ALADN
Academic Library Advancement and Development Network
We are a dynamic network of professionals dedicated to advancement and development in academic libraries. Our mission is to create a space where peers can connect, collaborate, and innovate—sharing strategies, solving challenges, and celebrating successes together. Through a biennial conference, an active electronic listserv, and ongoing conversations, we provide opportunities to learn, lead, and make a meaningful impact.
What is ALADN?
The Academic Library Advancement and Development Network (ALADN) is a professional community of academic library fundraising and advancement professionals across the United States and Canada. Members include development officers, librarians, associate university librarians, and deans who work to secure support from individuals, corporations, and foundations for academic and research libraries.
ALADN provides opportunities for collaboration, idea sharing, and professional growth through an active listserv, monthly discussion forums, and a biennial conference. Members regularly exchange innovations, best practices, and organizational successes related to fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and communications strategies unique to library advancement.
How did ALADN get started?
ALADN began in March 1995, when 65 representatives from academic and research libraries across the U.S. and Canada attended the “More than Books: Building a Network of Academic and Research Library Development Officers” conference, hosted by the University of New Mexico Libraries.
Organized collaboratively by the University of New Mexico, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University, the meeting addressed the distinct challenges and opportunities of library development compared to general higher education advancement. By agreement, attendees decided to form ALADN as an ongoing network to promote professional exchange and problem-solving through conferences, the LIBDEV listserv, monthly discussions, and direct peer connections.
How to Join ALADN
ALADN is an inclusive and informal community—there are no membership fees or formal registration requirements. Participation is open to anyone involved in development, advancement, or communications for academic and research libraries, including development officers, communications professionals, librarians, and library administrators. Engagement typically includes participating in the LIBDEV listserv, attending monthly networking meetings, and joining the biennial ALADN conference. All communications, discussion topics, and event announcements are shared electronically through the listserv. Sign up for the LIBDEV listserv here.
Magic Lamp graphic by parkjisun from the Noun Project.