Mary Ellen K. Davis announces retirement as ACRL executive director

CHICAGO – Today Mary Ellen K. Davis, executive director of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has announced her retirement effective April 24, 2020. 

Since 2001, Davis has led the division and inspired innovation and the development of programs that have empowered academic and research librarians to advance learning, transform scholarship, and document their contributions to the broader campus and higher education communities. She leaves office as the longest serving executive director in ACRL’s more than 75-year history. 

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the academic and research library community through my various roles at ACRL,” Davis reflected. “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish working together with passionate members and a dedicated staff.” 

Colleagues and member leaders note that Davis created a culture of trust and collaboration, instilling a laser-like focus on advancing ACRL’s strategic plans. She aligned division-level committee work with the strategic plan and strengthened the engagement of committee and Board members. With her leadership, ACRL restructured division-level committees and communities of practice to provide more opportunities for members to engage with each other and the profession. 

In addition, Davis focused on building and stabilizing ACRL’s finances to ensure its sustainability. She carefully stewarded ACRL’s resources so the association could invest in programs and services along with increasing the ACRL endowment from less than $1 million to more than $5 million, providing the association with a new steady income stream. Under her guidance, ACRL received a variety of grants to explore documenting the contributions that academic and research libraries make to student learning and research through programs such as the Value of Academic Libraries initiative.

“Mary Ellen is a visionary and tireless leader,” said ACRL President Karen Munro. “She has combined an exceptional service ethic, boundless creativity, and top-notch management skills to motivate and empower members and staff in the work of the association. Thanks to Mary Ellen’s leadership, ACRL is today the pre-eminent North American professional association for academic and research librarians, with a strong culture of innovation, and a focus on advocacy, professional development, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

“The ACRL Board and its members are grateful for her superlative service to ACRL and ALA, and we wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.” 

ACRL will celebrate Davis’ significant accomplishments in leading the profession at the 2020 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. 

Kara Malenfant, ACRL senior strategist for special initiatives, will serve as association interim executive director. Details about the search for a new executive director will be announced this spring. 

More information about Mary Ellen Davis’ vast professional contributions is available on the ACRL Insider blog. 

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The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing more than 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, transforming scholarship, and creating diverse and inclusive communities. Find ACRL on the web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.