People & Library News

Posted on March 25, 2025 by anitaslack

ACRL Instruction Section Requests Your Feedback!

The ACRL Instruction Section/Information Literacy in the Disciplines committee is charged with maintaining a library guide that contains links and citations to information literacy standards and curricula developed by accrediting agencies, professional associations, and institutions of higher education across multiple disciplines. To aid us in keeping the guide relevant, you are invited to participate in a brief survey. Any feedback is appreciated—your insights will help us ensure the guide remains a valuable tool to our academic community.

–Gerald Natal, The University of Toledo

Ohio Library Support Staff Institute (OLSSI) Final Conference July 27-29th

OLSSI announces its final conference taking place at the University of Dayton from July 27th-29th 2025. Early Birth Registration April 1-30th 2025 rates will $275, and regular registration will take place from May 1st through July 9th at $299. This will include lodging, five meals, and course instruction.

Scholarships are available and the contest began March 19th and the Deadline for entry is April 15, 2025 at 4pm. Visit the website for more information.

–P. Michael Bradshaw, OLSSI Chair Emeritus, Supreme Court of Ohio Law Library

Posted in Vol. 44 no. 1 (March 2025) | Tagged | Leave a comment

President’s Report

Posted on December 17, 2024 by anitaslack

As we approach the holiday season I hope we all get a little time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to future endeavors. Wishing everyone the best in the new year!

Sara Klink, President

ALAO 2024 Conference Recap

The 50th Annual ALAO Conference, Ohio Academic Libraries: Past, Present, & Future was held on November 7th and November 8th at a new conference venue, the OCLC Conference Center. I would like to thank the well equipped team at OCLC. They were very hands on with the Conference Planning Committee and such a pleasure to work with. Of course, as with any new venue we learned a few things that will need to be reworked for next year but we are thankful to have a venue secured that will allow ALAO to continue offering the professional development and networking necessary for our profession.

Programming this year included both online and in-person events that allowed for expanded attendance and participation among the membership.  The in-Person conference brought in 220 registered attendees and 24 registered online attendees. The  pre conference brought in 53 registered attendees and our Thursday night celebration of the 50th conference had about 50 attendees throughout the evening.

Conference feedback is currently being looked over by the planning committee in preparation for next year. One area of focus on the conference evaluation was looking at how attendees feel about the modality of conference events.

“I appreciate having the in-person conference as a way to really connect with other librarians from around the state.”

“The professional connections and discussions that spring up in an in-person event are what I really go to conferences for.” 

“I always feel like I need a break to get away from the office and chat with colleagues from all over the state about what they are doing, or just to catch up.” 

“I think offering an online option is so valuable in our current climate. It creates equity for attendees who are unable to attend in person”

“In-person really allows me to focus. Online conferences – I’m too easily distracted by emails or other things.” 

“I never find networking as effective in online conferences and meeting with colleagues outside of the sessions is very useful.”

“With so many meetings and workshops online now, the in-person ALAO conference is one of the few remaining opportunities to network with colleagues. It’s too easy to be distracted or pulled away when trying to attend an online conference and there’s no personal connections.”

“I prefer in-person in general, however my institution is losing the ability to support us financially, so having a cheaper online option will likely be important going forward.”

“One of the most valuable parts of attending and speaking at a Conference is the opportunity to get out of the office and network with colleagues in the field.”

The Thursday pre conference workshop What You Need to Know About AI Right Now: Practical Guidance for Academic Librarians, presented by Michael Flierl and our AI panel discussion was attended by librarians and library staff that came to the event with a lot of questions and willingness to dive deep into the world of AI. I think most of us that attended left with a much stronger understanding and even some new practical strategies to bring back to our home libraries and research centers. We were very thankful to OHSLA, Ohio Health Science Library Association for sponsoring our pre-conference event.  

Thank you to Dr. Michelle Collins-Sibley for kicking off our conference day with a passionate keynote address.  And a huge thank you to all of our presenters! Whether you presented a hybrid session, a poster session, a lightning talk or a traditional presentation, we thank you. This conference is successful because of the wonderful presentations that build our schedule. Please continue to support ALAO’s annual conference by sharing your submissions with us! 

I would also like to share that the OCLC Conference Center rate allowed us to keep conference registration rates to the same rate as last year.  Thanks to your participation and that of our presenters, hosts, volunteers, and planning committee members, we were also able to keep presenter registration discounts, and expanded grant opportunities.  Thank you for your membership support!

Stay tuned for postings on the ALAO website for conference photos.

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, Mark Eddy’s, newsletter entry for details about this year’s awardees!

ALAO Executive Board Meetings Report

The Board held meetings this past September and October and our annual business meeting in November. Board members will use time this winter to work on the ALAO strategic plan. 

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 4 (Dec 2024) | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Past President’s Report

Posted on December 17, 2024 by anitaslack
Mark Eddy, Past President

The Awards ceremony at the Annual Conference is always a highlight!  What a wonderful opportunity to showcase the fantastic work and accomplishments of our members!  Here’s a recap of the 2024 scholarship, grant and award recipients:

  • The Diversity Scholarship was awarded to Catherine King, MLIS Student at Kent State University. This award goes to a student who demonstrates diversity in one or more ways and displays potential in the field of library and/or information science through leadership and commitment to diversity issues.

  • The Research and Publications Committee Research Grant was awarded to Melissa Bauer (Kent State University) in support of her research project, “Exploring First-Generation Students’ Perceptions of the Academic Library,” which will explore the unique needs of first-generation college students with regard to library services.

  • The TEDSIG TEDdy Award for distinguished service by an ALAO member in the fields of Technical, Electronic and Digital Services was presented to Frank Bove (University of Mount Union).

  • The Support Staff Conference Grants were awarded to Jennifer Smith (Case Western Reserve University) and Gregg Harris (University of Akron). These awards are intended to encourage staff participation and development in ALAO activities by offsetting registration and travel expenses to attend and/or present at the ALAO Annual Conference.

  • The Continuing Education Grant was awarded to Gabrielle Lee (Ohio State University) and Elizabeth Staarmann (Miami University).  This award is meant to defray costs of participating in conferences, workshops, seminars, and similar library-related educational opportunities, pursuit of a professional library degree, or growth of DEI knowledge and leadership.

  • The TEDSIG/NOTSL Technical Services Conference Grants were awarded to Rachel E. Littleton from Wittenberg University (Presenter Award) and Brett Williams from Columbus College of Art & Design (Attendee Award).  The grants are intended to encourage technical services staff development and participation in ALAO activities through two awards–one for conference attendance, and another for presenting. 

ALAO 2024-2025 Awards

The 2024 ALAO People’s Choice Poster Award winners were Megan Jaskowiak, Stefanie Hilles, Abigail Morgan, and Jaclyn Spraetz from Miami University for their poster, “A Multidisciplinary Graphic Medicine Collection for Undergraduates”.

The Kathryn Venditti Mentoring Award was established in 2016 to honor individuals who demonstrate excellence as a mentor and named in memory of its first recipient. 

Jerry Natal

This year’s recipient of the Kathryn Venditti Mentoring Award is Gerald (Jerry) Natal, Associate Professor, Health and Human Services Librarian at the University of Toledo Libraries, in recognition of his tireless dedication to serving others, both in and outside of libraries.  

Jerry has mentored numerous Association members in his capacity as an ALAO Board member and executive officer, and in various committees and working groups.  His knowledge and guidance also helped the ALAO leadership navigate a period of tremendous change in the Association and Ohio academic libraries in recent years.  Jerry continues to mentor and advise ALAO members, University of Toledo student organizations, and Toledo community organizations.

The Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award is named for a former Ohio State University librarian who was instrumental in the formation of ALAO. It honors individuals with a strong record of promoting academic libraries, librarianship, and strong leadership. 

Mandi Goodsett

This year’s recipient of the Jay Ladd Service Award is Mandi Goodsett, Performing Arts & Humanities Librarian at Cleveland State University, in recognition of her exemplary contributions to ALAO and other Ohio academic library professional communities.  

Mandi is a regular organizer and participant in ALAO conferences, interest groups and committees, and a highly accomplished past member of the ALAO Board.  As ALAO President in 2020-21 Mandi led our organization through a period of unprecedented changes in academic libraries during the COVID era, while also advancing the Association’s mission to promote diversity and inclusion, sustainability, open information, affordable learning, and information literacy in academic libraries.  Always asking “what more can we do?,” Mandi has been a driving force behind entirely new programs, professional communities and conference events, welcoming everyone to collaborate and share fully in the creation process.

Please join me in congratulating all of our grant, scholarship, and award winners!

2025 ALAO Elections – CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Considering professional service or leadership opportunities, or know someone who might be?  If so, please consider nominating yourself or a colleague for a position on the ALAO Board! 

2024-2025 ALAO Executive Board

This year’s elections will take place in spring 2025, with successful candidates officially assuming their positions at the ALAO Board Retreat in July. 

What does the ALAO Board do?

As the Ohio chapter of ACRL, we:

  • Advance academic library services in our state and provide opportunities for education and growth for library personnel at all levels and at every career stage
  • Sponsor an annual conference and spring workshops that focus on innovative topics and showcase Ohio academic librarians
  • Provide scholarships and awards
  • Maintain several active, diverse interest groups and committees.
  • Have a mentoring program that pairs up Ohio academic librarians for peer-to-peer, inter-generational, leadership, or student mentoring relationships

ALAO Board members:

  • Perform duties described in the Procedures Manual for their position
  • Attend monthly Board meetings
  • Participate in the annual Board planning retreat in July

This year, we will be soliciting nominations for the following positions:

Please submit nominations or self-nominations to the online 2025 ALAO Election Nomination Form by Friday, February 14, 2025

Volunteer Opportunities!

The 2024-25 ALAO Nominating Committee is looking for two volunteers from the membership to join the committee.  ALAO members who are not currently serving on the Board may volunteer for this Committee.  If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please email Mark Eddy, Nominating Committee Chair, at pastpresident@alaoweb.org

ALAO is also looking for volunteers for the following appointed positions to start in July 2025:

Please complete the volunteer form to indicate your interest in the above positions.  

Questions about the upcoming elections or volunteer opportunities?  Please feel free to contact Mark Eddy (pastpresident@alaoweb.org) or Laura Birkenhauer (membership@alaoweb.org)

Thank you from the 2024-25 ALAO Nominating Committee!,

Mark Eddy, Case Western Reserve University, Committee Chair

Mandi Goodsett, Cleveland State University, Committee Member

Brea McQueen, Miami University, Committee Member

Laura Birkenhauer, Miami University, Advisor to the Committee

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 4 (Dec 2024) | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

VP/President Elect Report

Posted on December 17, 2024 by anitaslack
Paul Campbell, Vice President/President Elect

The ALAO 2025 Conference will take place at the OCLC Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio on November 6-7, 2025.  The call for conference proposals will be going out in early 2025.  The conference planning committee is currently being assembled. Please reach out to me (pcampb10@kent.edu) if you would like to serve on the 2025 Conference Planning Committee.  Although planning a conference is a lot of work, it is also very rewarding. 

–Paul Campbell, VP/President Elect, Kent State University

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 4 (Dec 2024) | Tagged | Leave a comment

Remembering Heidi Gauder

Posted on December 17, 2024 by anitaslack

On behalf of the UD Libraries, I am sad to share the news of Heidi Gauder’s passing. Heidi joined the University Libraries in 1998 and had served in her role as coordinator of research and instruction since 2008.

Heidi was an amazing colleague, friend and collaborator. She mentored students and library staff at UD and around the state. ALAO honored Heidi in 2019 with the Kathryn L. Vendetti Mentoring Award, and the citation described Gauder as “the type of mentor that every new librarian wishes they had.” She also served as a mentor in the ALAO mentoring program.

She frequently presented at ALAO events and was an active researcher of Dayton history and trends in teaching and learning. She also contributed to the organization through service, as a member of the Nominating Committee 2020-2022; chair, co-chair, and then member of the Research and Publications Committee 2012-2019; and Board Member-at-large 2014-2016.

Please keep Heidi’s loved ones and colleagues in your thoughts.

–Katy Kelly, University of Dayton

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 4 (Dec 2024) | Leave a comment

Membership Report

Posted on December 17, 2024 by anitaslack

The current membership of ALAO includes a total of 266 members consisting of 228 regular members, 5 retiree members, and 33 student members. We are excited to welcome new members who joined between August 30, 2024 and November 22, 2024.

Jonathan Atwood, Otterbein University

Theresa Cumberledge           

Georgia Donmoyer, Kent State University iSchool

Brian Hickam

Tamia  Jackson, Bowling Green State University

Chrissy Karafit, Kenyon College

Christine Mannix, Columbus College of Art & Design

Brenna McNulty, Wright State University

Ted Pitts, Case Western Reserve University

Timothy Radcliffe, Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Brandon Rouzaud, Fortis College

Ryan Spellman, Northern Kentucky University – Steely Library

Meli Taylor, Bowling Green State University

Nora Warnick, The Ohio State University

Marlow Zuch, Miami University

–Laura Birkenhauer, Membership Chair, Miami University

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 4 (Dec 2024) | Tagged | Leave a comment

Interest Group and Committee News

Posted on December 17, 2024 by anitaslack

Diversity Committee News

ALAO values diversity in its membership, in the profession, and in future library professionals.  And for that reason, we are pleased to offer a $1,500 scholarship to a promising student enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLS program who exemplifies the qualities needed to ensure a diverse library workforce.

This year, the Diversity Committee was proud to award its Diversity Award Scholarship to Catherine King of Case Western University.

Catherine King is a graduate student in the MLIS program at Kent State University, focusing on Metadata, DAM, and cataloging. She holds a BA in Sociology from Cleveland State University. She began her library career as a page at Cleveland Public Library, worked as a student assistant at Cleveland State University,and then held positions at Lutheran Hospital and CSU before moving into her current role in the Interlibrary Loan Department at the Health Sciences Library and Case Western Reserve University. This semester, she is volunteering virtually with the Library of Congress Law Library and taking courses in cataloging and cultural heritage institutions.

Congratulations, Catherine!


In addition to celebrating this year’s winner, we would also like to remind our membership that 2025’s Diversity Scholarship Award application will be opening soon (January 1). Over the years we have seen a decrease in applications, and we feel quite confident it is not from a lack of need in the LIS community but perhaps a lack of awareness that the scholarship exists and what it can be used for.

Students who currently live in the state of Ohio who are enrolled in, OR, recently accepted to an ALA-accredited MLS program are eligible to apply. The goal of our scholarship is to help diversify the field of librarianship, and so we look for applicants with diverse identities, including, but not limited to: race/ethnicity, dis/ability, sexual orientation, class, etc.

The goal of the award is to help ease some of the financial burden for current MLS students. Winners will be awarded the scholarship in the form of a check and can be used as and when they see fit. We envision that students will use these funds to help cover the ever growing costs of education and be used towards tuition, books, technology, etc.

Soon you will receive emails on behalf of the Diversity Committee asking to help promote this award to current students in your circles. We would be eternally grateful to our colleagues who help us spread this message and help us connect with students who could benefit from a scholarship like this.

If you have questions about the Diversity Scholarship Award, please feel free to contact the Diversity Committee at: diversity-committee@alaoweb.org

–Mandi Goodsett, Diversity Committee Co-Chair, Cleveland State University
–Brea McQueen, Diversity Committee Co-Chair, Miami University Regionals

Programming, Outreach, and Marketing Interest Group (PROMIG) News

The Programming, Outreach, and Marketing Interest Group (PROMIG) is excited to announce our new incoming co-chairs, Laura Birkenhauer and Jerry Natal! Laura is the Student Success Librarian for Campus Engagement at Miami University. Jerry is Health and Human Services Librarian at the University of Toledo.

Save The Date! PROMIG wants to hear from you. What are your ideas for the future of this interest group? Join us in early February 2025 for one of two listening sessions, where we’ll gather member input and priorities. Secure your spot by registering through one of the links below:

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

Support Staff Interest Group (SSIG) News

We need your help! It is time to search for a new co-chair for the Support Staff Interest Group (SSIG). If you are interested or would like to nominate someone else, contact Peggy Rector (rector@denison.edu) as soon as possible. This IG cannot continue without the support of the members of ALAO.


The planning for our annual workshop, to be held virtually in the spring of 2025, is underway. The workshop will center on working or being considered for a position as a library support staff paraprofessional while holding an MLIS. Do you know a director or dean who could speak well on this topic? If you are interested in serving on the planning committee or have ideas to share, contact Peggy Rector at rector@denison.edu. 

Look for a save-the-date for the workshop early in the new year!

–Peggy Rector, Support Staff Interest Group Co-Chair, Denison University

STEM Interest Group News

The STEM Interest Group has held monthly open discussions this fall. These are an opportunity for STEM liaisons librarians to network and discuss current topics in the field or at their institutions. The group welcomed three new members this fall. The co-chairs have recently organized a listserv clean up, which hasn’t been done in a few years.

–Kristen Adams, STEM Interest Group Co-Chair, Miami University
–Ian McCullough, STEM Interest Group Co-Chair, The College of Wooster

Sustainability Interest Group (SusIG) News

The  Sustainability Interest Group is happy to report that our third annual Swap Table at the in-person ALAO Annual conference this year was a success! Many conference attendees brought swag for the table, and many others shopped the table and brought home new-to-them treasures. The remaining item was donated to the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. Please reach out with your feedback and ideas for next year’s swap table!

–Megan Jaskowiak, Sustainability Interest Group Co-Chair, Miami University

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 4 (Dec 2024) | Tagged | Leave a comment

Funding Opportunities

Posted on December 17, 2024 by anitaslack

Continuing Education Grant Program – Apply Now!

Are you presenting a conference paper, enrolling in a seminar, attending a workshop, or looking to participate in other professional development opportunities in 2025? The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Continuing Education Grant can help you get there!

The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Continuing Education Grant of up to $2,500 is awarded each year to support the cost of participating in professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. which are related to the member’s current position, in pursuit of a professional library degree, or growth of DEI knowledge and leadership. Current ALAO members are eligible to apply for funds to defray the costs of attending any library-related educational opportunity occurring during the calendar year.

 Eligibility:

  • Applicant must be a current member of ALAO.
  • Applicant may not have received this grant in the previous three award cycles (2024, 2023, 2022).
  • Funded event must occur between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 3, 2025 11:59 p.m. For more information and to apply online go the ALAO website: https://www.alaoweb.org/continuingeducationgrant

If you have any questions about the Continuing Education Grant, please contact Allen Reichert, Professional Development Committee Co-Chair, at preichert@otterbein.edu

–Allen Reichert, Professional Development Committee Co-Chair, Otterbein University
–Jaclyn Spraetz, Professional Development Committee Co-Chair, Miami University

Research and Publications Grant—Apply Now!

Do you have a great research idea but need funds to bring it to life? Or do you need additional funding to complete your existing research? Last year, the ALAO Research Grant helped fund the investigation of Melissa Bauer (Kent State University) on her study, Exploring first-generation students’ perceptions of the academic library.

You could be the next ALAO Research Grant recipient! Learn more about the application process by visiting our webpage and looking at the ALAO Research Grant information sheet. Remember to submit your application by Friday, January 31, 2025 at https://bit.ly/alao_grant25. You must be a current member of ALAO to be eligible for the award. 


If you have any questions, please contact Marilia Antunez or Jason Wardell. We look forward to reading your applications!

–Marilia Antunez, Research & Publications Committee Co-Chair, The University of Akron
–Jason Wardell, Research & Publications Committee Co-Chair, University of Dayton

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 4 (Dec 2024) | Tagged | Leave a comment

People & Library News

Posted on December 17, 2024 by anitaslack

ACRL Instruction Section Requests your Feedback!

The ACRL Instruction Section/Information Literacy in the Disciplines committee is charged with maintaining a library guide (https://acrl.libguides.com/IS/informationliteracyinthedisciplines) that contains links and citations to information literacy standards and curricula developed by accrediting agencies, professional associations, and institutions of higher education across multiple disciplines. To aid us in keeping the guide relevant, you are invited to participate in a brief survey (https://forms.gle/3dep2Ui7SeczNNtw8). Any feedback is appreciated—your insights will help us ensure the guide remains a valuable tool to our academic community.

–Jerry Natal, PROMIG Co-Chair, University of Toledo

Bryant & Stratton College News

Joseph Dudley (System Librarian, Bryant & Stratton College) presented “Controlled Vocabulary Linked Data for Improved Subject Access to LGBTQ+ Cultural Heritage Resources” at LD4: Building Community for Linked Open Data (virtual conference) on October 10.

–Joe Dudley, Bryant & Stratton College

University of Cincinnati News

The University of Cincinnati Libraries hired Brian C. Gray as associate dean of collections. He will be responsible for managing general collections, preservation, special collections and archives within UC Libraries. In addition, he’ll serve as the senior administrator for the Archives & Rare Books Library, John Miller Burnam Classics Library and the Albino Gorno Memorial (CCM) Library.

Maureen Walsh (The Ohio State University Libraries, Scholarly Sharing Strategist), Amy Pawlowski (OhioLINK, Executive Director), Brian Gray (University of Cincinnati Libraries, Associate Dean Collections), and Shannon Gordon (ELSEVIER, Customer Success Manager) presented “When the Sky is not the Limit: Managing Capped Open Access Agreements” at the Charleston Conference.

–Brian C. Gray, University of Cincinnati

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 4 (Dec 2024) | Tagged | Leave a comment

President’s Report

Posted on September 18, 2024 by anitaslack
Sara Klink, ALAO President

Conference Date: November 7-8, 2024

Conference Location: OCLC Conference Center, Dublin, Ohio

Conference Website: https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2024/about

Register for the 50th Annual Conference!

The 2024 Conference Planning Committee would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone that submitted session proposals, and a big congratulations to those who will be presenting at this year’s Conference!  This year’s conference will feature 25 presentations, 2 full sessions of lightning talks, 17 posters, a discussion session with the keynote, and a special session on getting involved in ALAO. Four of the presentations, including lightning talks will be simulcast in our designated Hybrid Track meeting room at the in-person Conference venue and will cover a wide range of topics.

Additionally we  invite you to register and join us for a full day, hands on workshop on November 7th also on the OCLC campus, in the Lakeside room. This full day event will focus on the future of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and academic libraries. This event will feature a hands-on component (so bring your computer) and a panel discussion, which will highlight librarians working with AI in a variety of subject areas. We would like to thank OHSLA, Ohio Health Science Library Association for sponsoring our pre-conference event.  

Staying overnight or coming in Thursday evening? Please join us at Fado’ Irish Pub and Kitchen in Dublin for a fun and relaxing social event! We will have light food and drinks and plenty of opportunities to network and catch up with friends and colleagues. And don’t forget to book your hotel room at the Embassy Suites by Hilton. The deadline to book using the conference rate is October 16th. 

In celebration of this year being ALAO’s 50th conference we encourage you to follow us on Instagram at #alaoconference! We will be featuring our past presidents and award winners and the impact that ALAO has had on them personally and professionally. 

See you in November!

Posted in Vol. 43 no. 3 (Sept 2024) | Tagged | Leave a comment