels, etc.), meals, reception, banquet, and breaks. Meals begin with dinner Monday evening and conclude with dinner Thursday evening.

Conference Package for off-campus lodging includes conference registration with lunches, dinners, breaks, reception, and banquet only. 

2016 Conference Presentation Materials (George Fox University)