Association of Southeastern Research Libraries

ASERL brings together leaders from research libraries in the region to foster a high standard of library excellence through professional development, inter-institutional resource sharing, and other important collaborations. For more than 65 years, ASERL has been a trusted home for numerous innovative programs and events that provide tremendous benefit to our membership.

Hot Topics & News

The Library Technology Immersion Conference offers a unique experience with inspiring morning keynotes from Dr. Bryan Carter (holographic education) and Cisco Systems (future of tech), followed by in-depth afternoon workshops where […]
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screen-shot of home page for ASERL's Guide to the World of Barbecue in the South.
ASERL’s first Guide to Barbecue was launched in 2013. This updated version contains more than 100 recommendations from hungry ASERL members across the region, including tips for a wide variety […]
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Logo: University of Arkansas Libraries
On May 19-21, ASERL member representatives gathered in Fayetteville, Arkansas for the Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Spring Membership Meeting. Despite some challenging weather, 35 out of ASERL’s 39 member […]
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Photo: Dr. Carla Hayden
May 20, 2025 —  Today, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) published a resolution honoring the career of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress.  The resolution notes […]
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ASERL'S Core Programs

Accessibility Imagery created by NARA
Accessibility
ASERL and its member libraries have long supported equitable access to information resources, and strive to build collections, services, and spaces that are easy for all users to use.
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Special Collections
ASERL’s Special Collections Interest Group, established in 2017, brings together special collections professionals and libraries, in particular for improving access to rare and unique materials, developing shared digital collections, and expanding professional development.
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Scholarly Communications
Scholarly communications covers a broad range of activities, including the many different ways the results of scholarly research is organized and shared with others, the evolving role of copyright and fair use, and the drive to ‘open’ -- the removal of fee-based barriers to information.
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Shared Print Archiving
ASERL is a leader in developing innovative shared print library collections, via programs within our membership and through numerous partnerships. These programs undergird the durability of the scholarly record.
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Resource Sharing
ASERL members provide priority, no-fee inter-library resource sharing services. Numerous options have recently emerged that allow patrons to have even faster, easier access to content held at another ASERL library.
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ASERL Member Spotlight

ASERL Newsletter

Our periodic newsletter will inform you about upcoming events, ASERL news, member updates, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Spotlight on
Special Collections

Map: Souvenir of Miami

Sunshine Stories: Maps from the University of Florida Smathers Libraries

Maps are more than tools for navigation. They are stories that reflect their creators’ era, perspectives, priorities, and biases. Maps shape how we think about space and distance. They define boundaries, set expectations, and frame our understanding of the world. Maps influence how we see ourselves and each other.  The maps in this exhibit are from the University of Florida (UF) George A. Smathers Libraries. They are only some of the stories of the Sunshine State. As you explore these maps, consider how they shape your understanding of the state and how they have affected Floridians’ sense of place and belonging.

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Sample from Hartman Center collection at Duke University Libraries

Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History — Duke University

The John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History acquires, preserves, and promotes materials that document the history of the advertising, marketing, and sales industries, as well as the consumer movement.  The center, housed at the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, makes these materials available to a diverse group of researchers from around the world.   The Hartman Center collections include advertising agency records, items from advertising collectors, archives from Consumer Reports, Direct Marketing materials, outdoor advertising content, professional papers from industry leaders, sales literature, tobacco advertising & ephemera, and items from numerous trade associations.  See https://library.duke.edu/rubenstein/hartman/about for more details.

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Know your ASERL Member Libraries

ASERL members are the leading research libraries in 12 states across the region, providing critical information infrastructure for their universities and communities.