Andrea Berstler Named President Of The Association For Rural & Small Libraries

WHAT: Library Director named President of ARSL

WHO:  Andrea Berstler

WHERE: Raleigh, NC

WHEN:  September 28-30, 2012

SALISBURY, MD – October 9, 2012 – Wicomico Public Library Director Andrea Berstler has been named as President of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.  Ms. Berstler has previously served as ARSL’s Secretary and Treasurer as well as the 2010 Conference Chair.  During this past year, she was the ARSL Vice-President/President- Elect and the 2012 Conference Chair. 

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries is a national organization dedicated to the positive growth and development of libraries.  ARSL believes in the value of rural and small libraries and strives to create resources and services that address national, state, and local priorities for libraries situated in rural communities.  An affiliate of the America Libraries Association (ALA), ARSL provides a voice for small and rural libraries.  It offers resources, training and support dedicated to the work of those individuals who contribute to the operations of rural communities across the country.  The hallmark of the ARSL National Conference is that it offers practical, hands-on workshops with speakers who work in or support these vital community centers.  ARSL and its sister organization, the Association for Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS), began as offshoots from the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship at Clarion University.  In 2003, the Association of Rural and Small Libraries was formed, creating its own board.  That name was changed to the Association for Rural & Small Libraries in 2007, and in 2008 the organization held its first National Conference in Sacramento, California.  ARSL currently has over 450 members in 48 states.  The 2012 Conference, held in Raleigh, NC, was attended by over 375 individuals representing 41 states and the District of Columbia.

Andrea Berstler is the Director of the Wicomico Public Library in Salisbury, MD.  She has spent the last 18 years as an educator, librarian, branch manager and director.  Ms. Berstler holds a MLS from Kutztown University and is currently enrolled in the University of Maryland’s Ischool where she is studying for a second MLS.  She has presented workshops on strategic planning, professionalism and presentation techniques to libraries of all sizes at the local, state and national levels.  Ms. Berstler was a contributing author for an academic work on using business models in the library entitled The Entrepreneurial Librarian (McFarland).  She has been recognized for her work in in promoting and marketing libraries by the Berks County Public Library System (PA) and the Pennsylvania State Library Association.  Ms. Berstler has been involved with ARSL since 2008.  A Pennsylvania native, she and her husband moved to Maryland in December, 2011.  They, and their two grown children, are lifelong Phillies and Flyers’ fans.