Katy Mathuews, President

I would like to extend a big thank you to all those who attended the 2019 Annual Conference and related events. The October 17 preconference events included an intergroup dialogue workshop and a free active allyship training. The free training served as our annual service project and was a tangible step toward addressing harassment and discrimination in our profession. On October 18 the conference day was packed with 28 breakout sessions, 19 posters, 17 roundtables, 1 amazing keynote speaker, and an abundance of snacks and networking!

Our general theme this year was Libraries Speak Up! Advocate. Collaborate. Educate. Char Booth’s keynote address highlighted this theme. Booth pointed out that libraries are one of the few public goods we have left. Booth challenged us to think about what is broken in our systems, services, and societies and consider what we can do to help address the challenges faced by our users. Booth provided inspiring context and practical examples to help library personnel speak up for our patrons.

Conference Quick Facts

30: Preconference Attendees

29: Allyship Training Attendees

227: Conference Attendees

21: Exhibitors

Award Winners

Jane Wildermuth: TEDSIG TEDDY Award Recipient

Heidi Gauder: Kathryn L. Venditti Mentoring Award Recipient

Carrie Girton: Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award

September 27 Board Meeting

In an effort to address the “Efficient and Purposeful” focus of our Strategic Plan, the board kicked off discussions to complete an organizational review. The review will include a survey of board positions, committees, and practices with the goal of realizing efficiencies and revisions to existing practice. We look forward to sharing the results of our efforts and will be exploring a membership survey in 2020 to learn more about our needs and values. We will also be finalizing a new Code of Conduct for all ALAO events. We look forward to sharing the results of these activities in the coming year.