Electronic Resources & Librarianship Conference 2026
Celebrating Innovation and Community in Library E-Resources
March 1-4, 2026
Written by Dr. Kanu A. Nagra, Professor & E-resources Librarian @ CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
Writing in honor of the Electronic Resources & Libraries (ER&L) Conference 2026 is both a privilege and a challenge. Words alone hardly seem sufficient to capture the spirit, inspiration, and sense of community that this remarkable gathering brings to librarians and professionals working in electronic resources. For many in the field, the conference touches not only the intellect but also the heart and soul of librarianship.
Often described as the premier conference for e-resources professionals, ER&L consistently receives praise from both first-time attendees and long-time participants who have returned year after year since its inception. The event has earned a reputation for being thoughtfully organized, energizing, and deeply relevant to the evolving needs of the global library community.
This year’s conference drew an impressive 1,176 participants from around the world, attending both in person and virtually. Appropriately themed “ER&L Fest” the 2026 conference embraced a festive atmosphere rarely seen in traditional academic conferences. Beyond the rich schedule of presentations, the event featured two keynote sessions, roundtable discussions, community connection sessions, and lightning talks, creating dynamic opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and engagement among attendees.
The organizers also curated memorable social experiences. Two well-planned receptions, the Welcome Reception and the Vendor Reception, the following evening—provided space for networking and celebration, complete with live music and performances. Attendees also enjoyed interactive highlights such as the ever-popular Battle Decks game and a screening of a library-focused documentary that sparked thoughtful conversations about emerging trends and challenges in the profession.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were the distinctive elements of the ER&L Fest experience. Participants received festival wristbands, and colorful balloon arches decorated the venue, symbolizing the vibrant e-resources community. Decorative floor circles across the conference levels highlighted the festival theme, while attendees enjoyed conference swag and refreshments throughout the day.
Another highlight of the conference experience was the lavish breakfast served at the Tejas Restaurant inside the AT&T Conference Center, offering participants the perfect opportunity to recharge before a full day of intellectual engagement and learning.
As a frequent attendee, I have witnessed the conference grow steadily each year—both in its scale and in depth of its programming. The Electronic Resources & Libraries Conference continues to broaden its scope, addressing nearly every major dimension of the electronic resources landscape. This year’s sessions explored timely and thought-provoking topics such as Dawn of the Machine Age and Near Futures for Libraries, along with key issues including generative AI, open access publishing, Read and Publish transformative agreements, System migrations, authentications and the evolving “health” of e-resources ecosystems. Together, these discussions offered valuable insights and practical solutions to many of the complex challenges libraries face today.
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of ER&L is its role as a global reunion of e-resources professionals. Conversations flow easily among colleagues from diverse institutions and regions, creating an environment where collective wisdom thrives. Through open dialogue, participants share experiences, develop solutions to common problems, and build collaborations that extend far beyond the conference itself. In many ways, ER&L is more than just a professional gathering—it is a celebration of a community united by a shared mission to advance knowledge access in the digital age.
As ER&L 2026 concludes, one truth stands out, this conference is not merely an annual gathering but a powerful testament to the strength and vision of the global e-resources community. The ideas exchanged, collaborations formed, and friendships renewed here will continue to influence libraries and institutions far beyond the conference halls. In a rapidly evolving digital world, ER&L remains a guiding light for those committed to expanding access to knowledge.
