The IATUL Honorary Lifetime Membership is awarded to Dr. Charles D. Eckman for serving the International Association of University Libraries with marked distinction and for his significant contributions to IATUL through his leadership and engagement.

Honorary Membership recognises individuals who have served the Association, or international librarianship, with particular distinction with the award of lifetime membership.

The award of the title took place during the General Assembly of IATUL, chaired by the President of IATUL, Kate Robinson.

Chuck Eckman is a longstanding member of IATUL who has served both as President (2020-2021) and as Vice-President (2019-2020 and 2022-2024).

The IATUL Board has the discretion to award an honorary lifetime membership, to recognize an individual from an IATUL member institution who has served the association with marked distinction and has made significant contributions to IATUL through their leadership and engagement.

The award of the title took place during the General Assembly of IATUL, chaired by the President of IATUL, Dr. Anna Wałek., with Dr. Reiner Kallenborn connected to Miami remotely.

The laureate is a longstanding member of IATUL, for which he served as Treasurer (2005-2011) and President (2013- 2018).

Among others, he introduced:

• the IATUL Office
• the IATUL Special Interest Groups
• the IATUL Directors’ Summit
• the IATUL Leadership Academy
• virtual regular IATUL Board meetings
• theme specific international IATUL workshops

In his vote of thanks, Dr. Reiner Kallenborn thanked his wife, his colleagues on the Board, and all the staff for their dedicated support and commitment. In line with his collaborative leadership vision, he affirms that what has been achieved has been a joint effort.