Eric Glenn appointed visiting program officer for leadership development for Association of Southeastern Research Libraries

Eric Glenn, director of belonging, engagement, and organizational development for the University Libraries, was appointed the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries' visiting program officer for leadership development during its August meeting.

During Glenn’s one-year appointment, he will serve in project management and relationship-building roles. He also will facilitate programming to foster ongoing connections and professional growth for library professionals across the southeast.

Glenn said his focus will be on organizing monthly sessions for association members and the organization’s Oct. 2 event tailored for human resources and organizational development professionals including workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, leadership development, and organizational culture assessments.

“My role emphasizes outreach to the BIPIOC [Black, Indigenous, and other people of color] community within librarianship, a field that has historically faced challenges in diversifying its talent pool,” said Glenn. “Being a part of an effort to make this profession more inclusive and accessible to BIPOC individuals is something I find incredibly meaningful and important.”

According the association, more than 100 library professionals have participated in its leadership development institutes in the last year, which focus on cultivating the talents and skills of librarians and staff from underrepresented groups.

“I’m most excited about the chance to connect with people,” said Glenn. “Throughout my career — whether in sales, research, food service, or federal government — I’ve never encountered a profession as welcoming and supportive as librarianship. It’s the people who make this field truly special, and I’m honored to be a part of such a vibrant and inclusive community.”