About ASERL

Bringing Research Libraries in the Region Together for 65+ Years

ASERL is a leader in research library cooperation, providing important programs and services to support our member libraries, to the scholarly process, and to the library profession. Founded in 1956, ASERL has a long, proud — and sometimes very colorful — history. ASERL is based at Emory University Libraries in Atlanta, but our staff is remote — and we travel frequently — so you never know where you might run into one of us!

We always welcome ideas for new programming and constructive critique of our work — please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance.

ASERL’s Mission Statement

The success of ASERL libraries is rooted in our people. We support our employees’ development and growth, and strive to make ASERL libraries great places to work.  ASERL members collaborate to build unsurpassed collections and innovative services to support the missions of our institutions and strengthen the communities we serve.   Together we improve access and remove barriers to content and services.

ASERL’s Values Statement

“Cultivating a Community of Excellence”

Collegiality: We thrive through collegiality and collaboration, uniting our research libraries in shared missions to build paths forward to address our challenges and opportunities.

Resilience: We navigate change while maintaining unwavering dedication to our purpose and the communities we serve.

Leadership: We provide leadership and innovation, directing the evolution of research libraries and ushering in new standards in our field.

Belonging: We cultivate environments where our members are valued, heard, and accepted as integral to our collective journey.

Transparency: We operate with openness and accountability, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to the highest standards of ethical stewardship.

Together, we, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, embody these values to shape a vibrant network of libraries that drive knowledge, progress, and positive change in our region and beyond.

Meet the ASERL Staff & Board

Meet our staff and learn about their passions.

Get to Know Our Members

Learn more about our 38 member libraries across 12 states

ASERL History

Oral histories commemorating ASERL's past

Membership, Governance & Policy Info

Bylaws, Membership Criteria, Policies and more

Our Mailing Lists / List Servs

Check out our public mailing lists

ASERL Library Management Platforms

Library Technology Guides maintains a list of Library Management Platforms used by ASERL Libraries

GET TO KNOW OUR STAFF

The ASERL office is based at Emory University in Atlanta. Each ASERL staff person has years of diverse expertise working in different types of libraries — and other organizations — bringing a wealth of talent and skills to the benefit of our member libraries.

John Burger

John Burger
Executive Director
jburger@aserl.org

Elaina Norlin,
Professional Development
Program Coordinator
enorlin@aserl.org

Rebeca Crist

Rebecca Crist,
Shared Collection Resources
Program Coordinator
rebecca@aserl.org

ASERL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gale Etschmaier

President
Gale Etschmaier
Dean of Libraries
Florida State University
getschmaier@fsu.edu

President-Elect
Jeff Steely
Dean of Libraries
Georgia State University
jsteely@gsu.edu

Christopher Cox

Past President
Chris Cox
Dean of Libraries
Clemson University
cnc2@clemson.edu

Doug Way

Secretary-Treasurer
Doug Way
Dean of Libraries
University of Kentucky
doug.way@uky.edu

Irene Herold

Member At-Large
Irene Herold 
Dean of Libraries and University Librarian
Virginia Commonwealth University
heroldi@vcu.edu

Leslie Sharp

Member At-Large
Leslie Sharp
Dean of Libraries
Georgia Tech
leslie.sharp@gatech.edu

Headshot of Jason Battles wearing a blue suit and red tie posing in front of library stacks.

Member At-Large
Jason Battles
Dean of Libraries
University of Arkansas
jasonjb@uark.edu

ASERL Board of Directors, 2023-2024

ASERL's 2023-2024 Board of Directors

L to R: Jeff Steely, Georgia State University; Leslie Sharp, Georgia Tech; Irene Herold, Virginia Commonwealth University; Chris Cox, Clemson University; Jason Battles, University of Arkansas; Gale Etschmaier, Florida State University; Doug Way, University of Kentucky

ASERL's Annual Reports

ASERL has published Annual Reports starting in 2014 to inform our community of our impact, achievements, and goals. These reports provide a quick snapshot of the programs, services, and other benefits provided to ASERL member institutions and to the profession at large.