Greetings Colleagues, I trust you're well. Today I'm celebrating Prairie View University. Founded in 1876, it is the first state-supported college in Texas for African Americans. Prairie View was established during Reconstruction and is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. HBCU Library Alliance Staff Exchange Program - 4 exchanges openings Due to savings in the exchange program budget, there is funding for four new exchanges. As you are aware, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has provided generous funding for this final round of programming. The goal of the exchange is to develop skills of emerging leaders and foster greater connections between project partners. The expected outcome of the program is development and implementation of projects to advance strategic objectives of the participating HBCU libraries, leading to service improvement and increased engagement with faculty and students on campus. This is an AWESOME opportunity for HBCU librarians to gain insight into the "workings" of their respective libraries while working together to achieve the desired exchange project outcome. Any non-director staff member may apply. Matches will be made within the HBCU community. Board Chair Cynthia Henderson and I will make selections. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1. Designate a project of strategic importance to the library that will be the focus of the exchange at the partner library. Project submissions are final and descriptions must include specific goals and objectives and the current status of the strategic issue within the library. 2. Secure a written letter of support from your library director for your participation in this program and toward the completion of the project including permission to be on leave from you library duties. 3. Cooperate in completing needed paperwork for travel. 4. Maintain a daily journal to detail lessons learned, meetings/activities attended, and other pertinent information about the exchange. 5. Shadow your host to meetings with senior library staff, university-level administrators, and others to observe problem-solving and decision-making techniques and strategies. 6. Work in a variety of library service areas. 7. Deliver reports on lessons learned during the HBCU Library Alliance 2014 Membership Meeting. Selection Criteria 1. Potential for leadership as demonstrated by your past record of achievement 2. Ability to articulate the leadership need in regard to the strategic area identified as the focus of the exchange 3. History of creative contribution to organizational problem-solving 4. Experience in effective engagement within and outside of the library to improve library service Deadlines for participating 1. Submit the attached application no later than September 5, 2013 2. Matches will be announced in mid-September. 1. The exchanges will take place at the host libraries before the end of November 2013. I encourage all who are interested to take advantage of this opportunity and apply as soon as possible. Contact me immediately if further information or explanation is needed. I look forward to receiving your applications and to an ENGAGING exchange librarian experience! Respectfully, Sandra SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.