Greetings Colleagues, I trust you're well. Today I'm celebrating four phases of the successful HBCU Library Alliance Leadership Program, and its highly effective components that strengthen libraries by developing and supporting effective leadership. Since 2005, more than half of the HBCU Library Alliance membership has participated in this dynamic program. Sustainability Planning - HBCU Library Alliance Leadership Program The Leadership Program has been completely grant-funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation since 2005. In June 2013, grant funding for this program will end. We've learned from you that leadership development is an ongoing need and a priority as libraries address patron needs. Therefore, we need your commitment and assistance to develop and examine post-grant sustainability options. I'm very pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Silver, President, Silver and Associates, will serve as consultant for the Sustainability Planning component of the Leadership Program. Dr. Silver is an ally of the HBCU Library Alliance and delivered the keynote address for the opening session of Leadership Institute III and the keynote address for the 4th Biennial Membership Meeting. He is currently Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Clark Atlanta University and has recently accepted the position of President of Alabama State University. You will hear from Dr. Silver's team in the very near future as they begin their work by conducting a survey of current and past participants to identify elements of the Leadership Programs that have been of most value and use, seek ideas for delivery of leadership programming, and recommendations for possible new programming. It's critically important that you respond promptly to the team's request to allow adequate time to develop the sustainability plan. Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions. I look forward, with great anticipation, to your involvement with sustainability planning of the Leadership Program. 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 404-520-0593 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street 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. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.