Editor’s Note: In the lead-up to the 2025 ALA/ACRL election, we’re profiling the 2025 ACRL Board of Directors candidates. We’ll feature one candidate in slate order each weekday from February 26 – March 7. Complete details on candidates for ACRL offices are available on the election website. Make sure to vote for the candidates of your choice starting March 10.
Arianne Hartsell-Gundy is head of the humanities and social sciences at Duke University Libraries in Durham, NC, and a 2025 candidate for the ACRL Board of Directors as Director-at-Large.
1. Describe yourself in three words: Collaborative, persistent, thoughtful.
2. Describe ACRL in three words: Educational, supportive, collegial.
3. What do you value about ACRL? ACRL has provided me with many opportunities for personal and professional growth over my time as a member. I’ve had opportunities to strengthen my writing skills by writing book chapters and co-editing books, develop leadership skills by chairing committees and a section, and stay up to date with new trends through a wide variety of training programs. Probably the most valuable part of my experience with ACRL has been being a member of the sections, particularly my time with the Literatures in English section. Through the sections I have made longtime friends, found people to collaborate with on a wide range of projects, and have found advice and support throughout different seasons of my career. My career as a librarian is stronger because of my time in ACRL.
4. What would you, as a candidate for the ACRL Board, like to see ACRL accomplish in the area of EDI? I would like to see ACRL help academic libraries find ways to increase retention and promotion of BIPOC librarians. I see a great deal of emphasis on recruitment, which is no doubt important, but we won’t make real progress until we find ways as a profession to make our field the kind of welcoming place that causes colleagues to want to stay and continue to find ways to grow as professionals. Recruitment would be easier if potential and new librarians could easily see themselves in the librarians already here.
5. In your own words (an open-ended statement or reflection about life as an academic/research librarian): Some of my friends who have taken other career paths in life have changed their career focus multiple times. It sometimes causes me to do some self-reflection on whether I should change careers, but my reflections always cause me to reconfirm my path because I love being a librarian, and I love working in academia. My career has always presented me with new projects, new opportunities to grow and learn, and new tasks and responsibilities. I still find great joy in working with students, learning about the research of faculty, and being a part of the hustle and bustle of a college campus. Working in academia means there’s always a lecture, a poetry reading, or a performance to attend. Supporting interns and early career librarians also continues to renew me. I love learning from them and providing support as they figure out new ways to establish themselves. Though libraries are constantly changing and the future feels a little unknown right now, I believe academic libraries still provide great value as a source of reliable information, welcoming spaces, and intellectual and emotional support for students, faculty, and staff. I still feel like my work matters.
6. What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device(s)? I am currently reading Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age by Katherine May. For professional development I am reading Serving Patrons with Disabilities: Perspectives and Insights from People with Disabilities by Kodi Laskin.