Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) upcoming events

ALAO Community Conversations (09 Sep 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Please join us for the next ALAO Community Conversations focused on the academic library at the start of a new academic year. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, highlight emerging trends, and discuss both challenges and successes across institutions. Conversation topics may include new student programming, technical services preparation, changes to information literacy instruction, and more.

This free event is intended to be a safe and welcoming space for open dialogue, reflection, and idea-sharing. Registration is available, but not required

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89370094750?pwd=Q2jA78lXn7yeQpkXikrlyH6nWWuMdB.1

Mentoring from the Sidelines (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

MENTORING FROM THE SIDELINES

Join the Academic Library Association of Ohio for a virtual Luncheon & Learn featuring a conversation with Deidra Herring, Associate Professor and Educational Librarian at The Ohio State University, recipient of the 2025 ALAO Kathryn L. Venditti Mentoring Award.

Deidra will reflect on her mentoring journey, share practical strategies for supporting early-career professionals, and discuss the importance of mentorship in the library and information science profession.

The program will also include a brief overview of the Kathryn L. Venditti Mentoring Award and ALAO Mentoring Program, followed by Q&A.

Deidra N. Herring is an Associate Professor and Education Librarian at The Ohio State University. She earned her MLIS degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Central State University. She is a former Head of Reference and Cohort Lead for the Humanities and Social Sciences Librarians under the division of Research and Education. As an early career librarian, she worked in Monographs and Acquisitions as a Mary P. Key Diversity Resident and served as Interim Head of the Department.

Out of all her endeavors, mentoring has been the most rewarding aspect of her professional 20-year journey which has led her to lifelong connections and continuing efforts for personal growth.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/B4xy5rKLR6GafaWC4UghVQ

2026 ALAO Annual Conference (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

2026 ALAO Annual Conference

OCLC Conference Center/Smith Building, 6600 Kilgour Place, Dublin, Ohio

In-Person Early bird rates (available through September 20)

$130 ALAO/MiALA/OELMA Members
$160 Non ALAO Members
$77 ALAO Student Members/Retirees

In-Person Regular rates

$160 ALAO/MiALA/OELMA Members
$190 Non ALAO Members

Online Only Conference Package Option

Includes all online and hybrid Conference programming content:

*Oct 30th Conference Keynote, Hybrid Track sessions

Rates

$50 ALAO/MiALA/OELMA Members
$56 Non ALAO Members

In-Person Conference - Friday, October 30, 2026, OCLC Convention Center / Smith Building, 6600 Kilgour Place, Dublin, OH

The Friday in-person portion of the Conference will feature many informative and inspirational sessions, posters, and lightning talks from your colleagues. The program will also include:

The 2026 Conference Keynote Presentation.
Presentations in a “hybrid track room” where sessions will be simulcast live online throughout the day. Each of these sessions will feature presentations on a variety of topics that impact services and activities across all library departments.

Let's Get Social, ALAO!

ALAO is hosting a social on Thursday evening, October 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at PINS Mechanical Company in Dublin, OH. Join us for pizza, conversation, and lovely surroundings. Have dinner at one of the delicious nearby restaurants and then join us for the social!

Conference Grant Opportunities

ALAO is committed to supporting professional development and encouraging participation in its annual conference. 2026 Conference grant program opportunities include:

Two award opportunities for our Support Staff Conference Grant
Two award opportunities for our Student Conference Grant
Two award opportunities for our Technical Services Staff Grant (one for an attendee and one for a presenter)

See the respective links for grant details and application deadlines.

If paying by check, please make checks payable to ALAO and send to Don Appleby at the address below:

Don Appleby

4377 Maplepark Rd

Stow, OH 44224