Libraries will host HBCU Librarian

The University of Tennessee Libraries is one of five libraries chosen by the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) to participate in a pilot exchange program in June and July of 2006. Funded by a $20,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon foundation, the exchange program will provide librarians from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) an opportunity to investigate issues of strategic importance to their institutions and gain perspectives on leadership from the host institutions. The exchange also aspires to foster additional collaboration between ASERL and HBCU libraries.

UT Libraries was selected for the exchange due to its expertise in digital libraries, collection management and institutional repositories. The libraries will host Evelyn Council, Associate Director of Collection Development at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

“I look forward to learning how cutting edge programs, such as the institutional repository and digital press, went from vision to practical implementation,” Council said. “I also hope to observe successful examples of enhancing library visibility, developing programs, improving functionality and enhancing collections,” she continued.

“The Leadership Exchange is a great opportunity to work closely with colleagues at HBCU libraries, and it is an honor for UT to be selected,” Barbara Dewey, Dean of Libraries, said.

Ms. Council will visit UT from July 10 through July 21.