Published: February 19, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

Being an active member of the American Library Association (ALA) means not just staying informed but also taking part in shaping the future of our profession. That’s why the upcoming 2026–2027 ALA Presidential Candidates Speaker Panel is such an exciting opportunity for iSchool students.

On February 24 at 6:30 PM, our very own SJSU ALASC is hosting this exclusive panel where you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the candidates and learn how they envision the future of ALA. This week, I collaborated with SJSU ALASC to give us a brief introduction to each candidate in preparation for the panel, so I’d like to welcome board member Sabrina Bobadilla.

The Candidates

Hey, it’s your Blogging Coordinator Sabrina! As information professionals, we are familiar with the ALA as one of the premier library leaders in the country. Along with the Library of Congress, the ALA is the frontline defense for intellectual freedom and libraries across the United States. In your INFO 203 class, you may have been offered the chance to become a member of the ALA, and now this is your opportunity to vote on who leads the future of libraries in America. Your vote for the future ALA president matters now more than ever, as the president will lead the fight for libraries in America. 

I’d like to take a moment to introduce each candidate and their own words regarding their campaign.

Andrea jamison

Dr. Andrea Jamison is an Assistant Professor of Librarianship at Illinois State University. She has worked in libraries for over 17 years, and has a background in education and libraries, specifically school, public and academic. Here is her campaign pitch:

“I am running for ALA President because the current climate of censorship threatens to unravel the very fabric of librarianship. Librarians are under attack, facing threats to their safety and professional integrity, while library services are being stripped of their inclusivity. Throughout my career, I have been a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, working tirelessly to make libraries welcoming spaces for all. Now more than ever, we need radical leadership—someone who will engage in meaningful dialogue with allies and critics alike to emphasize the essential role of equitable library services and social justice in upholding democratic ideals. As ALA President, I will strategically combat misinformation about our profession and help communities understand the dangers of regressing to the exclusionary practices of the past, when segregation and censorship defined too many library spaces. The freedoms of marginalized communities are at stake, and calls to dismantle intellectual freedom further threaten our democracy. I will work to build partnerships and innovative programs that will ensure libraries remain committed to our mission of providing open access to information for all. Together, we will chart a bold path forward, championing the transformative power of libraries in a just society.”

To learn more about Andrea and her campaign click HERE.

Maria McCauley

Dr. Maria McCauley is currently the Director of Libraries for the city of Cambridge Massachusetts. She holds a BA from Ohio Wesleyan, an MLIS from University of Pittsburgh and a PhD from Simmons. She is the former PLA (Public Library Association) President and served on the ALA executive board. Here is what Maria has to say about her campaign:

“Hello! I am Maria McCauley and I ask for your vote for President of the American Library Association (ALA) as I prepare to work in partnership with ALA and its members to:

1. Increase Equity and Access, removing systematic barriers that inhibit library staff and the public, and improving library services for everyone.
2. Advocate for Libraries, building coalitions and strategic partnerships, and raising awareness on key issues, including the right to read. 
3. Deepen the ALA Membership Experience through learning, growth, support, and connection.
4. Promote Economic and Environmental Sustainability by investing in inclusive leadership and ecologically sound practices for libraries and the Association.

As ALA members, we have a lot of work to do together. At its best, ALA is a convening and connecting place that enables us to enact our vision for libraries.  I look forward to bringing us together around our common goals.”

For more information on Maria McCauley’s campaign click HERE.

Lindsay Cronk

Lindsay Cronk currently serves as the Dean of Libraries at Tulane University and is the vice chair of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Her experience includes assistant dean at the University of Rochester and director for collection strategies and head of collection strategies. She holds a BA in international relations and studio art, an MLIS from Valdosta State University. Here is her campaign:

“Hi, I’m Lindsay, the loudest librarian you know and your ally in pursuing knowledge equity. I’ve been described as “a force of nature,” “a dynamo,” and “The Real Deal.”

The American Library Association (ALA) has given me (and so many others) support, education, and community. I would not have my career or my community without ALA. ALA still matters, and it always will.

I am in the race to be President because I believe in the Association — it is our legacy and our promise. I am ready to serve and hope to earn your support. This site is where you can read about my background, my platform, and my past work. You can find endorsements and jams. I hope you’ll connect with the campaign.

Let’s do this— together.”

For information about Linsday, you can visit her site HERE.

Be a part of the conversation

A big thank you to Sabrina for giving us some insights into our presidential candidates! Register now for the SJSU ALASC Speaker Panel at this link to hear from the candidates themselves and submit a question to be a part of the conversation that shapes the future of librarianship. We’ll see you there!

Your participation in the election process is important for the future of our profession. The ballot for the 2025 ALA election will be mailed starting March 10 and will run until April 2. Learn more about the election here. For more updates and behind‑the‑scenes insights, check out our friends over at the SJSU ALASC website.