Happy Winter and Holidays!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and all the best in the new year!

ALAO 2023 Conference Recap

The 49th Annual ALAO Conference, Finding Balance: Hybrid Spaces, New Opportunities & Transformed Missions, was held this past October 27th and November 2nd-3rd, and marked the Association’s initial exploration of Conference hybridity.  Programming this year included online, in-person, and hybrid events that successfully expanded attendance and participation among the membership.  On October 27th, the Conference hosted a full day of online programming followed by in-person and hybrid events on November 2nd & 3rd at the Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center in Columbus.  By the numbers, here’s a snapshot of Conference attendance:

• In-Person Conference – 230
• Online Conference – 44
• (Free) ILS Migration Discussion Forum – 251
• Thursday Preconference – 42
• Thurs Social Event – 27
• Hybrid Room Sessions – 25-30 attendees (in person & online) per session

The Conference was well received, and many expressed their appreciation for both traditional and new program offerings:

“What a superbly run conference! Wonderful content. Great facility. Helpful volunteers. Thank you!”

“This presentation was incredibly helpful. I have some concrete ideas for starting our migration efforts. Very much appreciate everyone sharing their expertise.” (ILS Migration Discussion Forum)

“A wonderful, engaging and thought provoking presentation! Really liked the hands-on activities and the fun items in the center of the tables.” (Thursday Preconference) 

“It was a cozy, enjoyable event. I got to talk to some old friends I haven’t seen in person in a while.” (Thursday Evening Social)

“the moderators should be commended for including questions from the virtual chat.” (Hybrid Room sessions)

“Often, but not always, virtually conferences work out best for me. I was very pleased with the chance to present virtually” (online session presenter)

There was a huge turnout for the free online ILS Migration Forum Discussion on October 27th, with lively discussion among panelists and the audience about ways to prepare our libraries for the upcoming migration process.  Attendees at this and other virtual events, including the online Mini-conference and Hybrid Room sessions, expressed their appreciation for expanded programming options.  There was robust attendance as well for our in-person programming.  For the Thursday Preconference, Diversity in Focus: New Lenses, New Frames, New Approach, co-presenters Shannon Simpson and Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros created tremendous energy and excitement for workshop participants who came away with concrete, practical strategies to bring back to their home libraries.  We were so pleased as well to host Trevor A. Dawes for a truly inspiring Keynote Address that complimented the 2023 Conference themes and programming especially well.  I can also relay that Trevor had a delightful time at the Thursday Evening Social event!  Our area at Olentangy Brewing was packed, with folks circulating throughout the evening, and crowded tables full of laughter and merriment.

I’m also very pleased to report that, thanks to your participation and that of our presenters, hosts, volunteers, and Planning Committee members, we met and exceeded our goals for expanding ALAO community engagement at the Conference.  Together with all of you, we were able to manage and reduce Conference attendance costs by expanding registration discounts, packages, and grant opportunities.  We successfully piloted new online and hybrid Conference program elements while also managing technology costs.  We also successfully expanded program offerings and attendance for our Access, Support & Technical Services colleagues. 

Stay tuned for postings on the ALAO website of Conference session slides and handouts, as well as a recording and summary of the October 27th ILS Migration Forum Discussion!

Congratulations, Grant & Award Winners!

One of our favorite activities at the ALAO Conference is highlighting the remarkable work and achievements of Ohio academic library colleagues!  This year’s ceremony at the Conference luncheon was filled with many heartwarming moments as awardees were announced and celebrated by the ALAO community.  Check out our Past President, Gerald Natal’s, newsletter entry below for details about this year’s awardees!

ALAO Executive Board Meetings Report

The Board held meetings this past November 3rd and October 20th and continued to make progress with strategic initiatives identified at the Board’s July 2023 retreat.  The 2024 Conference Site Selection Committee has secured a commitment from the OCLC Conference Center in Columbus, OH to host the 50th Anniversary ALAO Annual Conference on November 7th & 8th, 2024.  Earlier this Fall the Board also approved one-time funding to explore interest in additional ALAO Conference participation and attendance grant opportunities.  These included two grants offered in partnership with the Northern Ohio Technical Services Librarians (NOTSL) for the 2023 ALAO Conference.  Board members also continue to plan strategies that in the coming months will help strengthen ALAO member and nonmember engagement in programming, interest group activities, and professional development opportunities, among students and library professionals.