The Traveling Librarian

Anything and everything about how to become involved in libraries beyond your doorstep.

The Traveling Librarian

Job: Librarian, Technology Integration Specialist, and Grantwriter

2.24.17 –  Librarian, Technology Integration Specialist, and Grantwriter
Majuro Cooperative School, Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Sarah P’s comments:  The Marshall Islands are where you should go if you want a funky, out-of-it experience.  They are 5,000 miles far anywhere and you will face challenges such as an unmotivated local population, expensive electricity, and the one ATM machine running out of money on weekends.

This position was listed in Feb. 2015 as simply Librarian’ however, I corresponded with the person who applied and eventually secured, the position and know that she was supposed to do some grant-writing as well.  I guess it worked because it is now advertised as three positions rolled into one. A lot of work but it is a small school.

My son attended this school while we worked at the college and it was the usual scenario – well-meaning teachers trying to make a difference in a challenging place.  If you are interested in the South (really it’s North) Pacific then, with the right attitude, this could be a rewarding and unique experience despite some really irksome moments (we certainly found it so).

FYI:  An excellent book to read about life in the Marshall Islands is Surviving Paradise: One Year on a Disappearing Island by Peter Rudiak-Gould who volunteered to teach English on one of the outer atolls for a year.

Majuro Cooperative School is a pre-K to 12th grade school located in Majuro, the capital city of the Marshall Islands. We are seeking adventurous teachers who are looking for a professionally challenging and rewarding teaching experience. This is a great opportunity for someone who would like to begin their career in the international teaching world.

Qualifications:

  • Flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take directions as needed
  • Ability to work with students and their families in a variety of capacities
  • Passionate, organized, collaborative, and flexible.
  • Strong communication and ability to build and maintain relationships with teachers, parents, students and the Coop School community
  • Bachelor’s degree required and teaching certification preferred

Start date:  July 2017

Compensation:

We offer a compensation package based on a 2 year contract. Our compensation package includes: roundtrip airfare to and from your home at the beginning and end of your contract, pay based on experience, housing, and an electricity allowance. Please inquire for additional information regarding compensation.

Job: Library Manager

10.6.16 – Library Manager
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama

Description

The Smithsonian Libraries and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama have an exciting opening for an innovative and experienced Library Manager. The STRI Library headquarters, also known as the Earl Silas Tupper Library in Tropical Biology, is located at Portobello Avenue, Ancón, Panama City, Republic of Panama. The Library supports research, publications, exhibits and public programming of the Institution, as well as those of other museums and research institutions in Central America and Panama.  The successful candidate will have supervisory experience, be fluent in English and Spanish, and have experience in providing library services to the scientific community.  The STRI Library Manager will join colleagues from 21 branches of Smithsonian Libraries to further the Smithsonian’s mission to increase and diffuse knowledge.

The link to apply for the position can be found http://www.stri.si.edu/recruiter/users/jobs.php?id=149

Job: Associate Librarian

7/24/15 –  Associate Librarian (Technical & Collection Services)
Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Sarah P’s comments: This university listed two jobs last year included a University Librarian (Director) position. This is a position with an an established university. Here are links for more info:
Glassdoor Reviews
IELTS Ranking
Top Universities Ranking
Study Abroad Reviews
The University Library invites applications for a creative, forward-thinking, energetic and collaborative Associate Librarian to lead, coordinate, and manage the Library’s Technical & Collection Services Division.  This person will lead the transformative efforts to enhance and streamline Technical & Collection Services processes and services to aim at developing practical solutions and creative problem-solving, workflow analysis, assimilation of multiple perspectives and continual exploration and adoption of new technological skills and tools.

Reporting to, as well as advising and assisting, the University Librarian, the successful candidate will serve as a key member of Library’s senior leadership team and, assume a vital role in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, the coordination and leading of cross-functional project teams for enhancing the services, operations and developing library policies, while overseeing several technical services functions of the Library.

Applicants should possess a recognised degree plus an MLS or equivalent qualification, with at least ten years’ appropriate post-qualification experience in academic libraries, of which at least five years at a managerial level, carrying considerable responsibility.  He/She must be able to demonstrate updated knowledge of academic library resources, systems, services, and trends.  Applicants should also possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to work both independently and collaboratively with a diverse range of people within and outside the Library.  Strong service orientation, ability to manage multiple department operations in a dynamic and changing environment, demonstrated excellent leadership and supervisory skills, solid project management experience, as well as experience performing research, compiling and analysing data, and preparing reports & recommendations are essential.  Excellent communication skills in English are required; additionally, proficiency in written Chinese, spoken Putonghua / Cantonese are desirable.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure:

Applicants are invited to write in response to the requirements and provide an updated curriculum vitae and/or fill in the application form which is obtainable (a) by downloading from http://pers.hkbu.edu.hk/applicationforms; or (b) by fax at 3411-7799; or (c) in person from the Personnel Office, Hong Kong Baptist University, AAB903, Level 9, Academic and Administration Building, 15 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon.  Completed application form should be sent to the same address.  Please quote PR number on all correspondence.  Applicants not invited for interview 4 months after the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful.  Details of the University’s Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at http://pers.hkbu.edu.hk/pics.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions then applicable at the time of offer.

Closing date: 15 October 2016

Job: Systems Librarian

9.26.16 – Systems Librarian
College of the North Atlantic, Qatar Campus, Doha, Qatar

Sarah P’s comments:  The good news about this position is that the search has been opened to nationalities other than Canadian due to the fact that they have been unable to locate a suitably qualified candidate (this news comes Cathleen de Groot, Manager of Library Services at CNA, Qatar.) The position was first advertised in January of this year.

Glassdoor reviews for CNA-Q

Qatar is still a safe place to live but cost of living has risen and there have been increasing restrictions in liquor licensing and segregation of men and women. However having lived in the Middle East I will share that it is a very good lifestyle and it is still possible to have some interesting cultural experiences if you choose go camping outside of the city and/or travel to places like Jordan or Oman.

 

Job Information

The beautiful and culturally progressive State of Qatar is home to the world class post-secondary institution, College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q).  Internationally recognized as a comprehensive technical college, CNA-Q is committed to high quality, student-centered education.  This commitment is reflected through state-of-the-art facilities, accessible and responsive technology programs and strong partnerships with industry.

The college in Qatar is owned by the State but as part of the Comprehensive Agreement, operates as College of the North Atlantic-Qatar. With more than 600 staff and 2,400 students, CNA-Q is one of Qatar’s largest post-secondary institutions. By providing training in a range of technical areas including Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, Industrial Trades, Business Studies and Information Technology, CNA-Q brings the State closer to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

DUTIES:  Working within a team environment, the successful candidate will provide professional assistance in all aspects of a resource library, with specific responsibility for: managing the library’s automated library system and third party open source library software; customization of all ILS modules including acquisitions, serials, circulation, cataloguing, and the online catalogue; maintenance of the library’s website, intranet site, and virtual resources; liaising with the College’s Software Development and IT Departments and external vendors; providing advice and research on best practices in utilizing technology in the provision of library services; and other duties as required.  The library currently uses the Virtua (VTLS) Integrated Library System and the SpringShare web platform.

RequirementsThe successful candidate possesses these qualifications and competencies:

An ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library or Information Science, or equivalent, and experience and knowledge of managing an automated library system (VTLS preferred); library software (MARC and non-MARC metadata standards); and managing electronic resources and databases is required.  Experience in developing websites and using social networking tools with attention to accessibility and usability is also required.  Candidates must have knowledge of emerging technologies and commitment to continuous learning as well as project management skills including systems upgrades and updates.  Experience and knowledge of content and document management software (ie. SharePoint and SpringShare), web-scale discovery services, web proxy servers, and link resolvers is an asset.  Experience working in an academic library, as well as with outreach, training, and instruction is preferred.  Analytical skills, organizational skills and the ability to work independently is essential.  Candidates must demonstrate exemplary communication and interpersonal skills and expert fluency in English. Effective problem solving skills, an ability to work in a team and learner centered environment, and the ability to develop effective working relationships across all levels of the organization are also required. Intercultural competence including intercultural sensitivity and adaptability, and the ability to conduct oneself appropriately and effectively in another culture, are essential.  Knowledge of technical services and the CNA system and its programs will be considered assets.

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the State of Qatar visa process.


News: School Librarian Recruiting Fairs 2016-2017

9.24.16 – Upcoming Recruiting Fairs
The International Educator, Sept. 24, 2016

Sarah P’s comments: Here is TIE’s list of recruiting fair dates for this year. If you are interested in pursuing this kind of library opportunity, I recommend you join The International Educator (they post jobs) and International School Reviews as well as read my book.  Note: the fairs are moving earlier each year – the first is now in November!

 

To register for a recruitment fair, please contact the sponsoring agency directly. We have provided links to their websites where you will find much more information about each event. Please be aware of deadlines for registration, and prepare as far ahead as possible.

November 18-20, 2016 Bangkok, Thailand | Search Associates Leadership Fair
Tel: +902 753 6006
http://www.search-associates.com

December 4-6, 2016 Atlanta, Georgia- USA | ISS Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (609) 452-0990
http://www.iss.edu

December 9-11, 2016 Toronto, Canada | Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +902 753 6006
http://www.search-associates.com

January 3-6, 2017 Melbourne, Australia | Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600
http://www.search-associates.com

January 5-8, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand | ISS Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (609) 452-0990
http://www.iss.edu

January 8-11, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand | Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600
http://www.search-associates.com

January 13-16, 2017 London, U.K. | Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600
http://www.search-associates.com

January 19-22, 2017 London, England | CIS Teacher Recruiting Fair
+31 (0) 71 524 3300
http://www.cois.org/

January 20-22, 2017 Hong Kong, China | Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600
http://www.search-associates.com

January 26-29, 2017 Cambridge, MA -USA | Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600
http://www.search-associates.com

January 27-29, 2017 Kingston, Ontario – Canada Queens University Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (613) 533-6222
http://educ.queensu.ca/torf

February 3-5, 2017 Waterloo, IA – USA University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Overseas Recruting
Tel: +1 (319) 273-2083
http://www.uni.edu/placement/overseas

February 8-10, 2017 San Francisco, CA- USA ISS Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (609) 452-0990
http://www.iss.edu

February 10-13, 2017 San Francisco, CA – USA Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600
http://www.search-associates.com

February 23-25, 2017 Dubai, UAE Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600

March 9-12, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600
http://www.search-associates.com

April 21-23, 2017 London, U.K. Search Associates Teacher Recruiting Fair
Tel: +1 (570) 696-4600
http://www.search-associates.com

 

 

Job: K-12 Librarian

9.20.16 – K-12 Library Media Specialist
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Sarah Prescott’s comments:  Aramco has been around since the 1950’s and has one of the longest established international school systems. Traditionally they offered great pay and benefits and life on the compound(s) was very pleasant if a bit staid. Lately, however there are reports of cutbacks on the benefits and also rumors that the education system will soon be outsourced.  Aramco has always hired via the agencies and hiring fairs: International Schools Services (ISS); Search Associates; TIE (The International Educator); and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). However, they do now let you apply directly online…see above link.

Life in Saudi Arabia is challenging in some ways due to traffic and travel restrictions (women not driving, etc.) but as you are living on the compound, these annoyances do not usually directly affect your life. It’s a situation of can you happily live a life like this?  A lot depends on your situation.  We went to Saudi when our children were very young and it was a good lifestyle. If you are single however it might be boring (and traditionally they have tended to prefer to hire couples and/or families).


Req Number: 13390BR

Position Description:
Saudi Aramco is currently seeking a Library Media Specialist Teacher to work in the Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools Division in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools (SAES) is a well-established American curriculum school owned and operated by Saudi Aramco that opened its doors in 1944 as a one-room schoolhouse. Today, the district is comprised of six schools in four beautiful residential communities that enroll over 4,200 expatriate children who represent more than 80 nationalities. Employees of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company enjoy a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, generous vacation schedule, and a family-friendly lifestyle. SAES strives to be a preeminent school system where students achieve their maximum potential in a culture of continuous improvement. In support of this vision, SAES is seeking highly qualified, accomplished, passionate, and collaborative educators who love to work with children, aspire to learn and grow, and eager to embark on a life-changing opportunity.

Minimum Requirements:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree with specialization in appropriate subject/grade and hold a valid North American teaching certificate/license that reflects relevant endorsement(s).

A minimum of six years of full-time experience in a preK-12 school setting is required. Candidates must have worked full-time in an educational setting within the past three years.

Candidates must demonstrate an excellent command of oral and written English. Candidates must demonstrate successful capacity to work collaboratively, as well as independently. Membership in professional organizations preferred.

Duties & Responsibilities:
SAES Library Media Specialists work collaboratively to deliver an effective library media program utilizing adopted and approved materials and resources that will support district-wide literacy learning and development. SAES librarians will maintain systems and procedures for effective, ethical, and safe use of the library’s online and physical resources, facilities, and collections. Library Media Specialists adhere to their professional organization code of conduct and research based educational practice. In addition, Library Media Specialists are responsible for nurturing positive professional relationships and for working collaboratively with students, parents, and colleagues to optimize the educational experience for the entire learning community. Library Media Specialists perform under the supervision of school principals and in frequent partnership with other educators, paraprofessionals, and parent volunteers.

Among other essential responsibilities, Library Media Specialists:

Design and deliver an effective library media program within SAES guidelines
Inspire patrons to read for pleasure and to explore literacy genres. Collaborate with teachers to integrate information literacy into instruction. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of content, pedagogy, and learning processes. Deliver effective instruction to support SAES curriculum as needed. Ensure effective operation and administration of library management system. Maintain accurate records of library usage and inventories of equipment. Exhibit and monitor safe, legal, and ethical use of media and information. Develop and maintain a collection that supports the SAES curriculum and patron needs. Uphold and enforce Company and School Board policies, administrative procedures, school rules and regulations
Engage actively in ongoing regional, district, school and independent professional learning and development to hone professional knowledge, skills, abilities.

Benefits:

Job: School Librarian (2)

9.15.16 – Two positions: Elementary & Secondary Librarian
American Community School, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sarah P’s comments: It’s September and here are the first of the season’s school positions for next year (2017-2018).  If you are interested in pursuing a position as an international school librarian now is the time to polish your resume and submit paperwork to a recruiting agency.  In order to apply for these positions you will need to join The International Educator (where these are listed) and/or an agency as well.  I always recommend joining International School Reviews as well, an invaluable source of inside information about various international schools.  For more on the hiring process of international school librarians please read Chapter 3 of my book and/or visit the Chapter 3 Resources listed.

About this school: ACS is a well-established top-tier school however has recently gone through some changes which have been discussed in the ISR reviews. Abu Dhabi is a safe, modern city but housing is an issue because the school is located on the bottom of the island near the Corniche where things are both crowded and expensive. Interesting that both positions are open and this early. I would ask about why that is so if interviewed.

Description:  PreK-12 co-ed day school serving over 60 nationalities in the residential area of Abu Dhabi.

Age Limit:  65

Other:  Please see the following web sites for openings: http://www.tieonline.com; http://www.iss.edu; http://www.acs.sch.ae

Salary:  The Director of HR will provide salary information.

Benefits:  round trip transportation, housing, professional development, health, dental and disability insurance, annual home leave, end of service bonus, shipping.

Qualifications:  A Masters degree with minimum of 4 years experience as a librarian.

Additional materials: Letter of application, resume and contact information for references

Interviews: Interviews will be held via email and Skype

Application Deadline:  Please send the required materials by October 1

Other:  Please visit our website http://www.acs.sch.ae to learn more about our learning community

 

Job: IBDP Librarian & ESL Teacher

9.8.16 – IBDP Librarian & ESL Teacher
Chengdu Shude High School, Chengdu, China

Sarah P’s comments:  The season for international school librarians is about to begin however here is a position which is slated to start in January so it is being posted a little early.  If you are trying to gain international experience, this is a break-in position however I am always leery of combined positions so please ask for a precise job description if you decide to apply. This listing comes from TIE (which you should join) however read the links below for more information about this school. In a few weeks I will be posting my annual message about international school librarian recruiting however, in the meantime, to learn more, please read Chapter 3 in my book and/or check out the links on the Resources page.

Chengdu Shude High School Wikipedia article
International School Reviews Forum

Description:

Established in 1929, Chengdu Shude High School has been long reputed as one of the top three high schools in Sichuan Province. Since 2002,the school has started her exploration in international education. Up until now, over 2100 graduates have been admitted to famous universities around the globe. As one of the pioneering IB world schools in southwest China, the school was authorized to offer the DP in January 2012.Because of the highly selective screening process, the admitted students into the DP program do not only possess good academic competence but impressive working ethic to challenge the most demanding curriculum. Besides IBDP, the school also offers AP and VCE courses to the students.

The school is located in the east of Chengdu, hometown of lovely giant pandas and a city renowned for its congenial climate and relaxing life. For more details of the school, please visit: http://www.sdgj.com/EnHome.aspx.

Age Limit: 65
Responsibilities:
1. Write a teaching plan for the course at the beginning of each semester;
2. Write a detailed lesson plan for each class;
3. Communicate with the students and answer their questions;
4. Check the students’ homework;
5. Give demo classes;
6. Write progress and feedback reports about the students’ performance monthly;
7. Attend staff meeting and seminars;
8. Offer ideas about the development of the curriculum;
9. Complete other related work assigned.

Teaching condition:
Number of classes per week: 16-20 Classes/week,40 minutes/class;
Student level: high school students (15-18 years old).

Requirements:
In good health, no crime record;
No more than 65 years old;
Native English speaker or excellent English pronunciation and excellent command of the English language;
Integrated subject bachelor degree or higher are desired;
Teaching certificates;
At least 2 years’ teaching experience in the relevant subject;
Possessing good classroom management skills;
Good interpersonal skills and personality;
Enthusiastic, responsible, collaborative and dedicated;
Energetic, strong appeal of live performance;
An ability to work well with students and colleagues.

Salary and Benefits
Monthly Salary:
15,000–25,000 RMB (after taxes),12 months a year.
Benefits:
1. 2,000 RMB’s monthly accommodation allowance (enough to rent a furnished two-bedroom apartment) .
2. 8,000—10,000 RMB’s transportation allowance per year.
3. Assistance to get working visa, residence permit and reimbursement of the fees.
4. Free airport-pick up.

Interested applicants please email your documents(Resume; Photo; Visa Passport and Degree Copy ) to my Email:f-teacher_2@cdhuaying.com.Don’t forget to add the name of the position you are applying for.

Job: Specialist in Bibliographic Data Production

9.6.16 –  Specialist in Bibliographic Data Production
ISSN International Centre, Paris, France

The ISSN International Centre (www.issn.org<http://www.issn.org> ; 45 rue de
Turbigo, 75003) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1975,
under a treaty signed between UNESCO and France.

Its main activities are:
– Updating and enhancing the ISSN Register, the standardized and
international database of serial print and online publications,
– Coordinating the activities of the 89 ISSN national centres worldwide which
share bibliographic data with the ISSN International Centre,
– Assigning ISSN and creating descriptive data for international
organisations’ publications and publications produced in countries without
any ISSN national centre,
– Marketing the ISSN Register (portal.issn.org) and related services such as
ROAD Directory of Open Access Scholarly Resources (road.issn.org).

The ISSN International Centre is seeking a Specialist (m/f) in Bibliographic
Data Production with a first higher education degree in Library and
Information Science and 3-year experience in a related position.

The appointee will be responsible for:

– Assigning ISSN numbers and producing bibliographic records to
resources (print and online) in the scope of ISO standard 3297-ISSN;
– Managing relationships with publishers and other stakeholders
requesting the services of the ISSN International Centre for the
identification of publications;
– Participating in projects, notably in cooperation with IT
department and/or sales department, to improve the ISSN International
register and develop new services and functionalities;
– Providing expertise, support and training to ISSN users and to
members of the ISSN Network.

He/She may participate in other activities of the Data, Network and Standards
Department, as requested by the Head of Department, notably on
standardisation issues.

For more information, and to apply, please visit http://www.issn.org/career/ .

Ms Gaëlle BEQUET
Director
ISSN International Centre

Job: Reference & Instruction Librarian

9.2.16 – Reference & Instruction Librarian
Library and Learning Commons, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sarah P’s comments: Zayed has been considered one of the better colleges to work for in the UAE however in recent years their reputation has slipped a bit.  They have always had sporadic hiring practices; interviewing then no communication, it appearing that a job is likely and then no contract, etc.

Dubai is a new, crazy city with lots of traffic but it is interesting and the Emirates remain a safe to live.  Be prepared for more expats than Arab nationals and watch the low oil prices because this is affecting the economy.

Zayed University Library and Learning Commons seeks a creative and enthusiastic librarian to join our staff as a Reference and Instruction Librarian with a focus on outreach. The successful candidate will participate in our information literacy program, serve at our reference desk, and act as a liaison to selected Colleges, developing the monograph collection and supporting researchers in those disciplines. The Reference and Instruction Librarian will also take a lead role in the Library’s outreach efforts, coordinating orientations and serving on the Marketing and Publicity Team.

For the full position announcement and to apply, please visit the Employment link on our homepage at http://zu.ac.ae or link directly to the announcement at:  http://tinyurl.com/r-ilibdxb

Zayed University, one of three higher education institutions supported by the federal government of the United Arab Emirates, provides high quality education in English for over 9000 Emirati students, predominantly female, at our two campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. ZU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The University offers salaries that are tax-free in the UAE and a benefits package inclusive of housing allowance, health insurance, yearly travel to your home country and more. Dubai is a vibrant modern city between the desert and the sea, with year-round warm weather and a high standard of living.

 

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