ALADN: the Academic Library Advancement and Development Network

Fund‐raising is becoming an integral part of contemporary library management, particularly for academic and research libraries. Libraries are establishing or strengthening development operations and seeking information on best practices in fund‐raising. In response to this growing priority of library directors and deans, and to meet demand for a forum in which development staff can share ideas and successes with each other, the Academic Library Advancement and Development Network (ALADN) was formed in 1996. This article highlights: the origins and purpose of ALADN; prime benefits of ALADN to the profession of library development; and a summary of the 2001 ALADN Conference in Washington, DC.