Ashley serves as the Campaign Strategist at EveryLibrary Institue, where she has supported and advised library ballot campaigns nationwide for more than two years. She is the former director of the Caseyville Public Library District in Illinois and was an elected and served a four year term as Trustee for Collinsville Township. She recently served on the Illinois Library Association’s Committee for Public Library Standards. Ashley is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants and brings experience as a political consultant and advisor.
Advocating for Academic Libraries in a Contentious Political Climate
This keynote explores how library leaders and advocates can remain mission-focused while engaging constructively with stakeholders across diverse viewpoints. Participants will examine practical strategies for communicating values, vision, and mission, building broad coalitions, and framing advocacy efforts around shared goals such as academic freedom, student success, research access, and community impact. Grounded in real-world examples and forward-looking insights, this talk invites attendees to consider how academic libraries can lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose during times of political tension.