Biography

Charles Forrest has more than thirty-five years of experience in academic and research libraries. After a decade with the University of Illinois libraries, both at the Chicago campus and downstate in Urbana-Champaign, he moved to Emory University in 1988. He held a series of administrative positions in the main library there, including director of Instructional Support Services, director of Planning and Budget, and most recently Director of Library Facilities. While at Emory, Charles participated in the renovation or construction of over 300,000 square feet of library space. For several years a member of the Committee on the Environment of the University Senate at Emory, Charles served as library project manager for the renovation of the Asa Griggs Candler Library, the historic main library on Emory's quadrangle. It was the first LEED-certified renovation project on the Emory campus. He retired from the Emory Libraries in 2016, and is currently principal and owner of 21st Century Libraries Consulting. Charles is active in professional organizations, and is a regular presenter at conferences, workshops and institutes.