Dawn Behrend

Dawn Behrend is the Dean of University Libraries at Lenoir-Rhyne University, where she previously served as an Instruction and Outreach Librarian. She has formal education in Library Science (MLS), Business Administration (MBA), Clinical Psychology (M.A.), and Psychology (B.A.).

• MLS, Library Science, North Carolina Central University
• MBA, Business Administration, University of North Carolina, Wilmington
• M.A., Clinical Psychology, Appalachian State University
• B.A., Psychology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Behrend's professional focus centers on improving library accessibility for patrons with mental illnesses or neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder. She offers online professional development trainings and has presented at numerous regional, state, and national library conferences on these topics.

She actively contributes to peer-reviewed publications like The Charleston Advisor and College and Research Libraries News, writing database and internet reviews. Behrend holds leadership roles in library organizations, including Chair of Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) committees and ACRL-North Carolina Chapter, and serves as Vice President/President-Elect of the North Carolina Library Association (2021-2023).

Her dual background in clinical psychology and library science informs her unique approach to equitable resource access, and she continues to work part-time in private practice as a clinical psychologist.