DIG it! Data Interest Group is ALAO’s New Interest Group

The use of data in academic libraries has been a growing segment for both services, resources and support. From data literacy, to data management planning, to accessing datasets for research…all these are areas of growth for libraries. The Data Interest Group (DIG) brings together library professionals who share an interest in advancing and learning about data literacy, data culture and data services. As academic institutions increasingly rely on data from everything from decision-making, research, and teaching, academic libraries play a crucial role in supporting responsible and effective use of data across disciplines. Our hope is that DIG provides a collaborative space where librarians and library professionals can share expertise, develop best practices, and strengthen their capacity to engage with data in meaningful ways.

DIG’s mission is to foster a community of practice that promotes data services and  information sharing among its members. The group is designed to support discussions and professional development around a wide array of specialized topics, including:

• Data Curation: Best practices for ensuring data quality, usability, and long-term preservation.
• Data Visualization: Techniques and tools for effectively communicating complex data insights.
• Data Management: Strategies for creating, storing, accessing, and retaining research data throughout its lifecycle.
• Data Repositories: Understanding and managing institutional, disciplinary, and general-purpose data archives.
• Ethical Data Use: Discussions on privacy, intellectual property, and responsible data governance.
• Emerging Technologies: Exploration of new tools and methodologies relevant to data science and library support.

Since this is DIG’s first year of existence, the group is initially looking to have new members join, establish our meeting frequency and discuss some possible future ideas for professional development. For more information or to join our interest group, please email dig@alaoweb.org or visit the DIG group site.

–Hector Escobar, DIG Co-Chair, University of Dayton
–Michael Hawkins, DIG Co-Chair, Kent State University

PROMIG News

Here is the latest news on activities from the promotion/marketing/outreach interest group:

Check out Resource Roundup vol. 7 for relevant articles, webinars, CFPs, meetings, and more related to programming, outreach, and marketing. We welcome your contributions to the Roundup–just send an email to promig-chairs@alaoweb.org.

PROMIG partnered with ALAO’s sustainability interest group SUSIG for the October 16, 2025, Community Chat, “Sustainability in Action: Library Swag & Programming.” Mandi Goodsett and Evan Meszaros provided excellent thought-provoking examples of sustainable practices for libraries and led discussions on sustainable programming, recycling, collaborative efforts, and challenges of incorporating sustainability into our work in the areas of programming, outreach and/or marketing. If you missed it, here are the Presentation Slides.

PROMIG is offering the free webinar “Wisdom for Social Media Managers in Academic Libraries: Lessons in Strategy, Engagement, Content Creation and More” via Zoom on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET.  Speaker Tanner Lewey will share her passion and experience as social media manager for libraries and higher education institutions. To register: bit.ly/PROMIG-Lewey

Thanks to all who participate in our events. If you are interested in joining PROMIG, have ideas for programming, or would like to know more about our activities, contact us at promig-chairs@alaoweb.org.

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

–Laura Birkenhauer, PROMIG Co-Chair, Miami University
–Jerry Natal, PROMIG Co-Chair, University of Toledo

STEMIG News

STEM Interest Group – Open Discussion Hours

We welcome STEM librarians and those who liaise with STEM departments to join us for informal conservations. Driven by the group, the discussions cover all aspects of STEM librarianship, including instruction, collections, budgets, staffing, recent conferences and other professional development opportunities, AI and other hot topics, and the semi-recent ILS migration across OhioLink. 

We meet on the second Friday of the month, from 11-12 Eastern time. Please join us when you can, there’s no pressure to attend every month. Zoom Link is the same link for each date. The spring 2026 dates below.

• January 9
• February 13
• March 13
• April 10
• May 8

If you have questions, or would like to join the STEM-IG mailing list and receive calendar invites to the discussion hours, please email the co-chairs, Kristen Adams and Nathanael Davis, at stemig-chairs@alaoweb.org. 

Technical, Electronic, and Digital Services Interest Group (TEDSIG) News

Two TEDdy Awards, for distinguished service by an ALAO member in the fields of technical, electronic and digital services, were presented at the ALAO annual conference.

* The 2025 TEDdy Award was awarded to Lauren Marshall (John Carroll University).

* The 2024 TEDdy Award was presented to Frank Bove (University of Mount Union). 

–Mike Monaco, TEDSIG Co-Chair, The University of Akron
–Rebecca Belford, TEDSIG Co-Chair, Oberlin College