A Special Message Regarding COVID-19

Katy Mathuews, President

Colleagues,

Like you, the ALAO Board has been diligently monitoring and adapting our plans and workflows in response to the developing COVID-19 pandemic. As we look toward spring workshops and Executive Board meetings, organizers are assessing online options and other ramifications of modifying in-person meetings. Please note that currently-published event information may be subject to change. As plans become solidified, event organizers will communicate new information via email and social media. If you have any questions about specific events, please contact the event organizers. I hope you are all well. I wish you the best as you navigate these unique challenges at your institutions.

Board Meeting Report

The Executive Board met on February 21, 2020 at Ohionet in Columbus, OH. Major topics discussed included:

Code of Conduct

A draft Code of Conduct was presented and discussed. Revisions will be incorporated and further discussion will take place at the April board meeting. In related efforts, the ALAO website and written materials will be revised to reflect inclusive language.

Sponsorship Policy

The new sponsorship policy and procedure are posted on the website here: https://www.alaoweb.org/page-1861139

Strategic Plan Initiatives

In an effort to address the strategic plan objective to be an efficient and purposeful organization, the Board embarked on an organizational review that included an environmental scan of peer ACRL chapters and a survey of ALAO Board members. Results of these efforts were discussed at the February meeting with plans to continue discussion at the April meeting.

The Board also initiated projects to consider the logistics surrounding (1) the mechanism through which members can volunteer for ALAO committees, Board positions, projects, and related initiatives; and (2) the logistics of hosting Board minutes openly online.

April Board Meeting

The next Executive Board meeting will be held on April 24, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ohionet.