3.3.18 – For anyone looking for my blog in it’s regular form, it can be found at a new web address:
(This is because I made a small mistake with the blog and WordPress forced me to spend $99.00 on an upgrade, failed to ask me what domain name I would like, or tell me that I would be forced to change my address. Ah, the joys of technology. If you have a blog, take this as a word of warning: never make a mistake with your theme, it’s irreversible!)
Safe travels, Sarah P.
2.23.18 Travel Writing Scholarship
World Nomads, USA
For anyone interested in seguing their career toward travel writing, here is a contest which librarian and fellow traveler Cate Carlyle shared with me. It is a scholarship sponsored by World Nomads, a company which offers travel insurance to nuts like me. In addition to travel writing scholarships, they also periodically offer travel photographer and filmmaker scholarships. A legit opportunity with the best part being: it is open to all nationalities.
Deadline: February 28, 2018
I just submitted my entry and would greatly appreciate any likes, shares, and/or comments:
As I shared in the ‘why choose me’ section of the application: my goal is to continue to encourage others to travel and to find ways to support libraries and librarians everywhere.
The Casbah, Algiers
2017 SPG
2.18.18
Hello Fellow Librarians & Travelers,
I hope the new year brings you international employment, travel or both! I am still pondering the next phase of my life and how I am going to continue to travel as well as encourage and support others, including librarians, to go see the world.
In the meantime, I have created a small Instagram account where I am posting travel related pictures and quotes as an intention to remind me what it’s all about as well as connect with liked-mind souls. If anyone has a related Instagram account please share and I will follow you.
For anyone interested in international employment, please look through the links listed on the Resources page of this blog and/or read my book.
And thank you for all the kind comments about how this blog was of use. I really hope a current librarian takes up where I left off…
Safe travels, Sarah P.
11.30.17
Dear Readers,
The time has come for me to say goodbye to both you and this blog, at least for now. As many of you know this has been a completely volunteer effort with the goal being to encourage librarians from everywhere to travel and work beyond their borders. I spent fourteen years of my life doing just that and it enriched and expanded me both personally and professionally. While I still completely believe in this mission, it is time for me to focus on other goals in my life, although I am not yet clear exactly what will be next…
This blog will continue to be hosted and available as searching the archives can be useful when researching potential positions. I will also continue to update my book: How to Become a Traveling Librarian as well as the Book Resources page.
I wish everyone, as always, safe travels.
Kind regards, Sarah P.
10.11.17– Office Management Specialist
United States Department of State, worldwide positions
Sarah P’s comments: For US librarians without a MLIS and/or those who would like to break into the Foreign Service, here is an opportunity which calls for librarian skills and experience. FYI: this position was last listed in March of this year. (The Foreign Service does employ librarians. They are called IRO’s – Information Resource Officers. For more information about these positions which open only every 2-4 years, please read Chapter 6 of my book and look at the Resources page.)
We are currently accepting applications for Foreign Service Office Management Specialist (OMS)positions.
As an OMS, you will be a key coordinator in the efficient flow of information, successful project and event management, and essential office support. OMS duties include scheduling meetings, coordinating high-level visits and conferences, arranging travel, preparing written materials, circulating incoming electronic correspondence, and supporting information technology and records. You will provide office management and administrative support to U.S. diplomats in embassies and consulates abroad and domestically in Washington D.C. and New York.
All potential applicants are strongly urged to read the entire vacancy announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position before applying. When you are ready to begin the online application process, visit USAJOBS. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is October 24, 2017.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 20 years old to apply. They must be at least 21 years of age to be appointed. By law, all career candidates must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month in which they reach age 60, except for preference eligible veterans. Applicants must also be available for worldwide service, and be able to obtain all required security, medical and suitability clearances.
If you have any questions or would like to search for topics of interest, please visit our forums or FAQs at careers.state.gov.
9.12.17 – Dear Readers,
Due to the recent hurricane, I need to go to Florida to check on my boat and house. Considering the level of destruction, caused elsewhere by the recent hurricanes, I consider myself really fortunate to have only minor damage reported. However, as I am facing no electricity for an unknown time, I won’t be able to post!
Back next week…Safe travels, Sarah P.
Celebrate Libraries for Peace (L4P) Day: 9/21/17
The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs invites the library and information community to celebrate Libraries for Peace (L4P) Day as the world community observes International Day of Peace on September 21, 2017. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The Day’s theme for 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All” which is based on the TOGETHER global campaign that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life.
Celebration ideas are found below and more at https://librariesforpeace.org/librariesforpeaceday/.
Act locally, Connect Globally. Join the LIbraries for Peace (L4P) initiative by celebrating L4P Day on September 21st and adding your event at librariesforpeace.org. Here, you can also pledge an action to advance peace, share your library’s story of building peace, and tour the L4P map to view ways that libraries and librarians around the world are advancing peace. Visit librariesforpeace.org for more information on projects and resources, and to add/map, view and/or search activities. Join the movement to build a peaceful and sustainable world!
Please also share on social media using #librariesforpeace #peaceday.
3 ways librarians and friends recommend celebrating:
Intercultural and interfaith dialogues
Chalk4Peace http://www.chalk4peace.org/eventinfo.html or the Peace Crane Project Exchange https://peacecraneproject.org/
Peace-related topics as focus of course curriculum/programs (e.g., Peace Speaks Up http://proyectos.banrepcultural.org/proyecto-paz/ in Spanish; video with English sub-titles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMeaEX6XQHU)
3 ways the UN recommends celebrating:
A minute of silence at 12 noon on 9/21 (all timezones)
Welcome and help refugees and migrants in your community
Global student videoconference on September 15, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET, at United Nations Headquarters
Pledge
Pledge your action(s) to advance peace. Consider the following 3 actions:
CLIA (Community-Library Inter-Action) librariesforpeace.org/clia – hold a community conversation that results in action toward social transformation
UN Sustainable Development Goals https://librariesforpeace.org/sustainabledevelopment/
Services for refugees https://publish.illinois.edu/projectwelcome/
Share Stories
Libraries and friends are making a difference in their local communities and contributing to a peaceful and sustainable world. Your story can be anything, including the following 3 activities:
Creating crafts or a book (e.g., The Relindial cartonera project https://www.ifla.org/node/11456)
Defining what peace means to you (e.g., https://librariesforpeace.org/perspectives/)
Conducting research related to peace (e.g., Natalia Bermudez Qvortrrup’s bachelor thesis on libraries and peacebuilding https://fagarkivet-hioa.archive.knowledgearc.net/bitstream/handle/123456789/1021/106.pdf?sequence=1)
Discover
Libraries and friends are joining Libraries for Peace around the globe. You can view the global impact of your fellow colleagues celebrations, pledges, and stories on the L4P map: https://librariesforpeace.org/map/.
4.21.17 – Systems Librarian (Assistant Librarian I/II)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Sarah P’s comments: This position is a re-listing, originally posted on 4.21.17.
Closing date: July 21, 2017
CUHK Library seeks a Systems Librarian to join our Library IT & Systems (LITS) team at an exciting time as we implement a cloud-based, next generation Integrated Library System (ILS) shared with the local higher education libraries consortium. The successful applicant is expected to provide the best possible experience for library users and staff as they seek, access, and maintain the information in our library systems.
Applicants should (i) have a good Master’s degree or above in Library and Information Science (MLS or equivalent), plus a strong educational background in computer science, computer engineering or a related discipline; (ii) at least three years’ post-qualification relevant experience (for Assistant Librarian II) OR at least six years’ post-qualification relevant experience, three years of which are at supervisory level (for Assistant Librarian I); (iii) have proven knowledge and experience in the management of library services platforms, technical support for electronic resources, various industry standards and protocols such as XML, SAML, SQL and SIP2; (iv) have effective communication, interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills, with an ability to work with a widely diverse group of stakeholders; and (v) demonstrate proven ability in learning new technologies independently and adapting quickly to changing technologies. Project management experience and certification, web and mobile applications design and familiarity in handling East Asian languages (Chinese/Japanese/Korean) will be an added advantage.
Reporting to the Head of LITS and working closely with other library managers and a team of computer specialists, the successful applicant will be responsible for (a) providing technical expertise, day-to-day administration, and front line support for the ILS, discovery and reading list platforms, as well as other library specific software such as the archives management system. The Systems Librarian is the primary liaison with vendors for problem resolution; (b) providing technical support to the Library’s electronic resources including administration of the remote access service; (c) managing a wide range of RFID-enabled self-check kiosks, self-return book drops and sorter bins; (d) programming and software development based on various APIs and scripting languages such as Perl and PHP; (e) maintaining knowledge of emerging trends and issues in library systems and user behavior that have potential for enhancing access to resources and services. Evaluating potential new services and technologies and suggesting policy and procedural changes that improve access or efficiency; (f) assisting in other IT projects; (g) deputizing for the Head of LITS; and (h) other duties as assigned. Occasional evening and weekend duties may be required.
Appointment will initially be made on contract basis for two years, renewable subject to mutual agreement.
Application Procedure
The University only accepts and considers applications submitted online for the post above. For more information and to apply online, please visit http://career.cuhk.edu.hk.
6.20.17 –
Dear Readers,
I will be away traveling (travelling) over the next few weeks so will be posting sporadically in batches…
Safe travels, Sarah P.
P.S. I am away to downeast Maine and Campobello, sadly without my boat which is in Florida, but glad to be here nonetheless.
6.7.17 – For anyone who missed the publication announcement of my new book and the free Kindle days, if you would be willing to give me an Amazon review, I will send you a free copy. Please send me an e-mail via the blog.
Thanks, Sarah P.
![Far Off-Girl: 5 Years of Uncharted Wandering (Teenage Traveler) by [Gibson, Sarah P.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51bmbMClJFL.jpg)
Ethel is ecstatic when her father offers her an escape from a long, cold, dark, Maine winter. But the journey turns out to be a maze of country-hopping, desert-crossing, shisha-smoking, friend-making, skinny-dipping, island-kissing, revolution-escaping, boy-betraying, white-knuckled, hairpin turns. Growing up at home is perplexing, growing up overseas is mind-altering.
P.S. Her father is a librarian…
Also, now available in paperback:
Travel for Women - girlfriends and goddesses
careers, jobs, and internships in the world of archives & records management.
Dewey Decimal #
year-round living on a sailboat in Maine
Visit our website at www.eytt.org for more information on our program
Anything and everything about how to become involved in libraries beyond your doorstep.
Curiosity-encouraging views of life.
The Traveling Librarian 