ANNOUNCEMENT

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.

 

Travel: Italian Library Tour

9.9.17 –  Italian Library Tour
Turin and Venice, Northern Italy

 

Sarah P’s comments:  This sounds like a great trip…

 
Trip focus: Historical libraries in Italy: an overview on conservation and management procedures of historical libraries in Turin and Venice.
Dates:  2017: October 15-22; November 5-12  – 2018: March 19-25 ; May  7-13  (upon demand, the tour can be offered on other dates as well)
Appropriate for: librarians, archivists, history professors, MLIS students and calligraphers
Duration: 8 days.here: Turin and Venice, Northern Italy.
Trip focus: Historical libraries in Italy: an overview on conservation and management procedures of historical libraries in Turin and Venice.
Dates:  2017: October 15-22; November 5-12  – 2018: March 19-25 ; May  7-13  (upon demand, the tour can be offered on other dates as well)
Appropriate for: librarians, archivists, history professors, MLIS students and calligraphers
Duration: 8 days.
Purpose of the tour: introduction to the management aspects of historical libraries in Italy through in-depth conservation and visits to the back-stage of some of the best known historical libraries in Turin and Venice.

Guests on the Library Tour will have a unique opportunity to peer into rare volumes tucked away in nooks and crannies of historical libraries. As technology leads towards paperless libraries, guests will delight to re-discover the heft of pergamum and paper in books painstakingly crafted and hand-bound.
One of the many highlights of the program while in Turin, an important center for the spreading of scientific culture, is the visit to the Science Academy, similar to the Royal Society of Science in London. The Academy’s motto, VERITAS and UTILITAS, Truth and Utility best distinguishes the Turin Academy of Science from others.
The library’s patrimony (more than 250,000 books and 5,000 periodicals) grew in large part thanks to donations of scholars and exchanges of periodicals. The Academy’s historic archive is one of the most important in Piedmont, and contains documents produced by the Academy and its members during more than two centuries of activity.
The itinerary will continue with a full-on weekend to Venice, an easy ride by speed train from Turin, where guests will visit, among other treasures, the National Library of St Mark’s a library in a Renaissance building built by the famous architect Jacopo Sansovino between 1537-1553; it is one of the earliest surviving public manuscript depositories in the country, holding one of the greatest collections of classical texts in the world. The library is named after St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice.

For more information on the full itinerary and the costs, please email to Patricia: patricia@turineducational.org

 

 

 

 

Volunteer: 2017 Guatemala Service Trip

1.31.17 –  2017 Guatemala Service Trip
Librarians Without Borders, USA (Guatemala)

Sarah P’s comments: I received this trip information from a few sources including from Cate Carlyle who commented: I found it to be a very worthwhile and positive experience. Cate is a Canadian librarian who volunteers internationally and is an editor for the International Journal of Librarianship.

 

How to apply: Submit a completed volunteer application to servicetrip2017@lwb-online.org by February 13.

This is the eighth consecutive spring that LWB is traveling to the Miguel Angel Asturias Academy in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Since 2010 over 120 librarians and library science students have spent more than 40 working days onsite to help our partner realize and grow their dream of an open stacks, circulating school library. What started as cinder blocks in 2010 is now the vibrant center of the school.

LWB uses this annual service trip to execute our remote work on the ground, to discuss emerging needs with our partner, and to re-connect with students and school staff. We invite you to work alongside us this year from April 21 to May 1, 2017.

This year’s work at the Academy will include ongoing collection management activities (cataloguing, processing, and organizing materials), library programming for students, and training for teachers. LWB works with Asturias to also provide opportunities for trip participants to engage in activities that will help nurture a comprehensive understanding of libraries, education and culture in Guatemala. Typically trip participants are also given the opportunity to help finalize the last weekend activity (for example, visit scenic Lake Atitlán or trek to one of Guatemala’s volcanic peaks).

Primary Projects

• Cataloging, processing, and adding new items to the library’s collection.
• Library programming targeting all students and levels through multi-day library events.
• Professional development workshops for teachers supporting library integration into the curriculum.

Housing and Food
While in Quetzaltenango (Xela), participants will stay and eat most of their meals at the COFA Catholic Retreat Centre. On the weekends meals are eaten with a local family or at local restaurants. Vegetarian options will be available.

Expectations
All trip volunteers are expected to:

• Attend online meetings (3-4) to discuss projects and receive training on the Asturias Library and the local community context. These meetings are mandatory for all volunteers.
• Join and contribute to a working team before the trip.
• Participate in pre-and post-trip assessments (e.g. evaluation surveys).

Program Fees
The program fee is $1525 CAD* (= ~$1160 USD) for 11 days. This total covers lodging, food, transportation and entrance to all activities within Guatemala, as well as a fundraising fee to support LWB programs. Trip participants are responsible for paying their own airfare to and from Guatemala.

There is a $500 CAD non-refundable deposit due by all accepted applicants by February 24. The remainder of the fees ($1025 CAD) can be paid at the same time or by March 10*.

In addition, all trip participants are expected to bring extra spending money for additional purchases such as souvenirs and snacks, as well as occasional meals in Guatemala ($50-100 is adequate).

Note, in previous years some participants have created crowdfunding campaigns to wholly or partially offset the costs of the trip. LWB uses our social media channels to promote those campaigns for participants.

Important Dates

• Guatemala Information Meeting (online) – February 5
• Application Deadline – February 13
• Successful applicants selected and notified – February 18
• $500 CAD* non-refundable deposit due – February 24
• $1025 CAD* remainder of program fees – March 10

*Note: The $1525 CAD may be revised to a new final figure if a significant change in exchange rate occurs. Should this happen, the information would be published by February 24.

 

News: August doldrums…

8.20.16 – Dear Readers,

As some of you already know, I have been away in Algeria helping to set up a new school library. Many people in the US questioned the wisdom of my traveling during this time of heightened anxiety.  Well, for me, it was wise, because it reaffirmed and reminded me of what I already know: the world is still a good place.  There will always be evil lurking in corners but the majority of people in every country I have been to (24!) just want to get along and get on with their lives.

I came away exhausted by all the work of helping open a new school compacted by the fact that many of the items to start the school came from the closed one in Tripoli. This meant re-living our 2011 evacuation from Libya which was tough at times but also good as it was both closure and a positive in that the new school is being built from the ruins of the other, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The Library day 1…more about this later.

About Algiers: the old French architecture, the fresh fish, the azure Mediterranean…but best of all were the people.  My Arabic was all wrong (Gulf words) and my French non-existent but they were, always, charming and friendly. I saw young women in short sleeves strolling with women in hijab, all just getting on with their day.  Life is not easy there, unemployment is high, but there is a feeling of hope and happiness. Part of me wishes the government would issue more tourist visas so others could see this gem of a city, but, having grown up in Maine as well as having traveled to many places, it is my opinion that lots of tourism invades the culture and causes people to retreat rather than share what is precious about their home and their life.

Enough ranting…what I really want to let you know is that I am back and even more committed to helping other librarians travel. Having said that, you should know that the lack of posting jobs is also because much of the world is on holiday in August. Things will pick up again in September so if you a seeking an international position, hang in there until the fall.

 

 

Volunteer: Join LWB in Guatemala

2.8.16 – Volunteer with Librarians Without Borders in Guatemala

Sarah P’s comments:  LWB is an American-based organization which has existed since 2005.  Their goal is ‘to build sustainable libraries and support their custodians and advocates — librarians’ and every year they organize a volunteer trip.

 

Service Trip Description 

Every Spring since 2010 LWB travels to the Miguel Angel Asturias Academy in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala to execute our remote work on the ground, to discuss emerging needs with our partners, and to re-connect with the students and school staff. We invite you to join us and work alongside us this year from April 22 to May 2, 2016.

This year’s work at the Academy will include ongoing collection management activities (cataloguing, processing, and organizing materials) and information literacy/outreach programming for students and teachers. LWB works with Asturias to also provide opportunities for trip participants to engage in activities that will help nurture a comprehensive understanding of libraries, education and culture in Guatemala. Typically trip participants are also given the opportunity to help finalize the last weekend activity (for example, visit scenic Lake Atitlán or trek to one of Guatemala’s volcanic peaks).

Primary Projects

• Continued support of ILS implementation and lending system at the Asturias Academy through collection management support.
• Information literacy and outreach programming targeting all students and levels through multi-day library events.
• Professional development workshops for teachers supporting library integration into the curriculum.

Housing and Food
While in Quetzaltenango (Xela), participants will stay and eat most of their meals at the COFA Catholic Retreat Centre. On the weekends meals are eaten with a local family or at local restaurants. Vegetarian options will be available.

Expectations
All trip volunteers are expected to:

• Attend online meetings (3-4) to discuss projects and receive training on the Asturias Library and the local community context. These meetings are mandatory for all volunteers.
• Join and contribute to a working team before the trip.
• Participate in pre-and post-trip assessments (e.g. evaluation surveys).

Program Fees
The program fee is $1500 CAD* (= ~$1080 USD) for 11 days. This total covers lodging, food, transportation and entrance to all activities within Guatemala, as well as a fundraising fee to support LWB’s Guatemalan programs. Trip participants are responsible for paying their own airfare to and from Guatemala.

There is a $500 CAD non-refundable deposit due by all accepted applicants by March 3. The remainder of the fees ($1000 CAD) can be paid at the same time or by March 10*.

In addition, all trip participants are expected to bring extra spending money for additional purchases such as souvenirs and snacks, as well as occasional meals in Guatemala ($50-100 is adequate).

Important Dates

• Guatemala Information Meeting (online) – February 9
• Application Deadline – February 23
• Successful applicants selected and notified – February 29
• $500 CAD* non-refundable deposit due – March 3
• $1000 CAD* (remainder of program fees) – March 10

*Note: The $1500 CAD may be revised to a new final figure if a significant change in exchange rate occurs. This information would be published by March 3.

How to apply: Submit a completed Volunteer Application to servicetrip2016@lwb-online.org by February 23. Thank you!

Program: Global Education for Librarians and Information Professionals

2.4.16 –

Sarah P’s comments:  Thanks to librarian Ray Pun for letting me know about this upcoming summer study opportunity.  FYI: he attended this program in 2009 and eventually went on to work internationally. It is classed as ‘continuing education’ and the program fee is $3,350 which covers accommodation and meals but not airfare. There are small scholarships available but only for URI students.

 

Dear Colleagues,

The Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, part of the Harrington School of Communication and Media at the University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce its continuing Global Education for Librarians and Information Professionals Program.

GSLIS will offer again Global Information Services (LSC 518) taught by Professor Yan Ma in the summer of 2016. The dates are: June 14 to June 25, 2016. The course will provide students with an opportunity to travel to China to study libraries and information services from ancient to modern times, film studios and film academies, media outlets, and digital archives of visual information.  Such academic institutions in 5 major cities in China include:

Peking University and its Library
The National Library of China
Beijing Film Academy
Shanghai Theatre Academy
Academic, Public, and Special libraries
Hendian, the world’s largest film studio
Meeting with famous Chinese film directors
Cultural tours in each city
And more.

Participants from LIS studies, film majors, communication studies, and other interested students are welcome to take this course. Registration is open to non-URI students as well. The course can be taken either for academic credit (as a 3-credit course, LSC 518) or on a non-credit basis. All are asked to attend all class sessions and academic tours in China. Students getting 3 credits for the course will also complete a research paper after the course ends.

The deadline for application is April 1, 2016. The full payment will be due on May 15, 2016. For more information on the curriculum specific to the Global Education for Librarians and Information Professionals Program, please visit the Website: http://web.uri.edu/international/china-lsc

Or, contact:

Ms. Kelly Watts
Office of International Education
University of Rhode Island
37 Lower College Road
Kingston, RI 02881

1. 401-874-2019
2. kwatts@uri.edu

Professor Yan Ma, Director of the China Program at URI-GSLIS
Graduate School of Library and Information Studies
University of Rhode Island
94 West Alumni Avenue
Kingston, RI 02881  USA
Tel: 401-874-2819
Fax: 401-874-4964
Email: yanma@uri.edu

Travel: ALA-Havana Book Fair Tour

8/18/15 –  ALA-Havana Book Fair Tour

Sarah P’s comments:  Everyone is jumping on board to visit Cuba these days…

Vamos a Cuba! Join the American Library Association on a tour of Cuba during the 25th International Havana Book Fair.

Each February, Havana’s International Book Fair transforms the old Spanish fortification San Carlos de La Cabana that overlooks the Havana harbour into one of the biggest book parties in the world. It takes place in Havana City for 10 days before continuing on to the other cities for two more weeks. The book fair ends in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba.

The festival consists of book vendors, poetry readings, children’s activities, art exhibitions, and concerts in the evenings. It is considered Cuba’s premier cultural event, as well as the event with the highest attendance in Cuba: the XX International Book Fair drew over 2.3 million people to the Capital City!

Authentic Cuba Travel is able to offer U.S. librarians this eight day study tour to Cuba because of a rare political opening in U.S. policy that allows professionals and educational groups to go to Cuba legally as part of Cuba study tours. Do not miss this unique chance! Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis . This trip will be limited to a maximum of 30 people.

ITINERARY

View itinerary – Itinerary is subject to change. Please click on the “BOOK” button to make a reservation.

COSTS

A $300 non-refundable per person deposit would be required to secure hotels and flights. Balance would be due 60 days prior to departure.

GROUND COSTS:

Ground tour cost per person in a group of 20 to 30 paying: $1,959 USD**

Prices are per person based on double room occupancy. All taxes included.

Single Room Supplement (optional): $389 USD

(**Flights from your state to Miami are not included)

 Services Included:

5 nights at Hotel Nacional or similar with breakfast included.

2 nights at Jagua Hotel with breakfast and dinner included.

16 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners included.

Havana International Book Fair Pass.

Luxury air-conditioned coach transportation and professional driver.

All activities, speakers, meetings and meals as described in itinerary except those noted as “optional” or “not included in cost.”

An expert Cuban English speaking guide and translator throughout the program, together with ongoing support from Authentic Cuba Travel’ staff in Cuba and Canada.

Official Asistur Cuban health insurance coverage.

Services NOT Included:

Activities listed as “optional” or “not included in cost” in itinerary.

International airfare to and from Cuba. Flights from your home state to Miami are not included.

Gratuities for Cuban tour guide, bus driver, chambermaids, restaurant staff, porters, etc.

Cuban airport departure tax of 25.00 Cuban convertible pesos.

Optional travel interruption and cancellation insurance.

 HOW TO SIGN UP

Step 1: Go to reservation website.
Step 2: Create an account. Click on ‘Create New’.
Step 3: Log into the account you just created to start a booking form (it is a button you push once you’ve logged into your account)

Deadline: September 15, 2015

Travel: ALA trip to Finland

6/3/15 –  Join ALA President Courtney L. Young in the upcoming delegation to Finland!

Sarah P’s comments:  This seems to be the era of librarian travel…a really great development I think.  The only issue is affording both the fees and the time off.  Therefore, I hope we see a corresponding rise in grants offered for librarians of all nationalities to attend these trips.  For those seeking affordable exchange opportunities check out LIBEX.

 

As the leader of this delegation, president Young invites you to join her and other ALA members to participate in this important international exchange in Helsinki, Finland in October 11-16, 2015.

Finland is noted for having some of the most innovative library communities in the world. It will be a great to learn and share experiences with our Finnish colleagues. You would contribute valued expertise to the team while gaining both personally and professionally from the experience. In addition to visiting cutting edge libraries, you will have the opportunity to meet with leadership of the Finnish Library Association to discuss issues such as:

-Sources of funding and government commitment to library development
-The role of libraries as an educational resource
-Use of technology at all levels
-Education and training for librarians

Travel arrangements will be arranged through Professionals Abroad, a division of Academic Travel Abroad.  The 60-year-old organization handles the logistical arrangements for prestigious organizations, such as National Geographic, The Smithsonian, The New York Times – Times Journeys and many top professional associations and universities

The estimated cost per delegation member is $4,150 ( includes: group ground transportation within Finland, meetings, accommodations in double-occupancy rooms, entry fees for cultural visits, the service of a national guide, and most meals).  A $500 deposit is required to reserve your place on the team.  In the event that you are unable to accept this invitation, an alternate delegate candidate will be invited. You may also recommend a colleague as your alternate for the program. I look forward to hearing from you regarding your participation.

For total cost, requirements and up to date information, please visit the Professionals Abroad site or contact a Program Representative at Professionals Abroad, at .

 

ITINERARY (Please note that the itinerary below is not an exact representation of the final program)

Saturday, October 10
Depart the US on individual flights to Helsinki, Finland.
Sunday, October 11
Arrive in Helsinki and transfer to the hotel. After checking in and some time to freshen up, take a city tour of Helsinki. As both the capital and largest city in Finland, Helsinki is the country’s hub of commerce, politics, culture, and education. In 2012, the Economist ranked Helsinki as one of the top ten most livable cities in the world. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Finnish cuisine at Restaurant Savotta. (Dinner)
Monday, October 12
Attend a briefing this morning with the directors of the Helsinki Finnish Library for an overview of public library policy in Finland. In the afternoon, meet with members of the Finnish Library Association. Established in 1910, the FLA has about 2,000 members. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, October 13
Begin the day with a visit to the University of Helsinki Library. In the afternoon, meet with representatives of Finland’s Swedish Library Association, which aims at supporting the Finland-Swedish identity and culture in libraries. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, October 14
Take an excursion to the village of Sipoo, a small town to the northeast of Helsinki, and visit the town library. Visit Sipoo Old Church, a famous local structure built in the 15th century, anad enjoy a home-cooked meal at a local farm. Continue on to the village of Porvoo, an important trading center from the middle ages and an inspiration to poets and artists for centuries. Tour the old town, including a visit to its famous cathedral, dating from 1418 AD. Return to the city in the evening. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Thursday, October 15
Today is reserved for visiting several libraries in and around Helsinki. We will visit school libraries, public libraries and specialty libraries.
Gather this evening for a farewell dinner at a restaurant downtown. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Friday, October 16
Check out of the hotel this morning to depart for the airport and you individual flights back to the U.S. (Breakfast)

Travel: Join ASCLA in Scotland in October

5/20/15 –  Tour Scotland with ASCLA: October 28 – November 5, 2015
(Association of Specialized and Cooperative Agencies)

ASCLA’s next adventure abroad–a trip to Scotland October 28-November 5th! Seven Nights in Scotland on an author themed tour! From the magical city of Edinburgh, to the capital of the Highlands, the west coast, islands and back to Glasgow, this is Scotland at its most intriguing and fascinating. History, world famous writers, music, and epic scenery will be taken in each day to delight and wonder you to this ancient and wildly beautiful country.

Inclusions:

• 2 Nights in Edinburgh at the Holyrood Hotel
• 2 Nights in Inverness at the Glen Mhor Hotel
• 1 Night in Oban at the Royal Hotel
• 2 Nights in Glasgow at the Indigo Hotel
• Evening Meal at Hotel on Four Nights
• Traditional Scottish Pub Lunch on Two days
• Final Night Scottish Ceili & Dinner in Glasgow
• Edinburgh Old Town Historic Walk
• Entrance to Roselyn Chapel
• Tour of Abbottsford, Sir Walter Scotts Home
• Loch Ness Cruise & Castle Tour
• Glenfinnan Viaduct & Glencoe Valley Tour
• Oban Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting

Participants are responsible for their own airfare.

Check out the itinerary below, then reserve your spot by contacting Debra Burman Gisby, with Frosch at 847.579.9898 or deb.gisby@frosch.com.

Trip Information:
October 28 – November 5, 2015
7 Nights for $2495 Double Occupancy plus airfare (Single supplement for people traveling solo is an additional $395).
We can attempt pair you with another solo traveler if you are interested.
Deposits of $500 for the trip are due June 1, 2015. Remaining balance due September 1, 2015.

A portion of the trip’s proceeds benefit ASCLA, a division of ALA. All those interested in coming along on this exciting trip are welcome to attend regardless of membership status. Click here for an informational brochure.

Questions about the trip or to reserve your spot:
Contact Debra Burman Gisby, with Frosch at 847.579.9898 or email her at: deb.gisby@frosch.com.
 

 

 

 

Travel: Delegation to Vietnam & Cambodia

5/14/15 –  Delegation to Vietnam & Cambodia

Sarah P’s comments:  I originally posted this travel opportunity on 3/23.  Librarian travel trips seem to be the new thing so I have added ‘travel’ as a new category. People to People  is a worthy organization and an opportunity to gain some international exposure and meet other traveling professional however please know that the cost for this program is $5,799.00 per person.  Last fall they offered a trip to India which received good reviews.  Here’s a letter from the delegation leader for this trip:

 

SUBJECT: Still considering Vietnam and Cambodia? Here’s why you need to join me!

As delegation leader for our upcoming journey to Vietnam and Cambodia, I would like to pass along to you what I hope to get out of our trip. As you consider being part of this delegation, know that our team will experience a lot and bring back memories for a lifetime. 

I have enjoyed international travel and interacting with other cultures since I was a Peace Corps. I have found that travel that relates to my passion about and work with libraries is especially meaningful and memorable.  I first traveled with People to People in 1985 when I went to China as a member of a group of library and information professionals.  It was the trip of a lifetime and led me to greater interest in international libraries and travel and gave me new insights into my work in academic and public libraries in the U.S.

I have had the opportunity to travel to countries around the world as part of the work I did at the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois.  From this experience I know that librarians around the world want to learn more about U.S. libraries and welcome international visitors and the opportunity to share ideas.  Libraries in Asia are particularly interesting at this time since they are developing to meet the information needs of their changing communities.

Traveling to both Vietnam and Cambodia will make this trip even more memorable since we will be able to compare and contrast libraries in the two countries.  I have been to Vietnam several times in a professional role and been impressed with the commitment of librarians to the work they are doing.  It is a dynamic country where citizens are increasingly understanding the power of information and libraries.  It will be interesting to return with a group of colleagues where we can share our experiences and learn from Vietnamese colleagues and one another. I very much look forward to visiting and learning about libraries and culture in Cambodia.

People to People provides a wonderful combination of professional interaction and cultural experiences. With strong international contacts, People to People is able to set up a unique program that provides insights into other cultures. In addition to libraries, I look forward to experiencing Angkor Wat which is a UNESCO world heritage center and a site of great interest to people around the world.  You can find additional information about the delegation at www.peopletopeople.com/ala or email me at bjford@illinois.edu

 Call 877.787.2000 to join us! You will not regret it.

Barbara J. Ford

Distinguished Professor Emerita

Mortenson Center for International Library Programs

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library

305 W. University Avenue #2

Champaign, Illinois 61820 USA

Phone: +1-217-377-9472

Email: bjford@illinois.edu