Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) ALAO blog

2026 ALAO Elections– NOW OPEN

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:30:44 GMT

This year's ALAO elections are now live. The ballot is open until 5 pm on April 30. This year there are candidates for Vice President/President Elect, Board Member(s) at Large, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Chair. More information about each person is available on the the elections page.

2026 ALAO Elections– CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 02:20:38 GMT

Are you looking for professional service or leadership opportunities, or know someone who might be? If so, please consider nominating yourself or a colleague for a position on the ALAO Board!

This year’s elections will take place in spring 2026, with successful candidates officially assuming their positions at the ALAO Board Retreat in July.

What does the ALAO Board do?

As the Ohio chapter of ACRL, we:

Advance academic library services in our state and provide opportunities for education and growth for library personnel at all levels and at every career stage
Sponsor an annual conference and spring workshops that focus on innovative topics and showcase Ohio academic librarians
Provide scholarships and awards
Maintain several active, diverse interest groups and committees.
Have a mentoring program that pairs up Ohio academic librarians for peer-to-peer, intergenerational, leadership, or student mentoring relationships

ALAO Board members:

Perform duties described in the Procedures Manual for their position
Attend monthly Board meetings
Participate in the annual Board planning retreat in July

This year, we will be soliciting nominations for the following positions:

Vice President/President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Board Member-at-Large (3 positions)
Public Relations Coordinator
Membership Chair

Please submit nominations or self-nominations to the online 2026 ALAO Election Nomination Form by 5pm Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Not Ready for an Elected Position? ALAO is also looking to fill the following non-elected positions to start in July 2026.

Interest Group Coordinator
Communications Editor
Chair Positions for subject specific interest groups and committees

Click here to submit your interest!

Questions about the upcoming elections or open positions? Please feel free to contact Sara Klink (pastpresident@alaoweb.org) or Laura Birkenhauer (membership@alaoweb.org)

Thank you from the 2026 ALAO Nominating Committee!

Sara Klink, Stark State College, Committee Chair
Ryan Scott, Columbus State Community College, Committee Member
Melissa Bauer, Kent State University, Committee Member
Laura Birkenhauer, Miami University, Advisor to the Committee

Call for participation in the 2024-2025 ALAO Mentoring Program

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:23:52 GMT

The Academic Library Association of Ohio’s Professional Development Committee (ALAO PDC) is excited to announce a call for participation in the 2024-2025 Mentoring Program.

Program Overview

The Academic Library Association of Ohio Professional Development Committee reviews registration information and matches mentoring pairs. The annual program typically runs from mid-October 2024 through October 2025.

The mentor application contains a few fields that will be posted on the ALAO web page as a prospective mentor bio. Mentees will select three potential mentors from the bios and the PDC will match participants and reach out to new mentor-mentee pairs.

We invite people interested in being mentors to complete the application:

https://forms.gle/HX3gQ6gPA16Q2azG9

Applications are due September 9, 2024

Matching Process

Mentor bios will be posted to an ALAO web page.
Prospective mentees review the list of available mentors and identify three mentors they would like to work with.
Prospective mentees complete an online application listing their top three mentor choices.
ALAO PDC will then work to create a match. When a match is confirmed, both parties will be notified.
Prior to your first mentoring meeting, ALAO PDC will provide some guidelines and suggestions to help get the mentoring relationship off to a good start.
Typically, most mentoring relationships meet for at least four sessions based on mentor/mentee availability and scheduling preferences.
At the end of the mentoring relationship, a program evaluation will go out to both parties.

Who Can Be a Mentor?

ALAO membership is required. We welcome mentors from all levels of professional experience in academic libraries. Mentoring offers a meaningful way to engage with a colleague, be a supportive listener, and help them identify and achieve their professional goals.

Questions? Please contact, Jaclyn Spraetz spraetj@miamioh.edu, Tracey Overbey overbey.13@osu.edu, or Stephanie Founds founds.8@osu.edu.

2023 ALAO Conference - Proposal Coaching Virtual Q&A

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:53:28 GMT

Thinking about presenting at a conference (maybe for the first time)? Not sure if your idea can be turned into a presentation, or if there are presentation ideas you might not have thought about? The ALAO Annual Conference is an excellent opportunity! Please join us for an informal online chat where you can ask questions and learn more about submitting a proposal and planning a presentation.

ALAO has a longstanding tradition of hosting first-time presenters of sessions, posters, lightning talks and panel discussions. Ours is a welcoming and supportive conference environment for your first presentation. In this spirit, and in conjunction with our recent call for conference session proposals, the 2023 ALAO Conference Planning Committee will be hosting an informal virtual conversation with potential first-time presenters and others who may be interested.

This online event will take place via Zoom on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 3 to 4pm. Please register beforehand here if you would like to attend.

If you have questions, please contact Mark Eddy at vicepresident@alaoweb.org

Online Payments Restored

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:44:19 GMT

ALAO’s online payment system has been fixed. ALAO members can now successfully join or renew their memberships and pay online here. You may have to select "Change membership level" in order to renew your membership. Thank you for your patience during this process.

Problem with PayPal Payments

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 01:31:33 GMT

ALAO is currently experiencing a problem with accepting payment via PayPal. We are working to resolve the problem. If you would like to join or renew your membership now, you can do so and pay by check as directed on the invoice sent via email.

Please contact ALAO Membership Chair, Maureen Barry, at membership@alaoweb.org with any questions. We regret the inconvenience.

C2YCLIG Discussion Series - New Library Trends/Hot Topics

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:42:32 GMT

Discussions will now be held asynchronously using Padlet.

Discussion #2: Programming, service, and outreach - closes on February 21, 2022 @ 2pm

Article citations:

Kasten-Mutkus, K. (2020). Programming as Pedagogy in the Academic Library. portal: Libraries and the Academy 20(3), 425-434.

Lamøy, L. & Kilvik, A. (2021). May I Borrow a Stapler? Is This All Students Ask at the Service Desk in a University Library? Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 16(3), 32–45.

Oldenburg, K. (2021). Student Work in VCC Libraries: From Mannequins in the Library to a Car on the Third Floor. Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research, 15(2), 1–8.

Padlet link: https://padlet.com/c2ycligchairs/discussion2

Discussion #3: Information literacy and instruction - more info coming!

Email c2yclig-chairs@alaoweb.org for more information.

WebEx Discussion Series - New Library Trends/Hot Topics

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 18:23:26 GMT

Join C2YCLIG for a three part discussion series featuring library trends and hot topics!

Discussion #1: Technology and the future of libraries - November 1, 2021 @ 2pm

Discussion #2: Programming, service, and outreach - February 21, 2022 @ 2pm

Discussion #3: Information literacy and instruction - April 4, 2022 @2pm

Email c2yclig-chairs@alaoweb.org for WebEx links.

Call for ALAO Continuing Education Grant applications

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:34:03 GMT

Current ALAO members are eligible to apply for funds to defray the costs of attending any library-related educational opportunity occurring during the calendar year.

Learn more: Continuing Education Grant

Apply online: https://forms.gle/JptJU4e56JWo82kt5

Speculative Futures | Post-Pandemic Libraries

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:21:34 GMT

“Futures are not a destination, but a medium for imaginative thought” - Anthony Dunne & Fiona Raby

This work is the apotheosis of a yearlong exploration of speculative design and libraries. Beginning with TEDSIG 2020 in July of 2020, continued through an inspired Speculative Design and Climate Reading Group with LATITUDE | Chicago, and culminating with the publication of this object on speculative library futures.

COMING IN MARCH 2021
https://futures.alaoweb.org/

ALAO COVID-19 Open Forum

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 18:19:49 GMT

Would you like an opportunity to hear what your colleagues are doing at other Ohio institutions to deal with the pandemic? Would you like to share about the challenges and opportunities you’re facing this semester?

If so, please feel free to join us for an informal COVID-19 Open Forum!

September 25th at 3:00pm

Register here by September 23rd: https://forms.gle/L927wxV4t8di3LnB6

We’ll do some polling to see what attendees are doing on their campuses, and we’ll have some time to share and problem-solve in small groups. This is also a chance to see each other and connect a little bit! Feel free to attend with child, pet, snack, and/or beverage in tow!

Call for Applicants: ALAO Support Staff Conference Grant

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:10:37 GMT

Are you a staff member planning to attend or present at the 2020 ALAO Conference? Consider applying for the Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Support Staff Conference Grant.

The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) seeks to encourage support staff development and participation in ALAO activities through the Support Staff Grant. To that end, the ALAO Executive Board may award up to $150 annually to assist and encourage support staff to attend the ALAO Annual Conference. All support staff currently employed in an Ohio academic library are eligible to apply. Priority is given to applicants with an accepted 2020 ALAO conference program proposal.

Eligibility:

● Support staff currently employed in an Ohio academic library

● ALAO membership is not required

Application Deadline: Thursday, September 10, 2020 11:59 p.m.

Awardees will be notified by September 18, 2020.

For more information apply online. To learn more about the ALAO Support Staff Conference Grant visit the ALAO website.

If you have any questions about the Support Staff Grant, please contact Professional Development Committee chair, Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros.

Continuing Education Grant awards postoned

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 18:32:48 GMT

Due to the ongoing changes in work, travel, and daily living created by the COVID-19 Pandemic and Governor DeWine's "Stay at Home" order for all Ohioans, the ALAO Professional Development Committee (PDC), in consultation with Katy Mathuews, ALAO President, has decided to postpone the Continuing Education Grant awards until April 30. 2020. If you applied for a grant, your application is still under consideration. There is no need to reapply. We look forward to updating you in May.

Call for self-nominations in ALAO 2020 Election

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:08:23 GMT

This year, ALAO will be electing a Vice President/President-Elect, Secretary, Membership Chair, and 3 Board Members at Large. Consider nominating yourself for one of these roles. Self-nominations are now due April 10.

Continuing Education Grant Program-Apply Now!

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 19:04:31 GMT

Are you presenting a conference paper, attending a workshop, or looking to participate in other professional development opportunities in 2020? The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Continuing Education Grant can help you get there!

The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Continuing Education Grant is awarded each year to support the cost of participating in professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. which are related to the member’s current position or in pursuit of a professional library degree. Current ALAO members are eligible to apply for funds to defray the costs of attending any library-related educational opportunity occurring during the calendar year.

Eligibility:

Applicant must be a current member of ALAO.
Applicant may not have received this grant in the previous three award cycles.
Funded event must occur between January 1 and December 31, 2020.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2020 11:59 p.m.

Awardees will be notified by March 16, 2020.

For more information and to apply online go to the ALAO website.

If you have any questions about the Continuing Education Grant, please contact Professional Development Committee chair, Ann Marie Smeraldi.

ALAO Presentation and Poster Materials Available

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 14:21:14 GMT

We are happy to announce that the 2019 ALAO Annual Conference presentation and poster session materials are available on the program page of the conference website! Click each session or poster title for access: https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2019/program

Join the brand new Sustainability Interest Group (AKA SusIG)!

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 14:03:04 GMT

Just as we humans face huge challenges and uncertainties in our collective future, so too do libraries. The Sustainability Interest Group (SusIG) was formed this spring in order to provide a state-wide forum for the exchange of ideas and opportunities related to sustainability in academic libraries. The interest group’s intent is to encourage and support the actions of academic librarians and library staff in accordance with the following definition of sustainability: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Join us! And, if you have any questions, please check out our website at https://alaoweb.org/ig/susig or reach-out to the co-chairs with questions or ideas for what specific issues you’d like to help this interest group tackle!

Coming Soon - Diversity Committee Scholarship application!

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 16:34:51 GMT

The Diversity Committee Scholarship application for LIS students will be live in January 2020. If you or someone you know could benefit from the scholarship, keep a lookout for the announcement on the ALAO List and social media. Feel free to contact the committee with any questions.

ALAO’s 45th Annual Conference Takes Place October 17 & 18, 2019

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 15:33:56 GMT

We are excited to welcome you to the 45^th Annual ALAO Conference Libraries Speak Up! Advocate. Collaborate. Educate. We hope to see you at this year’s exciting program of events.

Thursday events include:

An afternoon workshop on intergroup dialogue in academic libraries with facilitators Ione Damasco, Mérida Allen, and Chanel P. Wright from the University of Dayton.
A FREE evening active allyship training with facilitators Petey Peterson and Dr. Nicole Carter from Wright State University.

Friday events include:

A keynote address by Char Booth with a theme of justice-based advocacy in leadership.
28 breakout sessions from your colleagues in Ohio and surrounding states (program available soon).
Nearly 40 posters and roundtable discussions.

Registration is required for all events.

Rates:

Pre-conference:

$85 ALAO/MiALA Members

$115 Non ALAO Members

Ally Training
FREE (Registration required)

Conference

$165 ALAO/MiALA Members

$195 Non ALAO Members

$100 ALAO Student Members/Retirees

For registration and more information, please visit:

https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2019/about

Lead and Learn: A Free Social Hour & Workshop on Body Language

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 22:00:05 GMT

Join us December 5th for an evening of learning and socializing with fellow academic librarians. You will have an opportunity to order and pay for your dinner starting at 6 pm. At 7 pm we will have a presentation on Body Language by Holly Klingler, Research and Innovation Coordinator, NEO-RLS. The presentation is free. Food and drink are on your own.

Location: Visible Voice Books, 2258 Professor Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113

When: December 5, 2017, 6pm-8pm

Register at: http://mms.neo-rls.org/Calendar/moreinfo.php?eventid=45744

Lead and Learn: A Free Social Hour & Workshop on Body Language

Can a simple change in your posture make you more confident? Can just smiling change your mood? Can understanding body language truly help empower you? The answer is YES.

A large majority of our human communication comes from nonverbals like facial expressions, gestures, and posture. Such communication is universal and we all perform it every day and throughout every interaction. Learn how to decipher what the body is saying and utilize nonverbal tells for approachability, managing conflict and demonstrating authority. Discover not only how to project confidence to others, but how to change how you feel, all through body language.

Presenter: Holly Klingler is the Research and Innovation Coordinator for The Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEO-RLS). In addition to helping libraries learn to use and love technology, she is also certified in nonverbal analysis and has been presenting on body language for over seven years. She trains people in a variety of career fields on how to utilize body language effectively and successfully in their profession. She recently presented at the Akron Women’s Bar Association and at the Hudson Job Corp., illustrating valuable techniques to read and communicate nonverbally and ways to put your best foot forward while being evaluated. From customer service to conflict management to confidence exercises, she teaches nonverbal skills you can use in both your professional and personal life to communicate effectively with others and even within yourself.

Submit Your Annual Conference Poster or Round Table Proposal by May 15.

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 19:09:43 GMT

The ALAO Conference Planning Committee is accepting poster and roundtable proposals for the 2017 ALAO conference until May 15th.

To submit a proposal, use the online submission form.

ALAO Diversity Scholarship Due Feb 12!

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 20:00:43 GMT

Applications are now being accepted for the ALAO Diversity Scholarship at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DVDWBKB

The application period runs until Sunday, February 12, 2017.

The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s bursar account for tuition at his or her academic institution. As the scholarship recipient, the student also will receive a complimentary registration for ALAO’s Annual Conference and a year of mentoring by a selected ALAO Member.

***Deadline: Sunday, February 12, 2017***

For additional information or questions, please contact the ALAO Diversity Committee Chair:

Eileen Theodore-Shusta, MLS, MAS

Director of Planning Assessment & Organizational Effectiveness

Ohio University Libraries

theodore@ohio.edu

740.593.2989

Register for the 2016 Diversity Workshop

Wed, 24 Aug 2016 14:17:19 GMT

Registration for the 2016 Diversity Workshop, Outreach: Building Collaborations that Support Campus Diversity, is now open!

Spend a day with colleagues exchanging ideas and discovering best practices for building collaborations and community outreach to promote diversity. You’ll not only get to hear from your colleagues but discuss the programs and ideas brought forth while you network with librarians from across Ohio and the region. From programming ideas to writing successful grants there’s something for everyone looking to promote inclusion and diversity in their library.

Attendees will:

-Hear about examples of best practices for outreach within the regions' academic libraries

-Take from the workshop ideas promoting diversity and inclusion through outreach efforts

-Take from the workshop ideas promoting diversity and inclusion through community collaboration

More details and registration at: http://alaoweb.org/event-2197839

ALAO 2016 roundtable & poster proposals due June 24th!

Mon, 23 May 2016 18:01:39 GMT

The ALAO Conference Planning Committee is pleased to announce our call for Poster and/or Roundtable proposals for the 2016 ALAO conference. The conference will be held on Friday, October 28th at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH. The theme this year is User Experience: Exceeding Expectations By Design. More information and submission guidelines are available on the conference website.

The deadline for submitting poster and/or roundtable proposals is June 24th.

To submit a proposal, use the online submission form.

If you have questions, please contact Carrie Girton at program@alaoweb.org.

ALAO Diversity Scholarship - Apply by April 17

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 01:26:53 GMT

Applications are now being accepted for the ALAO Diversity Scholarship at https://ohio.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ctDnbiaShSwodPn

The application period is extended until Sunday, April 17, 2016.

***Deadline: Sunday, April 17, 2016***

For additional information or questions, please contact the ALAO Diversity Committee Chair:

Eileen Theodore-Shusta, MLS, MAS

Director of Planning Assessment & Organizational Effectiveness

Ohio University Libraries

theodore@ohio.edu

740.593.2989

Collection Management Workshop - Submit Lightning Talks proposal by April 15

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 21:47:37 GMT

Call for Proposals: The ALAO/CMIG (Collection Management Interest Group) Spring Workshop will include a lightning talk round, and we would like to hear from you!

What are the collection management “hot buttons” at your institution this spring? We are open to any topic involving collection management/development including: promotion of specific library resources, managing and utilizing usage statistics, open access issues, and collaborative collection development projects. What works, what doesn’t, what are you dreaming up next? Come share your ideas & experience with colleagues in a 5-7 minute “lightning talk”.

Please send a brief description, 200 word max, of your lightning talk idea to Ken Irwin kirwin@wittenberg.edu and Jessica Grim Jessica.grim@oberlin.edu by April 15, 2016. 8-10 talks will be selected.

The CMIG Spring Workshop will take place on April 27, 2017, 10:00-3:00, at the State Library in Columbus.

Now accepting nominations for ALAO Board

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:03:28 GMT

Are you looking for a leadership opportunity? Would you like to get involved in professional service for an ACRL chapter? If so, please consider nominating yourself for the ALAO Board. Elections will take place in April, and successful candidates will take office at the ALAO Board Retreat this summer. Come join a fantastic group of Ohio librarians!

What does the ALAO Board do?

As the Ohio chapter of ACRL, we have a mission of advancing academic library services in our state, and providing opportunities for education and growth for library personnel at all levels and at every career stage. We sponsor an annual conference and spring workshops that focus on innovative topics and showcase Ohio academic librarians; we provide scholarships and awards; and we maintain several active, diverse interest groups and committees. In addition, we are piloting a mentoring program that pairs up Ohio academic librarians for peer-to-peer, inter-generational, leadership, or student mentoring relationships.

What is my role as a Board member?

Perform the duties described for your elected position – see the Procedures Manual for the specific duties and responsibilities of each position
Attend the annual two-day retreat (usually in June/July of each year; 2016 dates and location to be determined)
Attend 4 Board meetings per year (usually on Fridays, at OhioNET)

This year, we will be electing the following officers:

Vice President/President Elect
Secretary
Membership chair
Board Member-at-Large (3 positions)

Remember that you must be an ALAO member in order to run for office, so this is a perfect time to join or renew.

Submit the online nomination form by Monday, February 29, 2016 to be considered as a candidate! If you have questions, please contact Eboni A. Johnson or another member of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you!

Eboni A. Johnson, ALAO Past President and Nominating Committee Chair, Oberlin College

Mark Eddy, Case Western Reserve University

Katy Mathuews, Ohio University

Eileen Theodore-Shusta, Ohio University

Diversity Workshop CFP

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 21:42:42 GMT

The Academic Library Association of Ohio's Diversity Committee is pleased to announce that the Spring Diversity Workshop will be held at Ohio State University, Thompson Library, on Friday, May 13, 2016. The workshop will focus on outreach to the community, building collaboration and promoting diversity and inclusion on our campuses and within our libraries.

We are accepting proposals for presentations that will showcase efforts at outreach on your campus for promoting diversity and/or building collaboration. We anticipate presentations which last around 45 minutes.

Initial proposals should be 150 words in length and include a very brief bio of the presenter(s), as well as links to any publicly viewable electronic materials referenced. Visit here to submit your proposal: http://goo.gl/forms/eRTp0SEFKu

The Diversity Committee will select from the proposals submitted. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 1, 2016. For more details, please email: diversity@alaoweb.org

Instruction and Assessment Interest Groups' CFP

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 21:41:38 GMT

Have you developed assessment techniques to improve your instruction or communicate the value of information literacy instruction? Do you have instructional assessment techniques that you’d like the share with others? Have you adjusted your instructional assessment techniques to address the Framework for Information Literacy?

We invite you to share innovative practices, experience, and success with your colleagues from academic libraries in Ohio and beyond at the spring workshop held jointly by the Academic Library Association of Ohio’s Assessment Interest Group (AIG) and Instruction Interest Group (IIG).

The deadline for proposals for is Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 5pm. Papers and demonstrations are welcome. Please submit title and abstract of your proposal in an MS Word or PDF file. In the abstract please include primary target audience, format, and learning objectives. Limit to 250 words. Exclude the name of your institution and any personal names in the abstract. Proposals will be blind reviewed by the AIG Planning Committee.

The workshop will be held on April 20, 2016, at the State Library of Ohio. All presenters must register for and attend the workshop. Registration costs for the workshop will be waived for presenters. Proposals for presentations should be submitted to the ALAO AIG Co-Chairs, Mandy Shannon, mandy.shannon@wright.edu, and Eric Resnis, eric.resnis@miamioh.edu. Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, March 2, 2016

DLIG Spring Workshop CFP

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 21:40:36 GMT

The Academic Library Association of Ohio's Distance Learning Interest Group (DLIG) is pleased to announce that Inov8 2016 (DLIG's Spring Workshop) will be held at Miami University's Voice of America Center in West Chester, OH (just north of Cincinnati) on Friday, April 29. The workshop will focus on ways to revitalize your approach to distance learning by looking at current practices, emerging technologies and trends, and possibilities for the future.

We are accepting proposals for presentations that will motivate and inspire our distance learning colleagues. We especially welcome submissions that feature innovative use of freely available technologies, successful strategies for connecting to our students and faculty, or tips for librarianship in learning management systems or online courses.

Proposals should be 150-250 words in length and include a very brief bio of the presenter(s), as well as links to any publicly viewable electronic materials referenced. The DLIG Planning Committee will select from the proposals submitted. The deadline for submitting proposals is February 15, 2016.

For more details or to submit a proposal, please email: dligchair1@alaoweb.org

Call for Keynote Speaker

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 21:37:37 GMT

The ALAO Instruction Interest Group (IIG) with the Assessment Interest Group will host their 2016 Spring Workshop on April 20th at the State Library of Ohio on the new ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.

IIG is looking for a keynote speaker who has discussed, implemented, or plans to implement changes to his/her library’s information literacy (IL) program based on the new Framework.

Possible topics include:

Current proposals for IL program changes at your institution
Tested strategies for program modifications or implementation using the Framework
Framework emphasis in planning (strategies, threshold concepts, authority, etc.)
Logistic, staff, administrative or other challenges of implementation
Faculty, administration, and staff collaboration or engagement in implementation
Changes to staff or faculty IL teaching strategies, assignments, or campus curricula
Impact of transitioning away from old standards
Preliminary findings or best practices

Please email your presentation proposal to Melissa Bauer (mbauer10@kent.edu) by February 29,2016.

Kathryn Venditti

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 01:23:03 GMT

It is with deep sadness that ALAO shares the passing of one of its beloved members, Kathryn Venditti. Kathryn was an Instruction and Reference Librarian at Ashland University. She has been a member of ALAO for over 15 years and has served various leadership roles over the last decade, including conference planning committee and interest group coordinator. Kathryn's enthusiasm and efforts to support ALAO and academic libraries was honored in 2014 when she received the Jay Ladd Award, the highest honor that ALAO can bestow on a member.

Please see her obituary for more information at:
http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=kathryn-lynn-venditti&pid=177070507

Thank you,
Brian Gray
ALAO President

Applications Invited for 2016 Research Awards

Fri, 27 Nov 2015 20:01:00 GMT

Applications are now being accepted for the ALAO 2016 Research Awards.

Application, 2 parts:

a. Apply online at http://alaoweb.org/event-2073937. Be sure to log in as an ALAO member first and then click "Register."

b. Send a current curriculum vitae from the named applicant(s) to Heidi Gauder, Chair of the Research & Publications Committee, hgauder1@udayton.edu

For more information go to http://alaoweb.org/committees/researchpub/2016-research-grant. If you have questions, please contact Heidi Gauder.

Program for the Annual Conference is now online!

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 14:01:25 GMT

The program for the ALAO Annual Conference on November 20 at the Nationwide Conference Center is now online. Check it out at http://alaoweb.org/page-1860994. Register by September 30 for the early bird discount!

Conference and Pre-conference Registration are now open!

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:49:24 GMT

Registration is open for the 41^st Annual Academic Library Association of Ohio Conference

Cultivating Leadership: Preparing Academic Libraries for the Future

November 20, 2015

Pre-conference November 19, 2015

Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center • 100 Green Meadows Drive South • Lewis Center, Ohio 43035

Conference Website: http://www.alaoweb.org/conference

Early Bird Registration ends September 30, 2015.

Keynote address by: Cindy Meyers Foley, Executive Assistant Director, Director of Learning and Experience Columbus Museum of Art.

Pre-conference: November 19, 2015

Are You Ready For Leadership?

By: Trevor A. Dawes, Associate University Librarian at Washington University in St. Louis

Pre-conference Website: http://www.alaoweb.org/conference2015/preconference

Pre-conference Registration: http://alaoweb.org/event-1896310

Questions about conference/preconference registration? Please contact Judy Cerqua, Registration Coordinator, at cerqua.1@osu.edu or 614-247-2725.

If you have questions about the 41^st Annual ALAO Conference or the preconference, please contact Brian Gray at bcg8@case.edu.

Connect With Us!
Follow the conference with the official Twitter hashtag #ALAO2015

Keynote and Preconference Announced for Annual Conference

Tue, 12 May 2015 18:40:57 GMT

ALAO is pleased to have Trevor Dawes, Associate University Librarian at Washington University in St. Louis and a former ACRL President, facilitating our preconference on November 19, "Are You Ready for Leadership?"

We are also excited to announce that Cindy Meyers Foley, Executive Assistant Director and
Director of Learning and Experience of the Columbus Museum of Art, will be our keynote speaker at our annual conference on November 20.

Both the preconference and conference will be held at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center,

100 Green Meadows Drive South, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035.

For more information, please visit the conference website, http://www.alaoweb.org/conference.

Instruction Interest Group -- Spring Workshop

Thu, 07 May 2015 19:05:53 GMT

Making Connections: Embedding Information Literacy Across Your Curriculum

June 12, 2015

10:00am - 3:00pm

Columbus State Conference Center

The Instruction Interest Group is excited to present two guest speakers for the 2015 spring workshop.

Joe Salem from Penn State will present- Lifelong Partnerships for Lifelong Learning

This session will discuss strategies for curricular integration of information literacy and library content and resources. Opportunities to start or re-start the conversation around curricular integration of information literacy will be explored as well as strategic approaches to identifying partners for learning both within the institution and at peer institutions. Participants are encouraged to bring a local curricular problem or opportunity to discuss with their colleagues in the breakout session.

Ann Marie Smeraldi from Cleveland State University will present- Get the Party Started: Campus Collaborations that Support Information Literacy Initiatives

A successful information literacy program, like any good party, begins with strategic planning and a crowd of eager participants. Identifying and inviting campus partners to promote information literacy initiatives and embed them within the curriculum and programs is not an easy task, but these collaborations are essential if librarians hope to move beyond the one-shot and create meaningful learning experiences for first-year students and opportunities for library assessment. During this session, participants will hear about one librarian’s experiences working with campus partners and its impact on the library program. Hands on exercises will assist participants in identifying their instruction goals, evaluating their campus environment, and outlining a plan to get the party started. Instruction librarians eager to break out of the constraints imposed by one-shots will enjoy this opportunity to explore new strategies for freeing themselves and their students.

A light breakfast, boxed lunch and afternoon snacks are included in the $35.00 registration fee.

For questions contact ALAO Instruction Interest Group Chairs, Sara Klink at sklink@starkstate.edu or Melissa Bauer at mbauer10@kent.edu

To register please visit http://www.alaoweb.org/event-1929612

Special Collections & Archives Interest Group Spring Workshop!

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 20:56:52 GMT

Registration is now open for

The ALAO Special Collections & Archives Interest Group (SCAIG) spring workshop

at: http://www.alaoweb.org/event-1920313

Special but not Specialized:

Special Collections & Archives Do It All

Wednesday, June 3

10:00-3:00

Kent State University Library

- Three informal presentations:

1. Cara Gilgenbach, Head of Special Collections and Archives, Kent State University Libraries

2. Jennifer S. Morrow, Hiram College Archivist

3. Stefanie Hunker, Browne Popular Culture Library, Bowling Green State University

- Time to view the exhibit, “The Kent State Shootings and Their Aftermath: Through the Media’s Lens” with the exhibit’s curator and Kent State University Archivist, Lae’l Hughes-Watkins

- Tour of Kent State’s Special Collections and Archives spaces

- World Café style conversation session

- “Freebie exchange” of publications and handouts

- Option to visit the National Register of Historic Places site of the Kent State Shootings and The May 4 Visitor Center and Walking Tour

Registration fee includes parking, morning and afternoon refreshments, and a box lunch:

$10.00 for ALAO members

$15.00 for non-ALAO members

All are welcome-- Register soon !!!

Registration deadline: May 26, 2015

http://www.alaoweb.org/event-1920313

Sylvia Halladay Receives NLLD Travel Award

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:44:59 GMT

The ALAO National Library Legislative Day Travel Award has been extended to Sylvia Halladay, Technical Services and Systems Librarian at Clark State Community College. Sylvia will join the Ohio delegation in Washington D.C. on May 4-5 to advocate for library issues of importance for both our academic and public library colleagues. Thank you, Sylvia, for taking on this important role for Ohio libraries.

Collection Management Interest Group Spring Workshop -- Analyze & Advocate: Tools for Collection Management and Strategies for Marketing

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:19:22 GMT

Join your collection compatriots for the ALAO CMIG 2015 Spring Workshop, Analyze & Advocate: Tools for Collection Management and Strategies for Marketing. Our morning session focuses on tools you can use to make informed collection decisions on single titles in print and electronic environments. Ohio colleagues will talk about the tools and methods they have successfully used to manage their collections. In the afternoon learn about innovative strategies for demonstrating the value of library collections, resources and services on campus from market-focused staff members at two differently sized institutions. We hope you will join us May 18th at the State Library of Ohio, Columbus.

2015 May 18, Mon

State Library of Ohio. East 1^st Avenue. Columbus, OH.

Welcome and refreshments 9:30a to 10:00a. Program begins at 10:00a and ends at 3:00p.

Registration information:

Cost: $25 (includes lunch – parking is free)

Please register before May 12.

For more information or to register, please go to http://www.alaoweb.org/event-1903400.

Questions? Please contact phil.flynn@wright.edu

Diversity Committee Spring Workshop -- Serving Our Veterans: A Call to Action

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 14:24:40 GMT

Veterans are returning to college in increasing numbers and campuses and libraries have been challenged in addressing and providing appropriate services and assistance.

The ALAO Diversity Committee Spring Workshop “Serving Our Veterans: A Call to Action” focuses on identifying and understanding the characteristics and needs of student veterans and how libraries can develop and provide services and research assistance for them.

Join us on June 5, 2015 to hear from the Ohio Department of Veterans’ Services, learn how the Columbus State Military & Veterans Services Department serves students, listen to three unique presentations from Ohio librarians who have implemented teaching and service programs for veterans and finally, gain some additional tips and ideas from a roundtable discussion among participants.

Lunch is included; seating is limited.

To learn more and register, please visit: http://www.alaoweb.org/event-1837489.

We hope to see you there!

Questions about the workshop may be addressed to Eileen Theodore-Shusta at theodore@ohio.edu.

ALAO Special Collections and Archives Interest Group Spring Workshop -- Save the Date!

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:42:06 GMT

Save the date!

The ALAO Special Collections & Archives Interest Group (SCAIG) spring workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 3

Special but not Specialized: Special Collections & Archives Do It All

SCAIG has a plan to offer our upcoming annual workshops at different locations each year—to be hosted by special collections and archives in Ohio. This spring, we will be meeting at the Kent State University Library for an event focused on providing an opportunity for academic special collections librarians and archivists to get to know their colleagues across the state and discuss the most pressing issues affecting their work. The day will include:

Three informal presentations:

Cara Gilgenbach, Head of Special Collections and Archives, Kent State University Libraries
Jennifer S. Morrow, Hiram College Archivist
Stefanie Hunker, Browne Popular Culture Library, Bowling Green State University

Time to view the exhibit, “The Kent State Shootings and Their Aftermath: Through the Media’s Lens” with the exhibit’s curator and Kent State University Archivist, Lae’l Hughes-Watkins
Tour of Kent State’s Special Collections and Archives spaces
World Café style conversation session
“Freebie exchange” of publications and handouts
Option to visit the National Register of Historic Places site of the Kent State shootings and The May 4 Visitor Center and Walking Tour

For now, save the date--details about registration will be forthcoming. Hope to see you June 3!

Anyone with questions, please contact Kate Medicus at kmedicus@kent.edu.

Apply for travel award by April 3. Represent ALAO at ALA NLLD, May 4-5.

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 01:16:04 GMT

The American Library Association National Library Legislation Day (May 4-5, Washington D.C.) is a wonderful opportunity for an ALAO member to meet with U.S. congressional representatives and their staff members, participate in ALA-sponsored workshops, and become involved as an advocate for academic libraries to Ohio representatives in Congress. Apply now for an ALAO travel stipend of $600 and join the Ohio delegation! DEADLINE to apply: April 3, 2015.

Please contact Joseph Straw at: js001@marietta.edu as soon as possible if you are interested in applying. Include a letter describing your advocacy activity with ALAO or other civic organizations, and the name and phone number of a reference that is familiar with with your advocacy efforts or interest. For more information about the grant please review the description at: alaoweb.org/govtrelations/advocatesaward.php. Anyone interested in getting more involved in advocacy efforts is urged to reply.

Thank You,
Joseph Straw
ALAO Government Relations Liaison
Legacy Library
Marietta College

Diversity Student Scholarship Application Deadline is April 6

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 16:41:20 GMT

Applications are now being sought for the ALAO Diversity Scholarship.

Please complete the application form by Monday, April 6, 2015.

Details are posted on the Diversity Committee webpage.

Call for Proposals--ALAO 2015 "Cultivating Leadership: Preparing Academic Libraries for the Future"

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 15:19:01 GMT

The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Conference Planning Committee is pleased to announce our call for proposals for the 2015 ALAO conference, which will be held on Friday, November 20th at the Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio. Our theme this year will be "Cultivating Leadership: Preparing Academic Libraries for the Future" and we welcome proposals from a wide variety of library practitioners. For more information and submission guidelines, check out the attached PDF or head to the conference website.

If you already have a great idea for a break-out session or a poster, please CLICK HERE for the online submission form!

The deadline for submitting proposals for BOTH break-out session presentations and poster sessions is Friday, March 27th.

If you have questions, please contact Shelly Miller at program@alaoweb.org.

ALAO Wants You! - to run for the board!

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:49:42 GMT

ALAO Colleagues,

Are you looking for a leadership opportunity? Would you like to get involved in professional service for an ACRL chapter? Or, perhaps you have a colleague who would be a perfect match for ALAO. If so, please consider nominating yourself, or someone else, for the ALAO Board. Elections will take place in March and successful candidates will take office at the ALAO Board Retreat in the summer of 2015. Come join a fantastic group of Ohio librarians!

By now you might be asking, what does the ALAO Board do? Well, here’s a taste:

We strive to advance academic library services in Ohio and we provide opportunities for education and growth for library personnel. In a nutshell that means we plan spring workshops and an annual conference that focus on innovative topics and showcase Ohio academic librarians, provide scholarships and awards, and maintain 8 diverse interest groups.

What would I have to do as a Board Member?

Perform the duties described for your elected position – see the Procedure’s Manual for a list of duties
Attend the annual two-day retreat (usually in June/July of 2015; dates to be determined)
Attend 4 Board meetings per year (usually on Fridays, at OhioNET)

So, you think you’ll give it a try? Great! Let me tell you what positions will be on the ballot this spring:

Vice President/President Elect

Treasurer

Public Relations/Outreach Coordinator

Board Member at Large (3 positions)

How do you get nominated?

Just fill out this online nomination form. The deadline to submit has been extended to Wednesday, February 25, 2015.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me or another member of the Nominating Committee.

Betsy Blankenship, Ohio State Marion/Marion Technical College

Eileen Theodore-Shusta, Ohio University

Laura Ponikvar, Cleveland Institute of Art

Marcus Ladd, Miami University

Katy Mathuews, Shawnee State University

Cheers!

Betsy L. Blankenship

Director/Head Librarian

Library

The Ohio State University at Marion

Marion Technical College

1469 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Marion, Ohio 43302

740-725-6231

Past-President, Academic Library Association of Ohio

2014-2015

Assessment IG Workshop- call for proposals

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:44:19 GMT

Workshop: April 16, 2014, at the State Library of Ohio

Deadline for proposals: February 13

We invite you to share innovative practices, experience, and success with your colleagues from academic libraries in Ohio and beyond at the second annual Assessment Interest Group (AIG) Spring Workshop, Communicating Library Value through Assessment.

Papers and demonstrations are welcome. Please submit title and abstract of your proposal in an MS Word or PDF file. In the abstract please include primary target audience, format, and learning objectives. Limit to 250 words. Exclude the name of your institution and any personal names in the abstract. Proposals will be blind reviewed by the AIG Planning Committee.

All presenters must register for and attend the workshop. Registration costs for the workshop will be waived for presenters.

Proposals for presentations should be submitted to the ALAO AIG Co-Chairs, Sarah Murphy, murphy.465@osu.edu, and Mandy Shannon, mandy.shannon@wright.edu. Applicants will be notified by February 20, 2014.

TEDSIG Call for Spring Workshop Proposals

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:03:23 GMT

Escaping eBook Purgatory! Proposals due by Feb 13, 2015

Workshop date: May 29, 2015 at OHIONET

Workshop theme: Libraries’ strategies for getting their ebook records under control.

Possible presentation, panel, or lightening round topics include:
·      How and/or why you are cataloging ebooks
·      How ebook cataloging differs from print
·      What your ebook workflows look like and how they flow
·      Ways you handle ebook record loads
·      Solutions and strategies to common problems with technical services for ebooks
·      Acquisitions to cataloging workflow for ebooks
·      Other ideas?

Please submit your proposal in 300 words or less totedsig2015@uakron.edu by Feb 13, 2015

Include your name and contact email, and type of presentation (30-minute presentation, panel, or lightening round session)

Call for more Mentors - NOW CLOSED.

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 20:05:19 GMT

UPDATE: Jan. 16, 2015. Thank you to everyone who responded to our call for more mentors. We had more responses than we will be able to place, but this will give us more flexibility in our pairing.

-----------

The ALAO Professional Development Committee has completed our first pass with pairing mentees and mentors in the new ALAO Mentoring Program Pilot. We have discovered that we have about a dozen more mentees than mentors. Potential MENTORS, please help us out. We need volunteers for every area, including mentoring library school students, help with publishing, peer mentoring, etc.

This is an official Call for MORE Mentors. Please consider seriously giving back to the profession by filling out this form. (google doc)

Many thanks for giving the serious consideration to helping other librarians throughout the state.

Truly Yours,

Julia Gustafson
Chair, ALAO Professional Development Committee
Research & Outreach Librarian
The College of Wooster Libraries
330-263-2315
jgustafson@wooster.edu

John Burke and Beth Tumbleson named as 2015 Distance Learning Visionaries

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:39:54 GMT

Congratulations to John Burke and Beth Tumbleson of Miami University Middletown, who were jointly nominated for their vast contributions to distance librarianship. They frequently co-present at national, state and regional conferences on topics that include marketing embedded librarian services, working within your institution’s LMS, and other hot topics in e-learning.

Additionally, John and Beth have co-authored several well-cited journal articles and, in 2013, they published Embedding Librarianship in Learning Management Systems: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians (ISBN 1555708625). Whether you are just getting started in distance librarianship or you are looking for ways to streamline your services, you’ll find inspiration and guidance inside.

We look forward to their presentation at our DLIG Spring Workshop on Friday, May 15th at the Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester, Ohio (just north of Cincinnati). If you have ideas for presentations or would like to submit a proposal to present at the workshop, please contact one of the DLIG CoChairs at the emails below or at ohiodlig@gmail.com by January 31st. Topic ideas include virtual instruction, implementing new technology tools in distance librarianship, instructional design, assessment, and whatever is working (or didn’t work) for you! Workshop registration will open at the beginning of March, so stay tuned!

Your DLIG Co-Chairs,

Carrie Girton (girtonc@miamioh.edu) & Kathleen Pickens (kathleen.pickens@cincinnatistate.edu )

Support Staff Workshop -- Call for Proposals

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:11:09 GMT

The Academic Library Association of Ohio is pleased to announce that the 2015 Spring Support Staff Interest Group Workshop will take place on May 20, 2015 on the Lancaster campus of Ohio University.

The planning committee is currently accepting proposals for presentations that will meet the varied professional development needs of academic library support staff.

Proposals are welcome on all topics. Examples might be: managing student workers, participating in ALA's Support Staff Certification program, developing library outreach programs, building professional networks, surviving stress in the workplace, and working successfully with supervisors.

Presentations will last 50 minutes. Proposals should be 200-300 words in length. A brief bio of the presenter(s) should also be included. The SSIG Planning Committee will select from the proposals submitted. The deadline for submitting proposals is Friday, January 24, 2015.

Please submit your proposals HERE<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Kj6nB7yYesa27LFk1ICZ-yeMxtx791XIVu4oW5SNfjI/viewform>

For questions, please contact Myra Justus at 513-569-4690<tel:513-569-4690> or myra.justus@cincinnatistate.edu<mailto:myra.justus@cincinnatistate.edu>

2015 ALAO Research Grants -- Apply by Feb. 1

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:49:25 GMT

Do you need research funds for an upcoming project? The Research & Publications Committee of ALAO invites you to apply for the 2015 ALAO Research Grant.

As an ALAO member you have the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding in support of your research. Our 2015 research grant program is under way, so apply today!

What's needed

Include the following in your application

1. Completed ALAO Research Grant Application form

2. A written proposal of no more than two pages, single-spaced.

3. A current vita from the named applicant(s).

4. A budget sheet.

Please combine all four application components into one MS Word document. You can copy & paste the grant application form into your Word document.

For more information about the ALAO Research Grant Application form, award eligibility, application procedures and deadlines, see the 2015 grant page: http://alaoweb.org/committees/researchpub/2015-research-grant.

Send completed applications to Heidi Gauder, Chair of the Research & Publications Committee, at alaorpcgrants@gmail.com as an email attachment. The deadline to apply has been extended to Feb. 1, 2015.

You must be a current member of ALAO in order to apply for the research grant.

Questions? Please contact Heidi directly at hgauder1@udayton.edu.

updated: 1/14/15 A.Ricker

Call for Contributions, CMIG Workshop. Deadline for submittal: Jan 30, 2015

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:43:46 GMT

ALAO Collection Management Interest Group Invites Contributions for the Spring 2015 CMIG Workshop: "What's Working? What's Been Tried? What Have We Learned?

Monday, May 18, 2015 - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

State Library of Ohio, Conference Room D, Columbus Ohio

The Workshop Planning Committee invites presentation proposals from the following topic areas:

1.    Management, selection and weeding in an electronic environment.
Presentations in this topic area might focus on single title selection practice, weeding of electronic collections, evaluation of use statistics, citation analysis and deselection criteria for ebooks or journals.

2.    Marketing the library’s collections.
Presentations in this topic area could cover innovative ways to market the library’s collections both print and electronic to your campus community (faculty, staff and students), marketing to particular user groups (i.e. international students) and using vendor-supplied material.

3.    Nontraditional “acquisitions” purchasing.
Presentations in this topic area might include funding for digitization, purchasing datasets, library as publisher and covering author fees.

Proposals may address emerging trends, report on recent research, or demonstrate new services, projects, and tools.   Each session will last 45 minutes. Please include time for questions following your presentation.

Proposals will be selected by blind review.
Submit the following to cleary.110@osu.edu by January 30, 2015.

1.    Title of presentation
2.    Abstract (approximately 250 words)
3.    Names, affiliations and contact information for all presenters
4.    Primary contact for presenters

Presenters will be notified of proposal acceptance by January 26, 2015. For further information, please contact Calvin Cleary, Committee Member, CMIG (cleary.110@osu.edu).

updated: 1/14/15 A.Ricker

Feedback requested on ALA's 8-year research plan to assess public programming in libraries

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 19:00:45 GMT

ALA released a report today that explores the growing area of library programming and proposes an ambitious, eight-year research plan to explore how programs reach library users and impact communities.

For the past year, the American Library Association's Public Programs Office has been working with a team of advisors on a first-of-its-kind research initiative: the National Impact of Library Public Programs Assessment (NILPPA).

Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), NILPPA seeks to understand the characteristics, audiences, outcomes, and impacts of library programming. With our first year of NILPPA funding, ALA and our research partners analyzed data and interviewed dozens of librarians. The result is a white paper summarizing the status, concerns, and opportunities in library programming. ALA requests your feedback on this work. You can view the report and share your feedback at http://NILPPA.org.

Sarah Ostman
ALA Public Programs Office

Feedback sought on 3rd draft, ACRL IL "Framework"

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 18:27:53 GMT

ACRL's Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education Task Force seeks feedback on the third draft of the association's proposed Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Read the document and welcome message highlighting major changes since the June second draft, then provide feedback via an online form by 5pm Central on Friday, December 12, 2014.

Read the third draft.

Applications Sought for Research Grant

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 03:15:29 GMT

Apply now: 2015 Research Grant

Working toward tenure, or perhaps interested in putting together your first research project? Will you need money to fund that new or current research project on libraries, librarianship, or information science and technology? The ALAO Research & Publications Committee invites you to apply for a research grant.

As an ALAO member you have the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding in support of your research. Our 2015 research grant program is under way, so apply today!

For more information about award eligibility, application procedures and deadlines, check out the Research and Publications Committee web page on the ALAO main site at http://www.alaoweb.org/. Our RPC page is in the "Committees" section of ALAO website.

See also the 2015 research grant program page: http://alaoweb.org/committees/researchpub/2015-research-grant

Make sure to submit your application for this year’s research grant program to alaorpcgrants@gmail.com by December 19, 2104. We look forward to learning about your research project!

Questions? Contact me directly at hgauder1@udayton.edu.

Best Wishes,

Heidi Gauder

Chair, ALAO RPC

Distance Learning Visionary nominations: Deadline - December 19

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 02:33:16 GMT

Do you know a “Distance Learning Visionary”?

We recognize the need to encourage and spotlight pioneering individuals, particularly those who offer their colleagues new and innovative practices that can be adapted and implemented in their home institutions. As such, ALAO’s Distance Learning Interest Group (DLIG) is excited to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 “Distance Learning Visionary”. Benefits of winning include:

• Honor of being named the 2015 Distance Learning Visionary.
• Recognition at the 2015 ALAO Annual Conference Luncheon, as well as on the ALAO Website, ALAO Newsletter, & the DLIG Blog.
• Reward of $150.00 presentation grant for sharing distance learning strategies, applications, or research with attendees of the 2015 DLIG Spring Workshop. Please note that the funds are contingent upon the grantee presenting in person, remotely, or via pre-recorded session.

Nomination applications should include a 250-500 word essay that demonstrates the nominee’s contributions to e-learning, as well as a short presentation proposal that suggests what the nominee might share with colleagues striving to succeed in the technology-driven environment of online learning. Links to relevant supporting materials are encouraged; self and group nominations are permitted.

More information: the DLIG blog at http://distancelibrarians.wordpress.com/dlig-visionary/ or email the DLIG Co-Chairs at ohiodlig@gmail.com.
Applications are due by December 19th, 2014.

Nominations Sought for the ALAO TEDSIG “TEDDY” Award

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 16:49:22 GMT

The TEDDY award recognizes Distinguished Service by an ALAO member in the fields of Technical, Electronic, and Digital Services. Nomination Deadline: October 15, 2014.

The TEDDY recognizes an individual's significant contributions to the technical, electronic or digital services fields. Contributions may include service, innovative practices, presentations, publications, and leadership in the profession. The TEDDY is awarded annually at the ALAO Conference. The award includes two waivers to a future TEDSIG event and TEDS, the TEDSIG mascot.

Nominees must be current ALAO members, who have worked in or are currently working in an Ohio academic library in the area of technical, electronic, or digital services.

Please use the online nomination form: http://bit.ly/1ryIwJC

Deadline for nominations is Oct 15, 2014.

 TEDDY Award Past Recipients
2013 Jeanne Langendorfer -- Bowling Green State University
2011 Anne Gilliland -- The Ohio State University
2010 Eve Davis -- EBSCO Information Services
2009 Deberah England -- Wright State University
2008 Margaret Maurer -- Kent State University

more information about TEDSIG

Nominations Sought for Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:22:59 GMT

The ALAO Awards Committee seeks nominations for the 2014 Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award.

This award recognizes an individual who (1) has been an Academic Library Association of Ohio member for at least 5 years, and (2) who has promoted academic libraries and librarianship not only on his or her own campus, but also within the state.

The award also recognizes someone who has provided leadership in the promotion of ALAO through service such as committee membership, executive board office, or interest group office. The Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award honors the memory of Jay Ladd, a founding member of ALAO in the early 1970s.

This is a wonderful way to recognize a colleague who has provided leadership in ALAO and in the profession. The recipient of this year's award will receive an honorary 5-year membership in ALAO and will be recognized at the ALAO 40th Annual Conference at Kalahari Convention Center on November 14.

The Committee for the Jay Ladd Award is comprised of: Betsy Blankenship, Chair; Eboni Johnson, Brian Gray, and past winners John Burke and Lois Szudy. Both have graciously agreed to sit on the committee for a special three-month term. See the list of past awardees.

Please submit your nominations by Monday, October 6, 2014.

Thank you,

Betsy L. Blankenship, Past-President
Director/Head Librarian
Library
The Ohio State University at Marion
Marion Technical College
1469 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Marion, Ohio 43302
740-725-6231

ALAO 2014 Conference Updates!

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:12:15 GMT

The preliminary program for the 2014 ALAO Annual Conference, Engagement, Advocacy & Outreach: Empowering our Communities, is now available online. Take a look at http://www.alaoweb.org/page-1817126! The conference is November 14, 2014, at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio.

There is still time to register at the Early Bird rate of $95 for ALAO members ($125 for nonmembers) . Early Bird registration will close on September 19, 2014.

We want your news!

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 01:42:14 GMT

Please submit newsy, noteworthy stuff about you and your library - we want to hear from you!

We are seeking:

Staff News: personnel changes, significant awards and honors, publications, presentations, important campus committee assignments.
Library News: programs and events, significant acquisitions and major gifts, new buildings and renovations, grants received.
Other: meeting and conference announcements; conference and workshop reports; other statewide library events; current legislation relevant to academic libraries; research, publication and funding opportunities.

Include this information with your submission:
Sender's Name,  Position Title, Institution, ALAO office (if any), Date, Phone, E-mail
If items are time sensitive, indicate a date after which the item should not be used.

I love to read about things in the newsletter that go beyond basic reporting. If you have hosted something cool or your institution is doing something really cutting edge or innovative, please submit an article on it.

Did you travel somewhere related to your job – tell us about it! Are you doing really cool collaborations within your community – let us know!

Our Procedures manual gives us some guidelines for submissions:
Material submitted for the Newsletter should follow good journalistic style. Please limit submissions to 400 words. Be concise and clear, and use simple sentences and active voice. A byline must accompany each article, stating the author's name, ALAO office or position (if any), and institution. Submissions should be sent electronically; attachments to e-mail (such as Microsoft Word documents) are preferred. Contributed news and other reports may be edited due to space limitations or editorial decisions. Authors are asked to provide informative headlines for their articles.

The deadline to submit is SEPTEMBER 5, 2014.
Please send all your cool and wonderful news to me; that’s blankenship.5@osu.edu

If you have questions, let me know!

Betsy L. Blankenship
Director/Head Librarian
Library
The Ohio State University at Marion
Marion Technical College
1469 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Marion, Ohio 43302
740-725-6231

Past-President, Academic Library Association of Ohio
2014-2015

Membership now at 373. Thanks!

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 04:06:48 GMT

ALAO now has 373 active, current members. That is good news, as it is the highest number we have seen for many years. Thank you, to all - and especially to those of you who have invited and/or encouraged others to join or renew membership!

We often say that ALAO is "900 members strong" - but that includes all individuals who have been active in the association for a variety of reasons (such as workshop and conference participation), but whose membership status may have lapsed or never been activated.

Your member dues support initiatives that further academic libraries and librarianship in Ohio, including the diversity scholarship, research awards, continuing education grants, grants for support staff and student presenters at the annual conference, support for legislative advocacy, and for excellent programs at the annual conference and interest group workshops. Please renew your membership promptly and invite a colleague to become a member! Thank you.

Alison Ricker, Oberlin College

Past Membership Chair

Conference Registration Now Open! Don't miss the early bird deadline - Sept. 19

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 22:16:37 GMT

Registration is open for the 40th Annual Academic Library Association of Ohio Conference

Friday, November 14, 2014

Pre-conference: Thursday November 1e3 2014

The Kalahari Resorts • 7000 Kalahari Drive • Sandusky, Ohio 44870

Conference Website: http://www.alaoweb.org/conference

Register: http://www.alaoweb.org/event-830948

Early Bird Registration ends September 19, 2014

Registration Closes: October 22, 2014

No Refunds after October 22, 2014

Keynote address: Diversity, Professional Development & Participation: How Academic Libraries Empower Communities. Courtney Young, ALA President and Head Librarian and Professor of Women's Studies at Penn State Greater Allegheny.

Pre-conference: Who Gives? Advocacy & Outreach That Make Things Matter. Char Booth, Director of Research, Teaching, and Learning Services at the Claremont Colleges Library, and is on the faculty of the ACRL Information Literacy Immersion Institute.

Pre-conference Website: http://alaoweb.org/page-1820075
Pre-conference Registration: http://alaoweb.org/page-1820074

Questions about conference registration? Please contact Judy Cerqua, Registration Coordinator, at cerqua.1@osu.edu or 614-247-2725.

For information on lodging, please visit the conference website: http://alaoweb.org/page-1820069.

More questions? Contact: Eboni Johnson at eboni.johnson@oberlin.edu.

August 1 - proposal deadline for poster sessions, tech tables, and roundtable discussions

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 17:44:21 GMT

Proposals are now being accepted for poster sessions, tech tables and round-table discussions for the 40th Annual ALAO Conference.

Submit your proposal online.

Legislative Updates on LSTA, Workforce Investment & Opportunity Act, and USA Freedom Act

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 17:32:51 GMT

Joe Straw, ALAO Government Relations Liaison, has posted several updates on highly relevant national legislative activity, including:

Mark-up for Library Services and Technology Act in FY'15 Budget>
Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (passed by House and Senate)
New Version of the USA Freedom Act

Check the Legislative Updates page often for timely news.

Annual Conference -- Call for proposals has been extended!

Wed, 28 May 2014 20:43:57 GMT

The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Conference Planning Committeeinvites you to submit proposals for the 40th Annual Conference, which will take place on November 13-14, 2014 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Sandusky, OH.

The submission deadline for full-length sessions has been extended to June 9, 2014.

Presentations may take the form of contributed papers, demonstrations, workshops, research results, panel discussions, etc. Submit your proposals to: http://bit.ly/1rxFVff

Applicants are encouraged to develop sessions that show thoughtful consideration of this year’s conference theme, “Engagement, advocacy and outreach: Empowering our communities,” which seeks to explore how academic libraries and librarians empower our communities in all the ways that we do. We would love to learn about your ideas, experiences, solutions, and best practices – even those that yielded results that were different than expected!

Questions about the conference can be directed to:
Eboni Johnson, ALAO Vice President
ejohnson@oberlin.edu

Collection Management IG Workshop announced

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:38:01 GMT

The ALAO Collection Management Interest Group is honored to invite you to our Summer 2014 Collection workshop, I can’t believe you do that!

How are you tracking what gets used? How do you respond to changing expectations for diversifying crowds? How should you allocate your resources for new initiatives? What constitutes responsible collection development – and how are new innovations challenging those ideals? On Monday, June 9^th, we will explore those questions and more.

Full registration information will be coming soon, but please make sure to mark your calendar!

What: I can’t believe you do that! – a Collection Management Workshop

When: Monday, June 9^th, 2014

Where: State Library of Ohio in Columbus

--copied from an ALAO discussion list post from Calvin Cleary, The Ohio State University.

Call for Proposals for the 2014 ALAO Annual Conference

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 19:03:36 GMT

The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Conference Planning Committee invites you to submit proposals for the 40^th Annual Conference, which will take place on November 13-14, 2014 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Sandusky, OH.

The submission deadline for full-length sessions is May 30, 2014. Applicants are encouraged to develop sessions that show thoughtful consideration of this year’s conference theme, “Engagement, advocacy and outreach: Empowering our communities,” which seeks to explore how academic libraries and librarians empower our communities in all the ways that we do. We would love to learn about your ideas, experiences, solutions, and best practices – even those that yielded results that were different than expected!

Presentations may take the form of contributed papers, demonstrations, workshops, research results, panel discussions, etc. Submit your proposals to: http://bit.ly/1rxFVff

More information and proposal guidlines can be found in the attached call for proposals.

Questions about the conference can be directed to:
Eboni Johnson, ALAO Vice President
ejohnson@oberlin.edu

Officer and Board Election Results - Congratulations to all!

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 17:47:56 GMT

I am very pleased to announce the following newly-elected officers who will be joining the ALAO board in July:

Vice-President/ President-Elect - Brian Gray (Case Western Reserve University)

Membership Chair - Katy Mathuews (Shawnee State University)

Secretary - Sheryl Gannon (Brown-Mackie College-Findlay)

Board Members at Large –
Moriana Garcia (Denison University)

Heidi Gauder (University of Dayton)

Carissa Thatcher (Southern State Community College)

Congratulations to one and all! We look forward to them joining us to provide ALAO leadership!

My deepest appreciation to all the candidates who agreed to run for an office; I wish that all could have been elected!

Betsy Blankenship, President, ALAO
The Ohio State University at Marion

Missy Creed is awarded NLLD award for advocacy in Washington, D.C.

Thu, 17 Apr 2014 17:06:24 GMT

The National Library Legislative Day Award has been extended to Mary Creed, Health Science Library, The Ohio State University. Mary will join Joseph Straw, Marietta College, and the rest of the Ohio delegation on May 5-6 in Washington D.C. to advocate for library issues of importance for both our academic and public library colleagues. The NLLD Award supports travel and registration expenses.

Five ALAO members chosen for Library Leadership Ohio 2014

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:09:50 GMT

Congratulations to the following ALAO members selected to participate in Library Leadership Ohio 2014:

Erica Clay, INFOhio
Katy Mathuews, Clark Memorial Library, Shawnee State University
Joshua Michael, Centennial Library, Cedarville University
Noreen Mulcahy, Mount Carmel Health Sciences Library
Jane Wu, Courtright Memorial Library, Otterbein College

As was announced by the State Library of Ohio today, "participants were carefully chosen based on their outstanding leadership potential; excellent communication skills; successful library employment experience; initiative, commitment and reasonable risk taking; forward-thinking approach to problem solving, and; a commitment to the profession. 'I am delighted that the State Library is once again working with its partners to present Library Leadership Ohio,' expressed State Librarian Beverly Cain. 'Library Leadership Ohio has long been recognized as Ohio’s premier institute for helping future leaders identify and develop their skills. It is gratifying to look around the state and see LLO graduates in key leadership positions throughout Ohio’s library community.'"

The other 44 participants in today's announcement represent public libraries from around the state, as well as school districts, historical societies, special libraries, consortia and the state library.

Three Research Projects Selected for ALAO Funding

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:05:24 GMT

The Research and Publications Committee is pleased to announce three winners of ALAO Research Grants:

Shannon Marie Robinson -- Fine Arts Liaison Librarian -- Denison University
An award of $505 (full funding) for a research project entitled, The Information Needs of Dancers in Higher Education.

Rocki Strader -- Associate Professor and Authorities Librarian, Western Languages Cataloging Coordinator, Database Maintenance Coordinator -- Library Tech Center, The Ohio State University Libraries
An award of $497 (partial funding) for a research project entitled, The cataloging of sound recordings in the United States: a chronological account.

Jane Wu -- Systems Librarian, Associate professor -- Otterbein University
An award of $497 (partial funding) for a research project entitled, A Comparative Study of Information Literacy Education In Three Chinese Academic Libraries.

Six research grant applications were received by the deadline, and the committee selected these three through a peer review process that ensured anonymity of the applicant and the applicant's institution. Thanks are due to the entire Research and Publications Committee for their careful reading and deliberations of all of the applications, and to all of the applicants for their thoughtful submissions.

Mark Eddy, Case Western Reserve Univ.

Research and Publications Committee Chair

Winners of Continuing Education grants announced

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 15:47:58 GMT

We are pleased to announce winners of the 2014 ALAO Continuing Education Grant. The Professional Development Committee conducted a blind review of seven strong applications and selected the following three ALAO members to receive the award:

Maureen Berry, First Year Experience Librarian at Wright State University, will be awarded an honorable mention award of $200 to attend "Extending our Reach: The Inaugural Colloquium on Libraries & Service-Learning" to be held at Santa Clara University in California.

Daniela Solomon, Research Services Librarian for Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, will be awarded $450 to attend the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference and Exposition in Indianapolis.

Jane Wu, Systems Librarian at Otterbein University, will be awarded $1,850 to attend “Research Data Access and Preservation Summit 2014” in San Diego.

Special thanks to the PDC for their time and careful review of each application. The 2014 PDC members are Katie Blocksidge (OSU Newark), Kevin Caslow (Northeast Ohio Medical University), Mark Eddy (Case Western Reserve University), Jeff Franks (University of Akron), Julie Gustafson (College of Wooster), Dana Knott (Columbus State CC, Delaware), Kathleen Pickens (Cincinnati State), and Suzanne Smailes (Wittenberg).

Katy Kelly, University of Dayton,
PDC Chair

Apply for $600 Legislative Travel Award for NLLD

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 02:20:20 GMT

ALAO has budgeted up to $600 for travel support for a member willing to represent ALAO and academic libraries generally at ALA National Library Legislative Days (NLLD) on May 5-6 2014 in Washington, D.C. More about the conference from the ALA Washington Office: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/nlld

Interested? Contact Joseph Straw js001@marietta.edu as soon as possible if you would like to represent ALAO. Provide a brief description of your advocacy activity and issue involvement with ALAO or other civic organizations, plus the name and phone number of a reference who is familiar with your advocacy efforts and interest.

More information: http://www.alaoweb.org/govtrelations/advocatesaward.php. Any ALAO member interested in getting more involved in advocacy efforts is welcome to apply.

The ALAO representatives will be a part of the Ohio delegation at the conference that will work together to meet with members of the state congressional delegation and/or their staff.

Thank You,

Joe Straw

Government Relations Liaison

Legacy Library

Marietta College

Diversity Scholarship Applications due March 28

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:13:48 GMT

The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) values diversity in its membership, in the profession, and in future library professionals. For this reason, we offer a $1,500 scholarship to a promising student enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLS program who exemplifies the qualities needed to ensure a diverse library workforce.

The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s bursar account for tuition at his or her academic institution. As the scholarship recipient, the student also will receive a complimentary registration for ALAO’s Annual Conference and a year of mentoring by a selected ALAO Member.

Application: Complete information and the scholarship application are available at:
http://www.alaoweb.org/committees/diversity/scholarship-guidelines

Completed applications should be sent by March 28, 2014, via email to:
d.kolosionek44@csuohio.edu

ALAO Diversity Committee Chair:

Diane Kolosionek
Education & Urban Affairs Subject Specialist Librarian
Michael Schwartz Library
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Avenue
RT 110D
Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2214
(216) 802-3358
d.kolosionek44@csuohio.edu

37 Student Members as of Jan. 22

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 15:08:26 GMT

Free membership was offered in December to currently enrolled students in the Kent State University SLIS program, and our roster of student members has grown quickly to a new total of 37. Welcome to all of these new members! To learn more about free student membership, contact Membership Chair Alison Ricker: aricker@oberlin.edu.

Apply for the 2014 ALAO Research Grant

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:53:01 GMT

As an ALAO member you have the opportunity to apply for up to $1,500 in grant funding in support of your research. Our 2014research grant program is underway, and you can apply today!

For more information about award eligibility, application procedures and deadlines, check out the Research and Publications Committee web page on the ALAO main site at http://www.alaoweb.org/.

Our RPC page is in the “Committees” section of ALAO main page.

Here also is the direct link to the 2014 grant program page,

http://www.alaoweb.org/committees/researchpub/2014-research-grant

And, make sure to submit your application for this year’s research grant program to alaorpcgrants@gmail.com by December 20, 2013. We look forward to learning about your research project!

ALAO supports Library Leadership Ohio

Wed, 04 Dec 2013 15:02:16 GMT

ALAO is pleased to announce that we will be helping to support Library Leadership Ohio and encourage our members to consider applying to this exciting program. From Library Leadership Ohio's website, "In July 2014, fifty participants from libraries around Ohio will gather in Columbus to participate in the Library Leadership Ohio Institute. Library Leadership Ohio believes that leaders come from all types of libraries and hold various positions in the libraries they serve. This 3 day institute, facilitated by the Ivy Group will form leaders who will work together for the benefit of all Ohio libraries and the communities they serve. This new Library Leadership Ohio Institute is designed to create leaders who will guide Ohio libraries into the twenty-first century and solve the issues facing our libraries and communities."

Library Leadership Ohio will be held July 22 - 25, 2014 at the Holiday Inn Worthington. The fee to attend is $425. Applications are due December 16, 2013. For more information and application instructions, please check out their website: http://libraryleadershipohio.org/.

2014 ALAO Research Grant Program

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 15:01:16 GMT

As an ALAO member you have the opportunity to apply for up to $1,500 in grant funding in support of your research.

Our 2014research grant program is underway, and you can apply today!

For more information about award eligibility, application procedures and deadlines, check out the Research and Publications Committee web page on the ALAO main site athttp://www.alaoweb.org/.

Our RPC page is in the “Committees” section of ALAO main page.

Here also is the direct link to the 2014 grant program page,

http://www.alaoweb.org/committees/researchpub/2014-research-grant

And, make sure to submit your application for this year’s researchgrant program to alaorpcgrants@gmail.com by December 20, 2013. We look forward to learning about your research project!

Please also feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the program.

Best Wishes,

Mark Eddy

Chair, ALAO RPC

Thanks to all for a marvelous 2013 conference

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:12:00 GMT

Last week's conference was excellent - great speakers, wonderful facilities, very well organized and managed. All members of the committee, for both pre-conference and conference, are to be commended and congratulated on a job well done. Thanks also to all conference program presenters, poster session participants, our Kent State Univ Stark Campus and Stark State College hosts, and vendor representatives. Not to mention all conferees, without whom there's no point in gathering. We all contributed to a highly successful conference.

Apply Now: 2014 Research Grant

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 12:43:53 GMT

As an ALAO member you have the opportunity to apply for up to $1,500 in grant funding in support of your research. Our 2014 research grant program is underway, and you can apply today!

Here also is the direct link to the 2014 grant program page,

http://www.alaoweb.org/committees/researchpub/2014-research-grant

And, make sure to submit your application for this year’s research grant program to alaorpcgrants@gmail.com by December 20, 2013. We look forward to learning about your research project!

Please also feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the program.

Best Wishes,

Mark Eddy

Chair, ALAO RPC

Online registration is closed for the 39th Annual Academic Library Association of Ohio Conference

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Contact Judy Cerqua (cerqua.1@osu.edu) for information on late or on-site registration options.

October 25, 2013

Pre-conference October 24, 2013

University Center, Kent State University at Stark, North Canton, Ohio

Conference Website: http://osu.campusguides.com/welcome

For registration after October 14, please contact Judy Cerqua, Registration Coordinator, at cerqua.1@osu.edu or 614-247-2725.

No refunds after October 15.

Keynote address by Nancy Fried Foster, Senior Anthropologist at Ithaka S+R. Research interests include participatory design of library technologies and spaces. For almost ten years, Dr. Foster directed anthropological research at the University of Rochester’s River Campus Libraries. Title of the talk is, “Changing Libraries by Design” and will focus on collaborative library design incorporating information that is generated in the participatory design process.

Check out the Conference Program at a Glance! Keynote, Breakout Sessions, Lightning Talks, Round Table Discussions, Poster Sessions, Student Presentations and Vendors!

You might also want to check out the preconference: Social Media Spark: Tips and Tech Tools to Ignite our Library Communities. More information will be sent out about the preconference soon!

For more information on lodging, please visit the conference website: http://osu.campusguides.com/hotel.

If you have questions about the 39^th Annual ALAO Conference, please contact Betsy Blankenship at blankenship.5@osu.edu or 740-725-6231.

Online registration is closed for the ALAO Preconference

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:00:00 GMT

ALAO Preconference: Social Media Spark: Tips and Tech Tools to Ignite Your Community

October 24, 2013

Stark State College, North Canton, Ohio

Preconference website: Social Media Spark

Contact Judy Cerqua (cerqua.1@osu.edu) for information on late or on-site registration options.

Registration is $25 and includes boxed lunch.

Registration from 11am to noon, lunch noon to 1pm, program 1pm - 4pm.

Lots of experts will tell you how to succeed at social media, but very few will lay out a clear path to failure. Learn what the most common points of failure are for libraries, and why libraries often aren’t getting what they want out of this new medium. Find out if your library is on its way to a social shipwreck and how you might be able to change course.

Keynote: Laura Solomon, MCIW, MLS, is the Library Services Manager for the Ohio Public Library Information Network and the former Web Applications Manager for the Cleveland Public Library. She is a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker. Her book Doing Social Media So It Matters: A Librarian’s Guide was published in late 2010 and The Librarian’s Nitty-Gritty Guide to Social Media was published in 2013.

Please note that this is an interactive workshop and participants will need to bring a laptop.

Questions about the preconference can be directed to Kathryn Venditti (kvenditt@ashland.edu) or Sara Klink (sklink@starkstate.edu).

Pre-conference Reception and Library Tour!

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:43:05 GMT

Coming to the ALAO Annual Conference? Come early and attend the Pre-conference Reception and Library Tour at KSU Stark.
Thursday, October 24
4:30pm to 6:00pm
Light refreshments will be served.
For more information: http://osu.campusguides.com/content.php?pid=460367&sid=4274668

Congratulations to Diversity Scholarship Award Winners

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:48:35 GMT

Conrad Pegues and Robert Millspaugh have been selected to receive the Diversity Scholarship from ALAO, administered through Kent State University School of Library and Information Science. More

September 2013 Newsletter

Tue, 10 Sep 2013 01:08:53 GMT

Catch up with the latest ALAO news and reports, ACRL legislative agenda, conference updates, an appeal for Jay Ladd Award nominees, and more in the September 2013 Newsletter.

2013 ALAO Elections: Congratulations to our new board members

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:26:08 GMT

ALAO Election Results
Vice President/President Elect – Eboni Johnson, Oberlin College

Treasurer – Don Appleby, University of Akron

Public Relations/Outreach Coordinator – Alisa Mizikar, Wittenberg University

Board Members at Large -
Jeff Franks, University of Akron
Julia Gustafson, College of Wooster
Suzanne Smailes, Wittenberg University

Thanks to all those who volunteered for service, and congratulations to all who were elected.