This booklet for trustees of institutions of higher education provides guidelines for conducting a presidential search. The booklet notes that the presidential search can offer the institution an opportunity to take stock of its recent history and future prospects and draw a campus together. Among guidelines offered for planning the search are: review relevant passages in bylaws, codes, and state regulations; appoint a search committee worthy and capable of performing the task; identify the tasks the search committee must perform; spell out the characteristics the board wants in its next president; decide on the degree of openness of the search process; and consider the role of the outgoing president. Following this planning process the board is urged to engage constituents and identify institutional directions. An effective search process is described as involving the following steps: (1) generate an applicant pool; (2) select and screen semifinalists; (3) check references; (4) interview semifinalists; (5) conduct campus visits by the leading applicants; (6) make the final selection; and (7) smooth the new president's arrival. Also briefly addressed is the use of interim presidents and search consultants. (Contains 12 references.) (DB)