Janelle has been with the organization since 2000 and serving as Executive Director since 2008.
Jeremy Labosier
University Librarian, Biola University
Jeremy has been a member of ACL since 2016. He previously served as Director-at-large from 2019-2022.
“ACL is a unique community where people love Jesus Christ and seek to live out their faith through service in libraries. We do this better as we connect with other librarians through peer-learning, shared interests, and mutual support. Whether you serve as a Christian in a secular context or within an institutional context where faith is interwoven (often in complex ways) with an educational mission, ACL provides a place for you. As ACL president, I would strive to strengthen ACL’s sustainability as a place of connection and growth where both unity and diversity flourish. In a community marked by such flourishing, we can find meaningful ways to preserve the best of ACL while also adapting to better carry out our mission into the future.”
Linda Poston
Director of Murray Library, Messiah University
“Linda has served on the ACL Board of Directors in various roles including Director-at-large (2002–2004, 2014–2017) President (2004–2008), and Past President (2008–2010). “As the association looks to the future, it is important to build on the strengths of individual members, groups, networks, institutions, and partnerships to address the evolving nature of publishing, open access, expectations of library users, emerging technologies, and external challenges such as the pandemic. As many of our members are approaching retirement, it is essential to continue to develop a strong foundation of “next generation” library professionals to assume positions of leadership in the association at all levels. My contribution to this future is my experience in academic libraries over the past 25 years, adjusting to changes in publishing and the profession, and effective collaboration with other ACL members.”
Nate Farley
Systems Librarian, University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Nate has been a member of ACL since 2002 and began serving on the Board as a Director-at-large in 2010.
“The Association endeavors to meet the needs of its members. The last year has been one of intense need and the fallout from COVID-19 will continue to affect our members at every level. I see us continuing to creatively connect people and help them build professional relationships that can see them through these hard times and help them grow. As VP, I would continue to foster those relationships and look for new ways to improve relationships and strengthen the members.”
Rodney Birch
Research Services Librarian, Northwest Nazarene University
Rodney has been a member of ACL since 1997. He served as Vice President from 2011-2017 and Member-at-Large from 2008-2011.
“I will continue the work of ensuring the fiscal strength of the Association through collaboration with the Business Manager, Board of Directors, Executive Director, and Team Coordinators. I endeavor to oversee the activities of the office of the Business Manager and the activities and condition of ACL’s finances with honesty, humility, and transparency.”
Leslie Starasta
Director or Library Services, Lincoln Christian University
Leslie has been a member of ACL since 2000 and began serving on the Board as a Director-at-large in 2017.
“The Association of Christian Librarians provides a vital resource for librarians, specifically professional development opportunities to enhance library and leadership skills among our members. As our world and Christian Higher Education changes, ACL must continue to provide these opportunities utilizing various options that will allow more members to participate. ACL can also help to intentionally create opportunities for members to collaboratively create shared resources and services to benefit their institutions and the Kingdom.”
Robert Burgess
Assistant Library Director, Mississippi College
Robert has been a member of ACL since 2011. He previously served as Director-at-large from 2018-2021.
“My vision for ACL is that it continues to be a place where Christian librarians can develop and grow into professionals who will make a kingdom impact. ACL is a place where librarians can encourage, mentor, and share ideas with one another. I want to ensure that ACL comes up with new initiatives that will further its mission to support librarians. In addition, I will serve the membership by engaging with them to determine their needs. As Secretary, I would intend to accurately record how the board advocates and acts to strengthen the membership. I consider it a great honor to serve as Secretary because I would have the privilege of recording the history of the Association.”
Denise Nelson
Library Director, Point Loma Nazarene University
Denise has been a member of ACL since 2003 and has served on the ACL Board since 2010 as Director-at-large, Secretary, and most recently, President.
“My vision for ACL is that we would continue to honor our legacy and those who have invested their lives and work in creating such a vibrant organization. I also envision ACL continuing to build on those efforts and to launch new ones in thoughtful stewardship of the resources with which God has entrusted us. As Secretary, I would hope to document the ongoing activity of the Board in ways that equip its members to work effectively, collaboratively, and faithfully on behalf of the membership.”
