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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.
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.
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 our staff and learn about their passions.
Learn more about our 38 member libraries across 12 states
Oral histories commemorating ASERL's past
Bylaws, Membership Criteria, Policies and more
Check out our public mailing lists
Library Technology Guides maintains a list of Library Management Platforms used by ASERL Libraries
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
Executive Director
jburger@aserl.org
Elaina Norlin,
Professional Development
Program Coordinator
enorlin@aserl.org
Rebecca Crist,
Shared Collection Resources
Program Coordinator
rebecca@aserl.org
President
Jeff Steely
Dean of Libraries
Georgia State University
jsteely@gsu.edu
President-Elect
Leslie Sharp
Dean of Libraries
Georgia Tech
leslie.sharp@gatech.edu
Past-President
Gale Etschmaier
Dean of Libraries
Florida State University
getschmaier@fsu.edu
Secretary-Treasurer
Lis Pankl
Dean of Libraries
Mississippi State University
lis@library.msstate.edu
Member At-Large
Jason Battles
Dean of Libraries
University of Arkansas
jasonjb@uark.edu
Member At-Large
Lindsay Cronk
Dean of Libraries
Tulane University
lcronk@tulane.edu
Member At-Large
Irene Herold
Dean of Libraries and University Librarian
Virginia Commonwealth University
heroldi@vcu.edu
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.
