The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has announced significant leadership changes as it prepares for the upcoming fiscal year. These transitions reflect ACRL's commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the academic and research library community.
Robert "Jay" Malone, who served as the executive director of ACRL since September 2021, will be departing ALA on Friday, June 9. During his tenure, Malone played a crucial role in repositioning and enhancing the profitability of Choice, an ACRL publishing unit. He also collaborated with ALA's Development Office to elevate the association's GuideStar (Candid) non-profit ranking to the prestigious "platinum" level, the highest recognition for reviewers.
Reflecting on his time at ACRL, Malone expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the integration of EDI into ACRL's operating strategy, known as the Plan for Excellence. He also acknowledged the exceptional work of the ACRL staff, recognizing their dedication and the invaluable contributions of library workers to advance the profession. Malone emphasized the unparalleled spirit of volunteerism and community within ACRL and ALA, expressing gratitude to the members who tirelessly devote themselves to addressing various challenges.
Following Malone's departure, Allison Payne will assume the role of interim ACRL executive director, starting on June 11. Payne has been part of the ACRL team since 2013 and has served in various capacities, including supporting the ACRL Board of Directors and the ACRL Budget and Finance Committee. Notably, Payne has led equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives as the ACRL Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives. She has been instrumental in spearheading projects such as the development of the joint ALA/ACRL/ARL/PLA Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity: A Framework and the assessment and redevelopment of the ACRL Diversity Alliance program.
Payne's diverse background includes working at the Kraft Foods Global Research and Development Library and the University of Iowa Libraries' Preservation Department. She has also been involved in community service as an AmeriCorps member, tutoring incarcerated youth and supporting adult literacy centers in the Chicago area. Payne holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in Psychology, from the University of Iowa.
Additionally, on June 16, ACRL will bid farewell to Kara Malenfant, a long time staff member and the current Senior Strategist for Special Initiatives. Having joined ACRL staff in September 2005, Malenfant has made significant contributions to the division. She has coordinated government relations advocacy, scholarly communication activities, and the Value of Academic Libraries initiative. Malenfant played a key role in facilitating the creation of the Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education, as well as leading the IMLS-funded program Assessment in Action.
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