The letter of solicitation is essential in conveying that the unit is considering the candidate for potential promotion or status change and is requesting the following information:
Duration and Nature of Acquaintance
The reviewer should describe the duration and nature of their acquaintance with the candidate.
Evaluation of Professional Development, Service Contributions, and Position Expectations
The letter should include an evaluation of the candidate’s professional development, service contributions and position expectations focusing on whether the candidate has performed in a manner which:
- Enhances the effectiveness and standing of the University of Washington Libraries;
- Demonstrates ability to meet the responsibilities of the desired rank; and
- Enhances and contributes to the profession.
Letter Template
Updated in June 2026.
Date _________________________
Name ________________________
Title _________________________
Institution _____________________
Dear___________________________:
Thank you very much for your willingness to assist the University of Washington Libraries. Your evaluative comments on candidate, will be an important component of candidate’s documentation as name seeks promotion to the rank of rank with status.
Candidate Name currently holds an appointment as rank with l status in the University of Washington Libraries. The documentation name submitted in support of name’s request for requested action will be available at the link you receive from Interfolio.
Your evaluation of name’s professional accomplishments and activities should be based on the documentation alone and not on personal knowledge. If you know name, please indicate how long you have known name and the nature of your relationship. Your evaluation will become part of the documentation reviewed by the supervisory line and by the Review Committee and Librarian Personnel Committee, and it will not be made available to the candidate.
We ask that you provide evaluative comments on whether name has performed in a manner which:
- Enhances the effectiveness and standing of the University of Washington Libraries;
- Demonstrates ability to meet the responsibilities of the desired rank; and
- Enhances and contributes to the profession.
For your information, I have attached key sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to assist you in writing your recommendation.
Please submit your reference letter as a PDF. You can ensure an accessible document by visiting Adobe’s website, which provides a guide for creating accessible PDFs.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can assist you in any way. I can be reached by email at lill@uw.edu. Please email me your letter by due date.
We are deeply appreciative of your assistance.