Government Relations Team

Submitted by Ann Watson

Annual Report

6/22/2009

The Government Relations Liaison received four letters of interest for ALAO's 2009 National Library Legislative Day Travel Grant to assist with the travel costs for attending National Library Legislative Day in Washington, DC on May 11-12, 2009.. The travel grant was awarded to Joan Milligan from the University of Dayton. She received $600 towards her travel costs to attend Legislative Day in Washington, DC. Joan will submit an article for the ALAO June Newsletter.

This year Ann sent a colored paper flyer to all OhioLINK schools (except the public libraries) with a letter asking the flyer be posted in a staff work area. Perhaps this is why there was a better response. Plans are to try this procedure again next year when soliciting for the travel grant applications.

Ann Watson, ALAO's Government Relations Liaison also attended the 2009 National Library Legislative Day. There were approximately 17 delegates from Ohio attending Leg Day this year. There were four academic librarians present from Ohio (Theresa Byrd, Ray English, Joan Milligan and Ann Watson.) The economic crisis facing the country was a major topic discussed at each meeting with the legislator’s aides. The group felt a small level of success when we learned that Senator Sherrod Brown did sign on to the Dear Colleague letter on LSTA funding after our visit.

Due to the unresolved budget issues and unbalanced budget crisis in the state of Ohio no Statehouse Connect Day was held this year.

Ann Watson represented ALAO by attending the retirement reception for Ohio College Association's Executive Director Kathy Williams Wright that was held at the Blackwell Center on March 24, 2009. Ann presented Kathy a retirement card and a gift from ALAO of a $150.00 American Express gift card. The OCA Board also presented her with gift cards and a pass to all the United States national parks that is valid for one year.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ann M. Watson
ALAO Government Relations Liaison