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ACRL Board Manual 2021-2022

Board Manual for the ACRL Board of Directors.

2.0 About ACRL

The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing almost 10,000 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the American Library Association) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning and transforming scholarship.

ACRL is the largest division of the American Library Association (ALA). ACRL currently has a membership of almost 10,000 members, accounting for nearly 20% of the total ALA membership.

Overview

Contact ACRL

Mailing AddressAssociation of College and Research Libraries
American Library Association
225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601-7616 
E-mail: acrl@ala.org
Web: www.ala.org/acrl
Telephone
(312) 280-2523
Toll Free: 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 2523
(between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CDT)
Fax: (312) 280-2520

The ACRL staff wants to help you have a successful year. Feel free to contact us with comments and questions. The ACRL office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CST) Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Each ALA staff member has a direct telephone line. All prefixes are (312) 280-, followed by the four-digit extension. If you use the toll-free number you will be prompted to enter the extension of the person you wish to speak to.

If we are on the phone or out of our offices, please leave a detailed message that explains what it is that you need. We'll get back to you shortly with the answer to your inquiry.

The members of the ACRL staff and selected job responsibilities are listed below.

 

Lauren Carlton, Program Coordinator, Member Services, lcarlton@ala.org | 312-280-5285

Lauren Carlton is the Program Coordinator of Member Services. She serves as staff liaison to ACRL chapters, discussion and interest groups, and manages the colleagues donation program. She also assists with virtual and onsite meeting processes, and provides additional support for member services projects.  

Prior to joining ACRL, Lauren worked as the communications intern in ALA’s Public Programs Office (PPO). Lauren earned her B.A. in Communications with a minor in Theatre and Advertising from Columbia College Chicago.  While at Columbia, she worked as Chief Copy Editor and Social Media/Brand Manager for The Columbia Chronicle.

In her free time, when she’s not riding her bike or playing guitar, you can find Lauren running a fairly popular fan-Twitter dedicated to Taylor Swift.

Margot Conahan, Manager of Professional Development, mconahan@ala.org | 312-280-2522

Margot Conahan is ACRL’s Manager of Professional Development and oversees all aspects of ACRL’s professional development offerings, including the ACRL Conference, Immersion Program, preconferences, licensed workshops, and institutes. Margot also manages ACRL’s e-Learning program.

Prior to joining ACRL, Margot worked at Sears’ corporate headquarters as a meeting planner. She earned her B.A. in British Literature with a minor in German from Truman State University, escaping Missouri to study abroad in Ireland for one year.

Outside of work, Margot enjoys running, sampling IPAs, volunteering at her kids’ school, cooking, and going to book club. Her newest hobby is obedience training for her family’s 100-pound “puppy."

 

David Connolly, Recruitment Ad Sales Manager/Editorial Assistant, dconnolly@ala.org | 312-280-2513

David Connolly is Recruitment Ad Sales Manager and Editorial Assistant at ACRL where he manages ALA JobLIST, the online career site ACRL operates jointly with American Libraries and ALA’s Office of Human Resources Development and Recruitment. He also tracks manuscript submissions and supports the Editor-in-Chief with other administrative tasks for C&RL News, as well as producing an annual ACRL Briefing Book for the Board of Directors, Budget & Finance Committee, and staff.

Before returning to college to study political science and economics at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, David spent one holiday season too many in the ‘90s as manager of a music store in the Kansas City area, where he frequently demonstrated reference interview and listener advisory skills without realizing that’s what they were.

Born and raised in the great Rocky Mountain States, David loves taking drives and day hikes in the mountains whenever he gets out of the Midwest. He always jumps at an opportunity to travel, but at home he can be found tending to his plot in his neighborhood community garden and colorful porch garden, seeing some of Chicago’s best (and worst) plays, playing video games with friends, and debating the finer points of Star Trek with anyone willing.

Mark Cummings, CHOICE, Editor and Publisher, mcummings@ala-choice.org | 860-347-6933 x119

Mark Cummings is Editor and Publisher at Choice, the publishing unit at ACRL. In that position, he oversees the publication of Choice magazine and Choice Reviews and directs a twenty-two person staff—consisting of editorial, marketing, advertising, and production groups—in Middletown, Connecticut. As publisher, he is responsible for the development and implementation of long-term strategic goals for the unit, including licensing, exploration of new markets, and new-product development.

Mark has worked in publishing for over thirty years, beginning his career as a reference editor at Macmillan/Scribner’s and serving in a variety of publishing roles at Oxford University Press, Grolier Publishing Co., and elsewhere. Since the 1990s he has focused principally on creating and marketing digital products for the school and library market. He holds a B.A. from Michigan State University along with M.A. and M.Phil. degrees from Yale University.

Mark lives deep in the forests of Connecticut, where he contends with ticks and deer for space. Weekends find him sailing (Flying Scot) or cooking or listening to music, vestiges of paths not taken.

David Free, Editor-in-Chief of College and Research Libraries News/Senior Communications Strategist, dfree@ala.org | 312-280-2517

David Free is Editor-in-Chief of College and Research Libraries News and ACRL’s Senior Communications Strategist. He is responsible for content and production of C&RL News in print and online; develops marketing and communications strategy for ACRL programs, publications, and services; coordinates press releases and promotional activities; and coordinates ACRL’s Standards, Guidelines, and Frameworks.

Prior to joining ACRL in 2007, David worked for years in a variety of positions in academic libraries, beginning as a student assistant at the University of Georgia and concluding as Public Services Coordinator at Georgia Perimeter College’s Decatur Campus. He earned his M.L.I.S. from Clark Atlanta University in 1997, and also holds an M.A. in English from Georgia State University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia with an English minor.

An avid music enthusiast with no discernable musical ability, David can often be found at local indie, garage, and punk rock shows. He lives in Chicago with way too many vinyl records and two amazingly friendly cats. 

Ann-Christe Galloway, Production Editor, agalloway@ala.org | 312-280-2524

Ann-Christe Galloway is production editor for C&RL News, which involves copyediting and laying out the journal in print, assisting with updates to C&RL News online, and proofreading ACRL conference or other ACRL promotional materials.

Before joining ACRL, Ann-Christe was assistant editor for U.S. Catholic magazine. She has an M.A. in Public Affairs Journalism from Columbia College-Chicago and a B.A. in Creative Writing from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.

Some of Ann-Christe’s pastimes include reading historical fiction, binge-watching TV series, and laughing as much as possible with her husband and daughters.

 

Kara Malenfant, Senior Strategist for Special Initiatives, kmalenfant@ala.org | 312-280-2510

Kara Malenfant is ACRL’s Interim Executive Director. She represents the association to the higher education community, working closely with the ACRL Board of Directors on strategic planning and governance and with the Budget & Finance Committee. In her prior positions at ACRL she coordinated government relations advocacy, scholarly communication activities, and ACRL’s Value of Academic Libraries initiative, and provided consulting services on organizational change. .

Prior to coming to ACRL in 2005, Kara was an academic librarian, worked in humanitarian aid and served as a Peace Corps volunteer. She earned a Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University, a M.S. in library and information science from the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign, and a B.A. in English from Allegheny College.

Kara grew up in Minnesota and lives on Chicago’s far north side with her husband, son, and a dog who loves to lick chins. When she's not working or with her family, you'll find her gardening on her garage rooftop, biking or practicing yoga. Learn more about Kara in her Meet the Staff profile on the ACRL Insider blog.

Robert (Jay) Malone, Executive Director, rmalone@ala.org |312-280-3248

Robert (Jay) Malone is ACRL’s Executive Director. He represents the association to the higher education community, working closely with the ACRL Board of Directors on strategic planning and governance and with the Budget & Finance Committee.

Prior to joining ACRL in September 2021, Jay served for 23 years at the History of Science Society (HSS). As the HSS’s first executive director, he furthered the organization’s advocacy agenda; promoted equity, diversity, and inclusion; oversaw and implemented strategic planning; created a fundraising infrastructure; served on a 22-member board; and worked with hundreds of volunteers.
Jay is married to the smart and beautiful Rebecca Malone and has 3 amazing children who help him remember that life is good.

Bill Mickey, Editorial Director of CHOICE, bmickey@ala-choice.org  | 860-347-6933

Bill Mickey is Editorial Director at Choice. He oversees editorial operations and all print and online content produced by a team of subject editors, a copy chief, and student interns. He also helps develop new content products and initiatives.

Prior to joining Choice, Bill served as Editorial Director of Folio: magazine at Red 7 Media, a division of Access Intelligence.  Bill joined Red 7 Media in 2004 and held a variety of positions within its publishing group, including Senior Editor for Folio: and Executive Editor of Expo magazine.  Prior to joining Red 7, Bill was editor of EContent, where he was instrumental in relaunching the 30-year-old magazine covering the digital content market. Before that, he served as editor of Online magazine, a trade publication serving information professionals and corporate and academic librarians who use online database and digital information products.

After work, Bill sometimes retreats to the local climbing gym or very reluctantly trains for a half-marathon. In the warmer months, you’ll find him obsessing over his barbecue.

Dawn Mueller, Senior Production Editor, dmueller@ala.org | 312-280-2516

Dawn Mueller is Senior Production Editor at ACRL. She is responsible for the production of C&RL, RBM, and all non-serial publications; develops and maintains the ACRL website and microsites; designs and produces all ACRL marketing brochures and flyers; coordinates and prepares proceedings and program books for ACRL conferences.

Prior to joining ACRL, Dawn worked as a desktop publisher for a securities firm and two print shops (not at the same time). She honed her computer and design skills at a marketing consultant service for beauty supply warehouses. She earned her B.A. in English and Women’s Studies from Northern Illinois University.

Most people are surprised to learn that she likes hip-hop. Away from work she spends time running, biking, and contorting her body every which way, invariably resulting in chronic injuries.

Erin Nevius, Content Strategist, enevius@ala.org | 312-280-2529

Erin Nevius is ACRL’s Content Strategist. Erin identifies and acquires content—in a variety of formats, including but not limited to books, e-learning, podcasts, webinars, and blog posts—that will inform academic and research librarians. Her focus is on finding and delivering compelling, timely, and practical content in the format that works best for the audience.

Erin has nearly twenty years of professional publishing experience, acquiring and editing books and working with periodicals and online content for both commercial and not-for-profit publishers. Prior to coming to ACRL, she was an executive editor and then associate director of book publishing at the American Bar Association, and has worked as an editor for both F+W Media and Sourcebooks, Inc. Originally from Ohio, Erin holds a B.A. in English and Communications from Xavier University in Cincinnati.

When not indiscriminately reading all kinds of fiction and nonfiction books, Erin is a swimmer and runner, avid TV binger, print magazine enthusiast, and enjoys watching old movies, good and mostly bad, with her husband. Learn more about Erin in her Meet the Staff profile on the ACRL Insider blog.

Chase Ollis, Professional Development and Outreach Specialist, collis@ala.org | 312-280-2521

Chase Ollis is ACRL's Professional Development and Outreach Specialist. He manages ACRL's RoadShow program, awards program, and Conference volunteer and scholarship programs. He also handles logistics and marketing for ACRL's professional development program.

Chase recently earned his M.S. in library and information science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before his spontaneous move to the Windy City, Chase earned his B.A. in both English and Communication Studies at Furman University. As a student, he simultaneously served in multiple positions on campus, including in the University’s library system, newspaper, and radio station, as well as interned at the nationally-ranked arts festival Artisphere. Prior to joining ACRL, he worked as a circulation supervisor at Northwestern University’s Pritzker Legal Research Center.

Hailing from the “Poultry Capital of the World,” Chase is a shameless doughnut enthusiast, an amateur photographer, and self-professed astronomy buff. Outside of work, he enjoys bar trivia, learning from his mistakes in his woodworking class, and advocating for the word “y’all.”

Tory Ondrla, Conference Manager, tondrla@ala.org | 312-280-2515

Tory Ondrla is ACRL’s Conference Manager and manages logistics for the ACRL Conference and other professional development events. She facilitates site selection, negotiates hotel, convention center and supplier contracts, executes audio-visual and catering as well as working with various member committees to help them achieve their goals and objectives for ACRL events.

Tory earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) in 2006 from the Convention Industry Council and is a member of the Professional Convention Management Association. She has also served on the Travel Portland Customer Advisory Board and Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Client Advisory Council. Prior to coming to ACRL, Tory worked at SmithBucklin for 5 years where she planned meetings for technology professionals, glass manufacturers, and gynecologic oncologists.

Tory enjoys reading thrillers and popular fiction and playing mahjong with friends. Learn more about Tory in her Meet the Staff profile on the ACRL Insider blog.

Gena Parsons-Diamond, Program Coordinator for Member Services, gparsonsdiamond@ala.org | 312-280-2512

Gena Parsons-Diamond is ACRL’s Program Coordinator for Member Services. She provides support for many ACRL programs including the ACRL Diversity Alliance, fundraising, professional development, book publishing, as well as member promotion, recruitment, and retention programs.

Prior to joining ACRL, Gena worked as a Senior Associate at SmithBucklin Corporation, managing membership and awards programs for several small trade associations. She holds a Master of Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago and a B.A. in English from Lawrence University.

Gena grew up in Wisconsin and loves living in Chicago. In her free time, Gena likes to explore the city, read nonfiction, play cribbage, and attempt to successfully bake bread.

Allison Payne, Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives, apayne@ala.org | 312-280-2519

Allison Payne is ACRL’s Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives. She coordinates activities of the association’s Board of Directors and Budget & Finance Committee; prepares and maintains the ACRL budget; manages initiatives for equity, diversity and inclusion; and manages division-level appointments.

Prior to joining ACRL, Allison has been a library assistant at Kraft Foods Global Research & Development, worked at the University of Iowa Libraries’ Preservation Department, and tutored incarcerated youth in Chicago. She holds an M.L.I.S from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a B.A. in English with a minor in Psychology from the University of Iowa.

Allison enjoys traveling, gardening, and playing tennis. Learn more about Allison in her Meet the Staff profile on the ACRL Insider blog.

Mary Jane Petrowski, Associate Director, mpetrowski@ala.org | 312-280-2523

Mary Jane Petrowski is ACRL Associate Director. She is responsible for developing membership recruitment, promotion, and retention programs; coordinates the annual ACRL Academic Library Trends and Statistics survey; and directs ACRL’s annual fund and scholarship fundraising campaigns. She also serves as staff liaison to a number of ACRL division-level committees.

Prior to joining ACRL, Mary Jane ran a military library on a U.S. intelligence base in Sinop, Turkey and later worked at the NATO Command Library in Ramstein, Germany. She worked for thirteen years in academic libraries, beginning as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign and concluding as the director of information literacy at Colgate University. She earned her M.L.I.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978, and also holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Library Science and a B.A. in English.

A fan of Chicago’s public transportation system, Mary Jane loves riding the CTA buses and trains and walking in the city. She lives in a historic building and swims every day so that she can keep up with the changing Chicago restaurant scene. She is always part of the team that decorates the ACRL office for the holidays. Learn more about Mary Jane in her Meet the Staff profile on the ACRL Insider blog.

Elois Sharpe, Program Coordinator, esharpe@ala.org | 312-280-5277

Elois Sharpe is ACRL’s Program Coordinator for Governance. She coordinates ACRL meeting scheduling for ALA conferences and is the contact for ACRL’s virtual meetings. She assists with division-level appointments and annual timeline. In addition she coordinates ACRL’s donation processing and the fulfillment of Frameworks and Standards orders.

Prior to coming to ACRL, Elois worked at IFT as an Information Representative, communicating, troubleshooting and resolving issues and concerns for the organization’s members and other constituents.  Elois earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Elois enjoys good action movies and strolling through Chicago’s museums.

ACRL Annual Reports

Annual Reports are posted in the December issue of C&RL News. Recent reports are included below, and annual reports dating to 1995-1996 can be found on the ACRL website. 

Environmental Scans, Trends, & Membership