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Keynote Speaker
The keynote speaker for the 2025 conference is Ione T. Damasco.
Keynote Title: Dialogue, Encounter, Imagination: Practicing Critical Hope in Times of Challenge
| Abstract Academic libraries are finding themselves at a moment of profound uncertainty and upheaval, as social, economic, and political forces are exerting transformative pressures on colleges and universities across our state and our nation. Every day we are faced with new headlines flickering across our screens that feel heavy, that may provoke frustration, despair, and a sense of powerlessness. In this talk, we will explore the power of critical hope as a framework for healthy dissent, as a tool for change, and as a way of building and sustaining community in a world that has become increasingly divided and disconnected. Ione T. Damasco Ione T. Damasco (they/them) is the Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Organizational Development at the University of Dayton Libraries. An academic library practitioner for 20 years, they strive to ensure inclusive excellence is a deeply embedded framework across all areas of their work. Grounding their approach to work in critical hope and dialogic practices, they offer leadership, guidance, and support for belonging initiatives at their university. A lifelong learner, they foster an environment of professional development for their colleagues within a learning organization. Recognizing the deep value of mentorship and intentional leadership development, they offered mentor training for the OhioLINK Luminaries program, starting with its inception in 2020. In 2022 and 2024, they served as one of the lead faculty for the Minnesota Institute, helping early career librarians develop the leadership skills needed to transform their libraries into institutions where everyone can thrive. |
| Pre-Conference, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 General Sessions Room 6600 Kilgour Place, Dublin, OH |
Thursday In-Person Pre-Conference Workshop
| In-Person/Online Conference RegistrationPresenters will be emailed a direct link for registration. Early Bird Registration Rates (ends September 19, 2025)
In-Person Regular Rates
Online Only Conference
| Exhibitors
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About ALAO
The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) is a chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). ALAO exists to develop, promote, and improve library and information services in Ohio’s higher education community, to advance the interests of academic librarianship and the personnel of academic libraries, and to provide leadership and advocacy for the educational and policy concerns of the academic library community in Ohio.
Sustainability
- We encourage attendees to carpool to and from the conference to reduce pollution.
- We encourage attendees to bring their own refillable water bottles and coffee mugs to the conference to reduce waste.
- The committee will be very intentional about what we choose to print. As such, stay tuned for details about electronic conference programs, evaluations and more.
Community Agreements
The conference planners seek to create a space for respectful dialogue and debate about critical issues. Upon registration, attendees will be asked to review and accept a list of community agreements. Conference planners will actively strive to create spaces in which multiple perspectives can be heard and no one voice dominates.
Who We Are
Members of the 2025 conference planning committee are:
- Paul Campbell, Chair (ALAO President Elect)
- Mira Scarnecchia
- Rob O'Brien Withers
- Abigail (Abi) Morgan
- Kristine Kinzer
- Cara Calabrese
- Emily Henderson
- Diane Schrecker
- Kristen Peters
- Gerald (Jerry) Natal
- Katie Maxfield
- Don Appleby
- Leticia Wiggins
If you have any questions at all about this event, contact us at program@alaoweb.org.
