Let’s shine the member spotlight on Laura D’Amato of Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH

What is your role(s) in academic libraries?

I am the Head of Access Services and Interlibrary Loan at Ritter Library, Baldwin Wallace University. I oversee the access services department which consists of numerous student employees (whom I hire and train) and three part-time assistants. I serve as BW’s PCIRC contact for OhioLINK. In addition to the circulation-related aspects of my position, I also do serials check-in and assist with library programming and weeding projects. Ritter Library’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) are my responsibility. I supervise the interlibrary loan process as well.

What do you like most about academic library work?

The part I like most about academic library work is getting to know my student employees and meeting all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds. I genuinely enjoy being able to engage with individuals who have talents, interests, and life experiences vastly different from mine.

What are some interesting projects you’ve been involved with lately? 

Ritter Library received a “Celebrating Ohio Book Awards & Authors” grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded the by State Library of Ohio. The funds were used to purchase children’s literature titles for our curriculum area. I am currently working with Education faculty and the Berea branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library to plan a “Family Literacy Day.” Education students will design activities and lessons using some of the purchased titles and the event will be held at the public library since families are used to visiting there to participate in story-time and literacy events.

We’ve also been trying to make use of students’ majors and areas of interest to help with library-related tasks. We’ve had a graphic design student work on creating more appealing signage for the library and a creative writing major work on writing text for exhibits and social media.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

 My husband proposed while we were in Rome visiting the Trevi Fountain. Yes, we threw in our coins – we returned a few years ago and took our son with us!

 What do you love about being an ALAO member?

There are so many fabulous people working in academic libraries throughout Ohio. I love that ALAO gives us a way to connect and learn from each other!

–Maureen Barry, Membership Chair, Bowling Green State University