Dear Colleagues,

Would you like to be involved in something creative? To have an opportunity to shape new initiatives that support Directors?

In direct response to feedback from Directors, the M25 Consortium is introducing a series of opportunities under the umbrella heading: “Exchange”.

All activities will be supported by the development of the “Directors’ Room”, a new area of the website which will provide an online environment for discussing ideas and exchanging information and advice.

To kick start “Exchange”, you are invited to attend one or more of a series of activities being organised during 2008-09. Each activity will be limited to 12 people and all those attending will be expected to:
• have a strong interest in the subject
• be committed to participating actively on the day
• be willing to engage in associated activities or discussions – real or virtual- agreed by the 12 attendees

The first two of these shared learning opportunities are:
• A Leadership and Management Seminar
• The challenge of delivering shared learning services

To confirm your attendance at either event, please contact Genein Cox-De Sousa at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

As the groups are small and we anticipate high demand, please can you inform Genein at least one week before the event if for any reason you are no longer able to attend.

• Leadership and Management Seminar  

Date:    Tuesday 15th July 2008
Venue:  Library Committee Room 
             Main Library, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End

This half day seminar will be facilitated by Professor Di Martin. Following a presentation on her experience of leadership in Libraries and Information Services there will be an opportunity for current Heads of Service to discuss issues further, including how their roles are changing and the strategic position of services within institutions.

Professor Di Martin is Chief Information Officer and Dean of Learning and Information Services at the University of Hertfordshire. She has responsibility for the senior management and strategic development of the University's information management and ICT policies, strategy and developments.

A free buffet lunch will be provided at 1.30pm with the meeting starting at 2pm.

• The challenge of delivering shared learning services  

Date:    Thursday 17th July 2008
Venue:  Drill Hall Library, Medway

An opportunity to visit the Drill Hall Library, an LRC shared by students from the Universities of Greenwich, Kent and Canterbury Christ Church (Universities at Medway). A tour of the library and other shared facilities will be followed by lunch and a facilitated discussion on the pros and cons of competitive collaboration.

Programme

11am               Coffee - Drill Hall Library training room

11.30 – 12.30  Tour of library and shared facilities

12.30 – 13.30  Lunch – Drill Hall Library Training Room

13.30 – 15.30  Discussion – room tbc

A pack of relevant information will be circulated to participants before the event.