Webinar: Cuba Library Exchange Program

5.1.17 –

The ACRL International Perspectives Discussion Group will be hosting another webinar before the ALA Annual. Here’s the program and info:

Title: The ALA Cuba Library Exchange Program

Date/Time: 5/15, Monday, 9 am PST / 12 pm EST

Webinar Link: https://acrl.webex.com/acrl/onstage/g.php?MTID=e08d4197aeb8efd32f000aa0da6ead9cd

Summary: Interested in hearing about Cuba and its library services? Join us for this presentation to hear from a few librarians who went to Cuba recently to participate in ALA’s Exchange program and visited national, public and school libraries and Cuba’s International Book Fair in February 2017! If you are planning to go to Cuba in the future, you may find this webinar to be helpful! Webinar will also be recorded.

Speakers: Nancy Coradin, Coordinator, Multi-language Collections and Services

Westchester Library System; Diana Lennon, Librarian II, Spanish Speaking, Greenburgh Public Library

Job: Senior Library Technician

12.8.16 – Senior Library Technician
MWR Fund, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Sarah P’s comments: Here is a rare international opportunity which does not require a MLS. MWR stands for Morale, Welfare and Recreation Resources. This job is not listed on USAJobs which is the usual site for government jobs. FYI: USA citizens only.

DescriptionThe incumbent is responsible to train new staff in circulation and technical services procedures and processes. Devises and adapts various search strategies within the library’s holdings and utilizes online databases and CD-ROM resources to provide reference services to customers. Performs descriptive cataloging which does not involve extensive searching or long descriptions by modifying existing records to match items on hand. Assists the supervisory librarian in developing the library marketing plan. Develops publicity and marketing materials for review and approval. Administers and produces library programs, including youth services programs and prepares and after-action report and evaluation and to do so in a timely manner. Independently carries out assignments. May be required to oversee daily functions of the library in the absence of the supervisory librarian. The incumbent is responsible for training lower grade staff in library circulation and technical service policies and procedures. Accurately performs descriptive cataloging. Uses varied and advanced functions of word processing to prepare, format, modify, edit and print a variety of letters, memos and other text documents. Receives and transmits electronic mail and attachments. Accurately and in a timely manner, resolves circulation and technical services problems and deviations. Performs other related duties as assigned.

RequirementsSpecific knowledge of library rules, policies and procedures for circulation and technical service. Must be able to read, write and speak English. Must have computer experience or training in computer applications such as Windows, Word, Excel, Access and the Internet. Strong typing skills are required; must be able to type 40 words per minute. Work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; recurring activities such as bending, crouching, stooping, stretching and reaching; and pushing loaded book trucks; and recurring lifting of moderately heavy items. Must be able to reach up to 72 inches with or without the assistance of a step stool. Must possess skill in working with peers and with the public.

Job Information

• Location: Guantanamo Bay, Guantanamo Bay, 09593, Cuba
• Job ID: 31587743
• Posted: November 30, 2016
• Position Title:Senior Library Technician
• Company Name:MWR Fund
• Library Type:Government (Federal/State) Library
• Job Category:Technical Services
• Job Type:Full-Time
• Job Duration: 1-2 Years
• Min Education: H.S. Diploma/Equivalent
• Min Experience: 1-2 Years
• Required Travel: 0-10%
• Salary: $25,000.00 – $34,000.00 (Yearly Salary)

Internship: Librarian

3.29.16 –  Librarian Intern
HELP Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Sarah P’s comments:  They list this as an internship but it could also come under the category of volunteer.  Nice that travel, housing and living expenses are provided.  I would love to do this opp however note that both English and French (or Creole) are required.  I think this will be a popular posting but you might try applying anyway (and quickly studying French) if you have the required KOHA experience because they need someone fairly quickly.

Position: Librarian (Volunteer – travel, housing and living stipend provided)
Location: HELP Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Department: Student Affairs
Supervisor: Deputy Country Director
Duration: Eight weeks during the summer of 2016

Overview of the Position : HELP is seeking a French or Haitian-Creole speaking Library Science student or graduate who would supervise the overall classification of the HELP library. The focus is on migrating the entire library (approximately 3000 books) from an Excel spreadsheet to a Koha Integrated Library System (ILS). The HELP Library is a major service provided to students that allows them to have the necessary materials they need for their university classes and related research. By establishing a professional ILS (Koha), HELP staff and students will be able to more efficiently use the library resources.

Summary of Responsibilities : Below are the major responsibilities and tasks, in order of priority, related to this position. Please note that this summary is not exhaustive.

A- Establish a systematic process for cataloguing all the books in the HELP library and those used by the HELP Academic Department into Koha
B- Train and supervise HELP student interns focusing on ILS data entry.
C- Provide general library management training to select HELP staff and students.
D- Provide recommendations to HELP for other library resources that would be useful for our students and staff and ideas on how those might be integrated into HELPs existing systems.

Minimum Qualifications :

– Education: Current MLS/MLIS/MSIS student or graduate..

– Work experience: Experience with data entry for Cataloging with an Integrated Library Systems (Koha experience preferred). You should be familiar with copy of records from other systems as well as creating new ones where no other accessible system has the book. Note: this library will be organized using Dewey Decimal.

– Essential skills: Ability to teach and supervise others. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to stay focused on task with many interesting distractions in close proximity.

– Language(s): English and either French or Haitian Creole are required.

Duration:  The maximum length of this assignment is 2 months (preferably June and July 2016), however for the right candidate it is possible this could be a shorter commitment. The intern can end at either the end of two month or after the key goals have been met and the staff feels able to take over.

Benefits:  HELP will provide airfare to and from Haiti, housing near its office in Pacot, Port-au-Prince, and a $600/mo stipend to help cover other expenses.

 

How to apply:

Email CV and Cover letter to awalsh@uhelp.net

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

Job: Library Technician (Senior)

11/21/14 – Library Technician (Senior)
US Naval Station, MWR Library, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Sarah P’s comments:  OK, here is one I have never seen before.  I suspect it is for US citizens only (thought the ad did not specify) and single status but interesting to say the least.

Library Technician Senior, NF-1411-03

Announcement Number:

2014-026

Department:

Library

Location:

Cuba

Position Status:

Regular, Full Time

Salary:

$25,000.00 – $36,000.00 Yearly

Areas of Consideration:

Worldwide

Relocation Expenses:

Authorized

Opening Date:

11/18/2014

Closing Date:

12/01/2014

Location: Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Introduction:

This position is located at the Library, which is a part of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The best candidate for this position is highly motivated, customer service oriented, can work in a fast -paced environment while meeting multiple deadlines with little to no supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring all circulation and technical service operations, and resolves problems and deviations. Trains new staff in circulation and technical services procedures and processes. Evaluates circulation and technical service policies, procedures, and processes and recommends improvements. Devises and adapts various search strategies within the library’s holding and utilizes online databases and CD-ROM resources to provide reference services to customers. Answers more in-depth or difficult questions that require the use of outside sources. Performs descriptive cataloging which does not involve extensive searching or long descriptions by modifying supervisory librarian in developing the library marketing plan. Develops publicity and marketing materials. Administers library programs, including youth services programs, and prepares and after-action report and evaluation.

May be required to oversee daily functions of the library in the absence of the supervisory librarian. Resolves circulation and technical services problems and deviations. Effectively trains lower grade staff in library circulation and technical service policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements:

Specific knowledge of library rules, policies, and procedures for circulation and technical service. Must be able to read, write, and speak English. Must have computer experience or training in computer applications such as Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and the Internet. Strong typing skills are required; must be able to type 40 words per minute. Work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, recurring lifting of moderately heavy items. Must be physically able to frequently lift boxes of up to 40 pounds. Must be able to reach up to 72 inches with or without the assistance of a step stool. Successful completion of a National Agency Check is required. Must possess skill in working with peers and with the public.

Evaluation: Candidates will be evaluated on quality and nature of the experience pertinent to the position. Applications must show sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the full range of duties of

Library Technician.

This position may require the incumbent to drive a vehicle around the installation; therefore a valid drivers license is required.

How to Apply:  Electronic submissions of resume, OF 306, and additional documents, as well as any inquiries can be sent to personnel@gtmo-mwr.org. You may also fax your documents to commercial 011-5399-4378.

A current valid passport is required for this position.