2015 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 45,000 times in 2015. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 17 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Job: Galapagos Islands Librarian

12/29/15 — Galapagos Islands Librarian
Charles Darwin Research Station, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

12/30/15 update:

Sarah P’s comments: Last night I posted this position as a volunteer job which this library offers in addition to a new full-time librarian position.  Previously this position has always been volunteer but last year, with the completion of a new library, they advertised for a paid full-time librarian, local preferred.  I am not sure whether this position was never filled.

Thank you David for writing to correct me.  I assumed the listed position was the volunteer one…which proves I should never post at night after a long day…

Info about the volunteer position: a unique six-month volunteer position which offers a chance to visit an off-the-track place.  I included this in the ‘Other Opportunities‘ section of my book as it is one I have watched for many years. However last year CDF completed building a  new library and were advertising for a full-time (local) librarian so I was concerned they were doing away with this opportunity  but since this is the second time they had advertised the volunteer position (last time 8/15) it would seem they are going continuing. It is really a cataloguing opportunity for those who speak Spanish well enough to converse and write and who have KOHA experience.  FYI: International volunteers are responsible for paying their own travel costs, living expenses, and medical insurance. Lodging at the Research Station may be available for rental. Valid life & health insurance certification is required.
Blog post from a Canadian Volunteer Librarian

Note: Ecuadorian labor law and the Special Law for Galapagos require CDF to prioritize the employment of suitably qualified Galapagos residents and Ecuadorian nationals.

G.T. Corley Smith is a small library, which serves research scientists,researchers and local and international visitors. Contains ~ 6000 monographs, and hundreds of theses, reports and magazines print titles, ~ 20,000 reprints and an archive collection of documents, photographs, slides and CDF Publications. The library catalog is built with Koha software. The librarian will be considered a senior staff position within the institution and will have administrative responsibilities including regular staff meetings, budgeting and project management, and attracting resources on a regular basis to ensure that the library work and the larger “knowledge management” work is successful throughout the CDF.

Closing Date:  January 15, 2015

To find out more, please see the pdf.

Job: High School (Grades 7 – 12) Librarian

12/28/15 –  High School (Grades 7 – 12) Librarian
Queen’s College, Nassau, Bahamas

Sarah P’s comments:  The Bahamas is one of those places that sounds like paradise but where the reality is somewhat different.  Both school and college reviews state both a high cost of living and crime rate.  Pluses are nice people, a balmy climate, and good beaches.  It could be a good place to go to break into the international market.  Read the reviews on International Schools Review before applying.

 

QUEEN’S COLLEGE…

  • Is the oldest private school in The Bahamas
  • Ensures a seamless continuity of education and a strong sense of community
  • Offers a rich curriculum
  • Is staffed by a talented and dedicated teaching staff
  • Is a place where excellence is respected and pursued, where teaching and learning are innovative and where caring for others is intrinsic
  • Offers a competitive benefits package, including gratuity, pension, health insurance, discount on children’s tuition.

Queen’s College was established in Nassau in 1890 by The Methodist Church and is a member of The International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (IAMSCU).

CRITERIA FOR EMPLOYMENT

  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university confirmed by a certified copy of certificate
  • A post graduate certificate in education or a teaching certificate confirmed by a certified copy of certificate
  • Willingness to support the school’s Accelerated Programme, including teaching advanced courses such as Advanced Placement. Experience in teaching advanced courses is preferred
  • Two professional references
  • Willingness to support after school activities.

Successful applicants will be expected to make a commitment to work in harmony with Christian principles and to support the emphases of the Bahamas Conference of The Methodist Church of which the school is a part.

Application forms are available from the Human Resources Office at the school or may be downloaded from our website at www.qchenceforth.com
The completed application, together with a covering letter, verification of qualifications, a statement of educational philosophy and a recent photograph must be sent to:

The Principal Queen’s College P.O. Box N7127 Nassau, Bahamas, or faxed to: 242-393-3248, or emailed to hr@qchenceforth.com so as to arrive on or before January 8, 2016. Only candidates short-listed will be contacted by telephone, fax or e-mail for an interview. Candidates may be asked to provide a video sample of their classroom teaching. Due to the high volume of interest, incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

 

Job: Academic Librarian

12/27/15 –  Academic Librarian

Monash University, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Sarah P’s comments:   Monash U. is a branch of  this Australian University with eight campuses: six in Australia, one in Malaysia, one in South Africa, and a centre in Prato, Italy.  They last posted an academic librarian job in 11/14 for a different campus.  FYI: the ad says ‘search extended’ however I did not see it advertised earlier.(?)

 

We are seeking suitably qualified candidates for the position of Academic Librarian in the Johor Bahru Clinical School, Monash University Malaysia. The Monash Library and Learning Commons has three operational units (Information Resources, Information Services and Academic Liaisons) with 29 full-time professional and paraprofessional staff. The Johor Bahru Clinical School Library provides services to the third, fourth and fifth year medical students and academic staff.

Academic Librarians are responsible for providing a comprehensive information service, developing library collections to meet the needs of the staff and students, and collaboratively designing and implementing integrated and embedded information literacy and research skills programs. The successful candidate will serve as a liaison between the School, medical students and academics to ensure that the library’s resources are relevant and used effectively to support teaching and research.

For further information see: http://www.jobs-monash.jxt.net.au/professional-jobs/academic-librarian/523689

Key Selection Criteria:

Essential criteria

  1. University degree and/or a tertiary qualification in a relevant subject discipline and/or librarianship; alternatively an equivalent combination of relevant knowledge, training and experience.
    2. Minimum of three years of relevant library and/or teaching experience in academic setting, with supervisory and/or coordination responsibilities.
    3. Demonstrated experience in the provision of information services, including the delivery of information literacy and research skills programs, and the development of online tutorials or subject guides.
    4. Ability to train students in the use of online databases using advanced search techniques.
    5. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant subject disciplines including advanced skills in resource discovery and ability to train students in the use of online databases.
    6. Proven capacity to effectively liaise and negotiate with a range of clients including staff and students.
    7. Excellent communication skills including the ability to produce professional documentation for various audiences.
    8. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a culturally-diverse team.
    9. Sound organisational and time management skills including the ability to set priorities and perform well under pressure within a complex and changing environment.

Desirable criteria
10. Postgraduate qualification in librarianship or in a relevant to subject discipline is preferred.
11. Capacity and interest to engage with new technologies in blended learning environments.
12. Knowledge of trends and issues in learning, and information services in academic libraries.

Duration:
This is a fixed-term appointment for five years. Subject to performance and other criteria, a further term may be negotiable.

Application:

Please send your Cover Letter and Resume to: recruit_som@monash.edu.

Closing Date: Friday, 15th, January 2016.

 

 

Volunteer: Librarian

12/23/15 –  Volunteer School Librarian
Haven of Peace Academy (HOPAC), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Sarah P’s comments:  This institution advertises this position every December. Must be able and willing to commit for the upcoming school year.

 

The mission of Haven of Peace Academy (HOPAC) is to provide an excellent, Christ-centred, international education that meets western academic standards and equips students to live out a biblical worldview in all areas of life to the glory of God.

Haven of Peace Academy is seeking a Librarian for the 2016/2017 school year. School year: August – June with classes Monday to Friday. HOPAC follows the Cambridge curriculum.

HOPAC, founded in 1994, is an international Christian K-12 school with over 300 students from 33 different countries and a variety of religious backgrounds including Christian, Muslim and Hindu. While the majority of students come from families of missionaries and the non-profit and international business community, one third are Tanzanian.

HOPAC teachers must be committed Christian, 55 years of age or younger with Bachelor degree, at least 3 years of teaching experience and fluency in English. HOPAC expects teaching staff to be supported spiritually and financially through a mission organization or home church. The school provides volunteer staff assistance in the form of a monthly living allowance that covers a significant portion of monthly in-country expenses.

Qualifications:

– Bachelors Degree

– Evangelical Christian

– 3+ years experience

How to Apply:  Please email Cover Letter and CV to personnel@hopac.net. Kindly state the job posting in the email subject line.

Job: Associate Librarian (Teaching and Learning Support)

12/22/15 –  Associate Librarian (Teaching and Learning Support)
City University of Hong Kong, China

Sarah P’s comments:  This university lasted posted an open position in 12/14, however this is the 8th position to be listed this year for Hong Kong, and the 37th for Asia.  This region is starting to outpace the Middle East in available international positions which is a notable dynamic. FYI: They advertised for a new library director in October of this year.

 

City University of Hong Kong is a dynamic, fast-growing university that is pursuing excellence in research and professional education. As a publicly-funded institution, the University is committed to nurturing and developing students’ talents and creating applicable knowledge to support social and economic advancement.

 

Applications are invited for:  Associate Librarian (Teaching and Learning Support)

Aspiring to be a valued learning partner in the 21st century, the Library of City University of Hong Kong is in the midst of an ambitious re-structuring.

Duties : Implement strategic plans to create innovative service models for users and to enhance the user experience; collaborate with stakeholders in and outside the University to fully integrate the Library into the University’s strategic planning efforts and to support the University Librarian in managing the Library operations.

Requirements : A good honours degree plus a recognized post-graduate professional qualification in Librarianship or Information Science (MLS or equivalent), with experience in managing public services in a large, complex organization including operations, facilities and human resources management.  Candidates should demonstrate significant achievements and leadership in activities such as planning, initiation and management of long-term projects, consortium collaboration, staff development and assessment, and library research.  Excellent analytical, communication (written and spoken) and interpersonal skills; and ability to work effectively with colleagues, students, faculty and staff in a rapidly changing, complex, diverse and multicultural environment are required.  Candidates should also have a proven record of professional participation and knowledge of current issues in university library management.  The appointee is expected to represent the Library at all levels.

Salary and Conditions of Service

Remuneration package will be highly competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Initial appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract; fringe benefits include gratuity, leave, medical and dental schemes, and housing benefits.

Information and Application

Further information on the post and the University is available at http://www.cityu.edu.hk, or from the Human Resources Office, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong [Email : hrojob@cityu.edu.hk/Fax : (852)2788 1154 or (852)3442 0311].

To apply, please submit an online application at http://jobs.cityu.edu.hk.  The closing date is 18 January 2016.  Applications will receive full consideration and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.  The University’s privacy policy is available on the homepage.

City University of Hong Kong is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to the principle of diversity.  Personal data provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.

Worldwide recognition ranking 57th, and 4th among top 50 universities under age 50 (QS survey 2015); 1st in Engineering/Technology/Computer Sciences in Hong Kong (Shanghai Jiao Tong University survey 2015); and 2nd Business School in Asia-Pacific region (UT Dallas survey 2014).

Jobs: Archivist Positions

12/20/15 –  International Archivist Positions

Sarah P’s comments:  Last week Archives Gigs posted four international positions.  I have seen a sharp rise in the number of archivist positions in the past five years so if you are interested in this type of work, check out earning a certificate in this field and seeking an international intern position.

FYI: If you search ALA’s (US & Canada) accredited programs database there are 28 institutions which offer a certificate in archival studies, 12 of whom offer the program completely online.

 

Head of Special Collections & Archives: Cardiff, Wales

Digital Collections Coordinator: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Archives Interns (2): Geneva, Switzerland

Archivist: Yellowstone, Canada

News: International Salaries & Benefits Discussion

12/9/15 –  Yesterday I was asked about salaries for international contracts…
(if anyone has any other info or opinions to add please contact me and/or leave a comment.)

Knowing what is a reasonable salary expectation needs to be carefully explored when you are considering moving to another country. The important question to ask about salary is not how much you will earn, but how much of that salary will you be able to save. In other words, what is the cost of living and will my salary cover that? Salaries in Bolivia, for example, are incredibly low because it is cheap to live there, whereas in Japan, you may be offered double the salary but will be crammed into a tiny apartment and not be able to afford meat. (See Book Resources for Cost of Living sites.)

 Questions to ask:

  1. Will the salary be paid in your currency or the country’s local currency? Often it is a mix of the two and you can allocate an amount to be send to your home country while the money you need to live on is received in local currency. Research the local currency: is it pegged to a major currency such as the US dollar. If it is not then check the fluctuating history via a site such as Yahoo Currency to obtain an average as changes in currency as well as inflation will greatly affect your salary and ability to pay bills back home and live comfortably.
  1. Analyze included benefits. Some salaries may initially appear to be low but upon reviewing the included benefits, turn out to be more than adequate. International benefits typically offered include:
  • visa procurement
  • transportation costs to and from the country
  • shipping allowance
  • free or subsidized housing
  • quality health insurance
  • free or reduced tuition for your children (up to 2) at an international school
  • at least six weeks paid vacation every year
  • professional development funds
  • R&R transportation costs to home of record, one per year
  • subsidized auto loans

Salaries and benefits for international schools are generally set and included with the job description when the position is advertised. Larger, established academic institutions will usually include a salary range as well as list of benefits. Smaller colleges will sometimes not initially list salary as they will negotiate this depending on your level of experience, your needs, and their resources. For example, some will include housing as they have already negotiated a discount however others find it easier and most cost-effective to offer a higher salary and assist you in locating local housing.

Health insurance is an important consideration for every situation. Please discuss the health care situation of the country you are considering and how the institution plans to support you in care of accident or illness.

Normally salary negotiation is done after the initial interview but in the international world it is acceptable to at ask about salary and benefits in the Q&A session of your interview because you need to know whether you can afford to make this move before either you or HR invests more time and effort in pursuing you application.

Resources:

For specific international college salary discussion visit the Chronicle of Higher Educations’ ‘Working Abroad’ forum and search the keyword ‘salary’ and/or ‘benefits’

For school contracts:

Read Questions #7&8 from the FAQs on Teaching Abroad (from The International Educator)