2025 ACRL New England Chapter Board Candidates
ACRL New England is an all-volunteer organization that provides professional growth opportunities for academic research librarians and library staff. The Chapter is appreciative of those stepping up and stepping in to support our profession and helping to shape the landscape of academic librarianship in New England. Candidate information for the 2025 election period will be included on this page for your review during the voting process.
Open Positions on the ACRL/NEC Board:
Vice President/President-Elect
State Representative for Connecticut
State Representative for Massachusetts
State Representative for New Hampshire
Vice President/President-Elect
Dr. Amy Beth, Director of Library Services, Southern Connecticut State University
Candidate's Statement:
ACRL is my academic librarian and community-based archivist happy place. Given all I’ve learned, it’s time I served. Experienced Dean/ Director of libraries with a demonstrated history of working in higher education at all degree levels. Motivated to supportively bring public/private/special/academic libraries and archives into deeper collaboration in the New England / Northeast region. Seasoned executive committee /council position holder and broad scale conference co-leader. In a second field, I hold a PhD in Environmental Psychology, which focuses on the relationship of people to the spaces and places in their lives. Whether virtual or built, I see libraries as an environment of significant meaning over the course of our lives. Mission critical for librarians is that we continue to hold the importance of social justice through collections, access, instruction and archiving. I am a proponent of Open Access, of Appreciative Inquiry and of colleagues putting their heads on their pillow at night with integrity. Our academic libraries and archives are inseparable from the highly valued landscape of higher education in the economies of New England. I am in awe of the initiatives and the shared importance ACRL-NEC brings to us. Sleeves rolled up, it would be an honor to participate in leadership, together.
State Representative for Connecticut
Amy Jansen, Business Librarian & Library Faculty, Southern Connecticut State University
Candidate's Statement:
I am a passionate advocate for public higher education and the vital role libraries play within it. Given the recent challenges faced by both higher education on a national level as well as public university funding within the state of Connecticut, I believe strategic partnerships and collaboration among regional institutions are essential for stability and growth. As my institution navigates its newly designated R2 status – a recognition of our longstanding research activity – I am eager to contribute to broader conversations about the future of academic libraries in the Northeast and to actively pursue collaborative opportunities with my peers.
My commitment to advancing the library profession is demonstrated through extensive service at Southern Connecticut State University. As the Business Librarian, I supported the business school’s growth, including assistance with AACSB accreditation and was thrilled to witness the opening of our groundbreaking net-zero energy building. My participation in our Faculty Senate, Ad Hoc Artificial Intelligence (AI) Faculty Committee, AAUP Committee on Gender & Sexuality (Chair), and University Library Committee (Secretary) reflects my dedication to shared governance and library advocacy. I have also worked to shape library strategy through my work on the Open Educational Resources and Marketing & Outreach Committees within the library.
I would be happy to serve as the CT Representative for ACRL/NEC to foster stronger connections among regional libraries, address shared challenges, and promote innovative solutions. I believe that my experience in faculty governance, strategic planning, and library development, combined with my enthusiasm from presenting at last year's ACRL NEC, will allow me to effectively represent CT's diverse academic libraries and contribute to the section's overall goals.
Karla Jones, Assistant Librarian, Southern Connecticut State University
Candidate's Statement:
After attending the 2025 ACRL Conference, I came back to Connecticut energized. I’m ready to develop and build new leadership skills. I feel the position of ACRL/NEC Connecticut State Representative would be an incredible opportunity to network with academic librarians in my state and the New England region. I have a reputation for consistently showing up at events for my campus community. As the liaison librarian for the College of Education, I bring a strong service orientation to my work with undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students plus research expertise on Hispanic Serving Institutions. I have raised my library’s awareness in this area and sought out new campus partnerships to help the library support our Hispanic/Latine students. My favorite event at the 2025 ACRL Conference were the roundtables where librarians learn, brainstorm, connect and work together on a specific problem such as Hispanic Serving Institutions initiatives. The state representative position could be used to strengthen relationships and cross collaboration work between librarians. In this time of great uncertainty, I believe there is strength in numbers. I want to be a point of connection for ACRL/NEC.
Martha Kruy, Information Literacy Instruction Coordinator; Assessment Librarian, Central Connecticut State University
Candidate's Statement:
I have served as the co-chair of NELIG and have worked on regional committees and events. Although I'm "well-seasoned," my best contributions are the result of working with colleagues of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. I have been a committee member for a successful Davis Educational Foundation grant and have written a few internal grant proposals (two have just been submitted, and one was granted in 2020).
Ryan Rebstock, Public Services Librarian, Connecticut State Community College Northwestern
Candidate's Statement:
I am eager to serve as a leader in ACRL/NEC because I am passionate about the evolving role of libraries and the ways we can innovate to meet the needs of today’s students and researchers. Having worked in public, school, and academic libraries, I bring a unique and comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities our field faces. I understand how libraries function as essential community hubs—whether serving teens in a public setting, leading an independent school’s library and archives, or supporting academic success in higher education.
I have been at the forefront of the AI revolution in libraries, serving as a point person at Canterbury and now at CT State Northwestern. I am deeply engaged in how emerging technologies shape research, information literacy, and library services, and I want to help ACRL/NEC navigate these shifts strategically. My leadership experience, adaptability, and vision will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission.
As a leader, I aim to foster collaboration, advocate for the profession, and explore innovative ways to support librarians in a rapidly changing landscape. I look forward to using my skills to help shape the future of academic librarianship in New England.
Chay Reed, Access Services Coordinator, University of Connecticut
Candidate's Statement:
I am interested in continuing to serve as the Connecticut State Representative of ACRL/NEC to support and advocate for the diverse academic library staff and communities across Connecticut. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues in ACRL/NEC. Serving on the Board of Directors has been a rewarding experience that has deepened my understanding of regional needs and strengthened my commitment to collaboration and service. My key goals are to support academic library staff within Connecticut, to increase chapter membership and engagement, and to build relationships with other library partners in the region. I look forward to continuing to support library professionals throughout Connecticut and New England and to helping our academic library communities continue to grow.
Saira Soroya, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Southern Connecticut State University
Candidate's Statement:
I am honored to be nominated for the role of Connecticut State Representative to the ACRL New England Chapter Board. With a deep commitment to academic librarianship and a passion for fostering professional growth, I am eager to serve and represent our vibrant community.
Throughout my career, I have actively engaged in initiatives that promote information literacy, support scholarly communication, and enhance access to resources for students and faculty alike. My experiences have underscored the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in our field.
As State Representative, I aim to:
- Facilitate meaningful connections among Connecticut academic librarians to share best practices and innovative ideas.
- Advocate for professional development opportunities that address the evolving needs of our profession.
- Promote inclusive and equitable practices within our libraries and the broader academic community.
I believe that by working together, we can strengthen our collective impact and advance the mission of ACRL New England Chapter. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this dynamic association and to support our colleagues across the state. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Rachel Szostek, Adult Programming Librarian, New Britain Public Library
Candidate's Statement:
I was born and raised in Connecticut, and am currently working at my childhood library. As a former homeschooled child, the library was and is such an important part of life, and as an alumnus of New Britain High, CCSU, and SCSU, I am so proud of my state and my hometown. My areas of focus as a representative for Connecticut would be to protect the freedom to read and promote accessibility to the rich history often hidden away in its archives. One of the first programs I started at my library was a banned book club, where participants read through the ALA top banned book list and discussed the educational and recreational merits of the books. Another project that I have just started, but is very important to me, is the recording of oral histories of New Britain Residents, in collaboration with Goodwin University and the New Britain Industrial Museum. My goal is to record the stories of our city and its people, and get their unique perspective on historical events in New Britain. I think this project is a fantastic opportunity for academic libraries and public libraries to collaborate and build something for and by their communities.
State Representative for Massachusetts
Kaleigh Cipoletta, Library Services Coordinator, Assumption University
Candidate's Statement:
As a new MLIS graduate, I would like to become more involved in the ACRL and learn more about what it means to be an academic/research librarian. I believe I can bring fresh eyes to the organization and in this time of uncertainty for librarians and libraries, bring my experiences in structure and organization into the fold.
Martin Garnar, Director of the Library, Amherst College
Candidate's Statement:
I would like to continue serving as the Massachusetts State Representative. I’ve spent my first term learning about the role and feel I am now poised to be an effective ambassador for the chapter and to highlight the perspectives of my colleagues in Massachusetts. I would like to increase the number of national members who join and participate in chapter activities.
Carrie Grimshaw, Library Director, Nichols College
Candidate's Statement:
I have advocated for libraries throughout my entire career, and I care deeply about the future of academic libraries. I have been a library director for the Gladys E. Kelly Public Library in Webster, MA, Merriam-Gilbert Public Library in West Brookfield, MA, and Conant Library at Nichols College in Dudley, MA. Additionally, I was a Library Media Specialist at Leicester High school. I come in with a unique perspective and ability to foster relationships. I love collaboration and hope to learn from others in the group and take that with me to lead and advocate for libraries in the future.
State Representative for New Hampshire
Kathrine C. Aydelott, Associate Professor/Arts & Humanities Librarian, University of New Hampshire
Candidate's Statement:
I served as ACRL/NEC Secretary from 2018-2020 and was on the Strategic Planning Committee from 2019-2020, so I am familiar with the requirements for serving. I've always enjoyed working with my fellow academic librarians from around New England and I would be happy to serve as New Hampshire State Representative for the coming term. The incumbent, Kimberly Sweetman, is Interim Library Dean at the University of New Hampshire, so I would have excellent training and support, and she has already informed me about the time commitment and general responsibilities for the position. Thanks for your consideration!