Steve Smith, dean of libraries at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Association of Research Libraries at the Association’s October membership meeting.

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 124 research libraries in the US and Canada. Its mission is to influence the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the diverse communities they serve.

“I am honored to have a role in ARL’s vital work,” Smith said. “The University of Tennessee Libraries has always been a leader in the research library community. This appointment is a reflection of our long tradition of leadership, innovation, and service at the campus, national, and international levels. In partnership with ARL, we will continue to support public access to research, privacy rights, and other policies that promote learning, research, and public engagement.”

Smith will serve a three-year term on ARL’s governing board. The board represents the interests of ARL member libraries in directing the business of the Association, including establishing operating policies, budgets, and fiscal control; modifying the ARL mission and objectives; and representing the Association to the community.