Skip to main content
Two Miami University Librarians headshots - Laura Birkenhauer and Ken Irwin.

Miami University Librarians Honored at ALAO Conference

Post created: • by

At the recent Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) conference in Dublin, Ohio, the excellence of the Miami University Libraries was on full display. Two of our team members—Ken Irwin and Laura Birkenhauer—were honored with major awards recognizing their contributions to mentorship, campus engagement, and academic librarianship across Ohio.

Ken Irwin, Web Services Librarian, was named the recipient of the annual Kathryn L. Venditti Mentoring Award. This award is given annually to an academic librarian who has demonstrated excellence as a mentor to a librarian, library worker, or library science student. Through this award ALAO strives to foster a culture of mentoring within the Association.

As a Web Services Librarian, Ken balances technical leadership with a steadfast commitment to encouraging others. He creates a collaborative environment both within Miami University Libraries and across the broader library community.

Laura Birkenhauer, Student Success Librarian for Campus Engagement, was awarded the Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award, one of ALAO’s premier honors. The Jay Ladd Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate deep commitment to the field through three key criteria:

• Active Commitment: Maintaining active ALAO membership for at least five years.
• Broad Advocacy: Actively promoting academic libraries and librarianship both locally on campus and throughout the state of Ohio.
• Demonstrated Leadership: Providing organizational leadership through committee membership, executive board offices, or interest group leadership within ALAO.

Every day at Miami, Laura connects students directly with the library resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Her leadership within ALAO mirrors this dedication, helping shape the future of academic libraries across Ohio.

At the end of the day, the work of the Miami University Libraries is centered around our people—students, faculty, staff, and statewide community. Ken and Laura embody the spirit of service, growth, and connection that makes Miami University Libraries such a special place to learn and work.