Charles D. Eckman, Ph.D., dean and University librarian at the University of Miami, has received the International Association of University Libraries’ (IATUL) Honorary Lifetime Membership. The distinction is the association’s highest recognition for service and leadership, and is awarded to members who have provided significant services to the association and profession. The award was presented during the General Assembly at the 45th IATUL Conference held in Shanghai from November 2-6, 2025.
The honor reflects decades of work that have shaped international librarianship and strengthened research library networks worldwide. As IATUL President Kate Robinson introduced Eckman, she described him as a leader who guided the organization with clarity and care. She called him “the most thoughtful and diplomatic leader” and credited him with helping IATUL grow through challenging times while reinforcing openness and collaboration across countries.
Robinson noted that Eckman’s leadership helped steer IATUL toward new values, strategy, and vision, adding that his steady focus on community and belonging has shaped the culture of the association. She also recognized his mentorship, saying he served as vice president, president, special interest group liaison, and a mentor to many IATUL leaders.
During the Shanghai conference, Eckman also delivered a keynote address titled “Space Matters: The Library as an Innovation Commons,” where he reflected on the evolving role of academic libraries and the importance of creating strong, connected communities within institutions. His presentation explored how library spaces can foster discovery, collaboration, and innovation for communities that often work within disciplinary or organizational silos.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition from IATUL,” said Dean Eckman. “The association has been an important professional home for me, and I have learned a great deal from colleagues around the world who care about the future of libraries and the communities they serve. I am grateful for the chance to be part of work that removes barriers, brings people together, and lets knowledge move freely to places where it can make a difference.”
A career defined by service
Eckman has contributed to IATUL for many years and remains one of the association’s most active members. He served two terms as vice president (2019 to 2020 and 2022 to 2024) and one term as president (2020 to 2021). His leadership helped IATUL strengthen partnerships, deepen global engagement, and broaden participation across its member institutions.
He joined the University of Miami in 2013. Before that, he served as dean of library services at Simon Fraser University, director of library collections at the University of California, Berkeley, and principal government documents librarian at Stanford University. His professional service also includes board work for the Canadian Association of Research Libraries and the Canadian Research Knowledge Network. He is a founding director of the Hemispheric University Consortium Library Network. His research interests include information policy, open access, digital scholarship, trends in the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museums) sector, and the history of scholarly communication.
Continuing a legacy
Robinson closed her remarks by saying that Eckman’s generous service and consistent dedication made a real impact on IATUL and its members, and that he is eminently worthy of the Honorary Lifetime Membership. IATUL is the only global association dedicated solely to the needs of university libraries. This is only the tenth time IATUL has awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership since its founding in 1955, and it is the first time the honor has been awarded to a representative from the Americas. The recognition marks a milestone not only for Eckman but for the University of Miami Libraries, which continue to expand partnerships, champion open access and support scholarship across the Hemisphere and beyond.
More information about the award can be found on the IATUL website.
