This document discusses opportunities for new librarians to gain international experience. It defines what an international librarian is, explores reasons to gain international experience such as learning from other cultures and expanding one's network, and provides suggestions on how to do so through options like working overseas, researching foreign library scenes, or taking a secondment in another country. The document also notes that gaining an international perspective can help when returning home and that cultural experiences abroad may involve culture shock or its reverse form.
2. What is an international librarian?
In the US: a foreigner
In the UK: a professional with a well-known reputation
Or someone who is interested in libraries around the
world and the people who use them
Lor, P. 2005. What’s so international about international librarianship? http://
www.uwm.edu/Dept/SLIS/about/news/events/peterlorpaper.pdf
3. Why?
To learn from other cultures
To expand your network
To develop cooperative partnerships
To help develop overseas initiatives
4. How?
Working overseas is one option
Research the library scene and make
connections
What will happen when you get home?
Keep in touch with colleagues at home
Me: secondment to the Netherlands
