The Rutgers School of Communication and Information (SC&I) is proud to announce its participation in the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition, taking place June 26–30 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and surrounding venues in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

As the premier gathering for library and information professionals in North America, the ALA Annual Conference offers a dynamic platform for professional development, innovation, and collaboration. SC&I faculty will join thousands of attendees to share research, insights, and ideas that are shaping the future of libraries and the information field.

The conference will feature more than 190 educational sessions, over 700 authors, 650 exhibitors, and 10 notable featured speakers, including:

• Governor Gretchen Whitmer, New York Times-bestselling author and governor of Michigan, who will open the conference with a discussion of the young adult edition of “True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between”
• George Takei, acclaimed actor and activist, will present from his new memoir, “It Rhymes with Takei,” reflecting on identity, advocacy, and transformation
• Geena Davis, Academy Award-winning actress and author, will close the event with a talk on her children’s book, “The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page,” an empowering message for young readers

The conference will also include the ALA President’s Program with President Cindy Hohl, as well as sessions focused on leadership, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and emerging issues in the library profession.

SC&I Faculty Presenters and Advocates

Library and Information Science faculty members are contributing to the conference and advocating for librarianship, including:

• Associate Professor of Practice Marc Aronson organized a panel of award-winning authors and artists to reflect on the growing possibilities in books for young readers with “Visual Generation: Image, Design, Word?” on June 28 at 1 p.m.
• Assistant Professor Emil Lawrence will participate in the poster session, “Creative Cataloging: Developing a Classification for the Pride Center of New Jersey,” on June 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Additionally, Associate Teaching Professor Joyce Valenza will participate in the Read-In to Restore Philadelphia School Librarians, a public advocacy event organized by the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians (PARSL). Community members are invited to gather on Friday, June 27, from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. at the School District of Philadelphia Administration Building, located at 440 N. Broad Street. On its website, PARSL notes that they, along with the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA), and EveryLibrary, organized this “silent ‘read-in’ to advocate for the restoration of certified school librarians in all School District of Philadelphia schools to support improved student literacy (including digital media literacy) and to encourage students to discover the joy of reading.” All are welcome to attend.

Visit SC&I at Booth #2444

Conference attendees are encouraged to stop by the Rutgers SC&I booth #2444 in the Library Marketplace to learn more about our ALA-accredited Master of Information program, research initiatives, and professional development opportunities.

SC&I’s continued commitment to innovation, public service, and professional excellence is shaping the next generation of library leaders and information professionals. Explore the full schedule and speaker lineup at 2025.alaannual.org.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that has supported libraries and information professionals for nearly 150 years. ALA advances the profession through advocacy, education, and resources that empower libraries and strengthen communities across the nation

Image from ALA