Brent is the Dean of Library & Archives at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL (2500 FTE). He has been a member of ACL for 16 years.
Librarian Career
One thing I wish I had known as an early career librarian…to take advantage of interlibrary loan services when I couldn’t find what I was looking for locally.
Between the Pages: Getting to Know Our Member of the Month
Describe yourself using a book title: Around the World in 80 Days
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? You may not know everything, but you know where you can find it.
What are you currently reading? Cold: Adventures in the World’s Frozen Places by Bill Streever
How do you as a librarian contribute to your campus or community? I am presently working with our Advancement Division to raise $54 million toward a renovation and expansion of our college library. I am also working with our facilities department and design team to plan the resources and spaces in our new facility.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? I am always interesting in promoting our resources and services to our students and faculty.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? I enjoy running, traveling, foreign language acquisition, and pursuing a PhD in higher education.
ACL Involvement
How were you introduced to ACL? I learned of ACL from Dale Solberg, the former library director at what is now the University of Northwestern in Minnesota, in 2000.
Describe ACL in three words: supportive, unifying, valuable
What do you value about ACL? I most appreciate the professional develop opportunities, particularly from the annual conference.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I served as the conference program coordinator in 2010 and as conference program director in 2011, 2012, and 2013.