CRIV CONNECTION

Mary Jenkins, Library and Research Services Manager, Devine Millimet

Registration for this year’s Annual Meeting & Conference is open, and I’ve been thinking about how to make the most of the opportunity to learn about information vendors and strengthen productive relationships with them. Here is a list that may help readers make the case to attend, approach attendance strategically, and maximize opportunities.

1. Learn from colleagues across the profession. A quick review of this year’s conference programming shows that information professionals interested in vendor practices, resources, or vendor relations will find many opportunities to learn best practices, deepen their understanding of information platforms, and connect with experienced law librarians. Here is a sampling of the programs I plan to attend: License to Lead: Managing Contracts and License Agreements for Transparency Across Your Organization; Cool Tools Café; The Fight to Preserve Legal Texts; Intranets with Intention: Designing Law Library Portals That Connect, Inform & Engage with Users; AI Law and Policy Across Borders: Impact on Legal Research and Libraries; Librarians as Changemakers: Approaching the Implementation of Publishing Best Practices for Legal Journals; Tracking with Aloha: Comparing Usage Tools for Law Library Insights; and, of course, the Committee on Relations with Information Vendors (CRIV) program, Negotiating Contracts: A Conversation Between Information Vendors and Librarians on Issues, Strategies, and ADA Changes.
2. Explore vendor booths in the Exhibit Hall. Not only does the Exhibit Hall showcase vendors’ latest products and services, but it also gives attendees face time with vendor representatives. This means you can explore product features and industry trends, compare products, discuss concerns, and make deals. Last year, I saw a demo of a product, recognized it as a solution we could use, and, after exploring a range of options, now my firm is implementing it. Vendors sometimes schedule demonstrations and presentations at their booths; it is worth checking out those offerings.
3. Attend Exhibitor Showcases. Exhibitors offer in-depth programs to highlight their expertise, demonstrate product strengths and capabilities, and engage in Q&A with attendees. Offered throughout the conference, the showcases provide information professionals with a deeper look and a chance to talk with vendor representatives who are often product developers or specialists.
4. Meet 1:1 with vendors or information professionals. While teeming with sessions and commitments, the conference also gives us time to meet one-on-one with people. Perhaps you will arrange in advance to connect with a librarian from another organization who has implemented a platform or an approach that you admire. Maybe you will ask a vendor for an in-depth, customized demonstration or a conversation about an issue. You might reach out to a knowledgeable speaker through the conference app and ask to chat over coffee or once you are back from the conference.
5. Propose or participate in a Discussion Den. The 45-minute sessions will not be announced until closer to the conference, but these informal conversations can be productive opportunities to solve problems and brainstorm with others deeply interested in the topics. If there’s a pressing topic on your mind, consider proposing a discussion.
6. Meet with a CRIV member. If you are curious about what CRIV does or would like to talk through a vendor-related challenge with someone skilled in vendor relations, let’s schedule a time to talk. We can discuss CRIV and brainstorm problem-solving approaches with you.
7. Go to the Poster Sessions. Presenters share their programs, research, and ideas with attendees via posters. While any law libraries-related topic is fair game, you will often encounter posters on legal information challenges, products, and projects. Poster creators will discuss their work with attendees. It is a good opportunity for learning and discussion.
8. Connect with an SIS. AALL special interest sections may hold gatherings, present a program, or set up a display in the Activities Area at the conference. Find your people. Whether a library type SIS or an SIS focused on a particular aspect of librarianship, these groups share your vendor- or product-related challenges and will be excellent career-long resources.
   
   As the legal info pro responsible for information vendor relations at my organization and for implementing, managing, and supporting platforms and solutions, I find the intensive learning and networking of the annual meeting, and the proximity to many experts, particularly productive for 1:1 discussion with vendors and colleagues, sparking ideas, and staying on top of trends and products. If you want more information about the benefits of attending AALL 2026, see the Justification Toolkit.