Colleagues, I have exciting news to share related to the HBCU Library Alliance/Digital Library Federation (DLF) partnership! As you know, the HBCU Library Alliance and DLF are collaborating on the Authenticity project, a three-year mentoring and professional development program for early-to mid-career HBCU librarians. Follow this link https://www.diglib.org/announcing-the-authenticity-project/ to access the press release. DLF Executive Director Bethany Nowviskie attended the HBCU Library Alliance Membership meeting and provided background and detail on the Authenticity project. The goal of the project is to build a more diverse, inclusive, collaborative, and cohesive next-generation digital library workforce. We are appreciative to DLF for the partnership opportunity and to IMLS for funding this project. [https://i2.wp.com/www.diglib.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/10/Social-Media_-Authenticity-Project.png?fit=1024%2C512&ssl=1]<https://www.diglib.org/announcing-the-authenticity-project/> HBCU Library Alliance and Digital Library Federation ...<https://www.diglib.org/announcing-the-authenticity-project/> www.diglib.org<http://www.diglib.org> DLF is an international network of member institutions and a robust community of practice, advancing research, learning, social justice, and the public good through the creative design and wise application of digital library technologies. It is a program of CLIR, the Council on Library and Information Resources - an independent, nonprofit organization that forges strategies to enhance ... There are two immediate and important opportunities for HBCU Library Alliance members in good standing: * a mentoring component, and a * a call for fellows. Mentoring Mentoring, the first component of the project, has the goal of creating spaces for teaching, learning and library leadership development in both partner communities. I'm so proud that the HBCU Library Alliance is grounded in the culture of mentoring to support emerging library leaders. If you're interested in mentoring an emerging digital library leader, follow this link https://www.diglib.org/opportunities/authenticity-project/ for more information and the application process. Applications are accepted beginning Monday, October 22nd, and ending on Friday, November 16th. I encourage you to weigh the mutual benefits of this project and your role in advancing the HBCU Library Alliance digital community as you consider becoming involved as a mentor. Authenticity Fellows Fifteen Authenticity Fellows will be recruited annually for three years (2019-2021) to participate in a fully funded and facilitated program. Fellows will be early-to mid-career librarians, archivists, or other HBCU library employees interested in advancing their knowledge, skills, and professional connections in digital library work. Fellowship benefits include: 1. 1. full travel, lodging, and registration expenses for the DLF Forum 2. facilitated mentoring, with each Fellow matched to two volunteer mentors: one from the HBCU Library Alliance and another from the DLF community, and given quarterly discussion prompts to provide a backbone for conversations and exchange 3. access to seed money through a micro-grants program, to foster leadership among fellowship cohorts and lead to deeper and broader collaboration among DLF and HBCU Library Alliance member institutions 4. access to an always-available Slack space, email list, and quarterly facilitated, synchronous, online video-networking sessions for Fellows, mentors, and future microgrant project partners The Authenticity Project Fellowship application opens Monday, October 22nd and ends on Friday, November 16th. Potential fellows should return the following materials to me at sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> as a single PDF. 1. Brief statement of purpose (not more than one page) addressing your interest in the program and in digital library topics 2. Current curriculum vitae or resume, not more than two pages 3. Letter of support from your library dean or director. Eligibility Authenticity Project Fellows will be early-to mid-career librarians, archivists, or other library employees interested in advancing their knowledge, skills, and professional connections in digital library work. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to meaningful, community-building ideas and projects in their statement of purpose. Fellows will commit to participating in the program for the full year, from January-December 2019. A joint committee of DLF and HBCU Library Alliance representatives will make selections. Follow this link https://www.diglib.org/opportunities/authenticity-project/ for complete details on mentoring and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to the HBCU Library Alliance showcasing its strength, position and perspective through the Authenticity Project. Contact me immediately if you have questions or need additional information. Respectfully, Sandra SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/