Registration opens for SILS international programs

If studying abroad is one of your life goals, take advantage of the School of Information and Library Science's international summer seminars.

Registration is now open to anyone interested in being part of the summer seminars in Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia; Prague, Czech Republic; or Oxford, England. The seminars can either be taken for academic credit or on a non-credit basis.

Dr. Barbara Moran, director of international programs, said the seminars offer tremendous opportunities to both students and practitioners.

“Participants learn first-hand about libraries and library service in a different culture. They are able to gain a global perspective on issues facing libraries around the world and come to appreciate that librarians everywhere are linked in a global community of information provision,” Moran said.

Oxford, England
Libraries and Librarianship: Past, Present and Future

SILS has partnered with the University of Oxford to offer the opportunity to study libraries and librarianship in Great Britain at the world-renowned Bodleian Library from May 13 - May 26, 2007. Tours of many of the Oxford College libraries, the Oxford University Press, and the British Library are included.

One of the participants said, "So much happened in those two weeks. The variety of lectures provided me with a wide view of librarianship in the UK. The time spent with fellow library students from so many different places fostered great fellowship and insight. I love libraries and I love England, so it was perfect for me."

Prague, Czech Republic
Libraries and Librarianship in the Czech Republic

Study in the Czech Republic is offered from May 27 - June 9, 2007. Participants will see the libraries and facilities at central Europe's oldest university, Charles University, which was founded in 1348. The lectures provide a broad overview of libraries across the Czech Republic and will be supplemented with tours of libraries and other cultural institutions in Prague and other parts of the Czech Republic.

“The seminar was one of the most interesting and fun experiences of my career as a librarian," said one past participant. "We saw so many amazing libraries, met so many interesting people, learned a great deal of beneficial information, and the group was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this to any library science student or professional librarian. I graduated five years ago and found this very beneficial. Prague and the Czech Republic are beautiful, the professors and students of Charles University are wonderful, and it was a great way to continue my education with regard to librarianship, while learning about another culture and enjoying a bit of vacation in a beautiful place."

Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia
Libraries and Librarianship on the Sunny Sides of the Alps

Offered for the first time in 2005, the Slovenia seminar this year will be held from June 3 - June 16, 2007. SILS partners with the University of Ljubljana's Department of Library Science, Information Science and Book Studies to offer the seminar that includes several tours of libraries and museums, rafting trips, guided tours of the Predjama Castle and the Postojna Cave, and other events.

“Our host, Dr. Alenka Šauperl of the University of Ljubljana, and our guide, Dr. Jerry Saye, planned just the right mix of library visits, education and sight-seeing,” said participant Jane Kokotkiewicz, a library media coordinator in Indianapolis who traveled to Slovenia with SILS. “I was able to connect with a high school librarian in Ljubljana, and together we are planning a literature exchange between our student book clubs. I am looking forward to introducing this wonderful country to my students.”

“Slovenia is truly a treasure unknown to many Americans,” said Dr. Jerry D. Saye, SILS professor and 2003 Fulbright Scholar in Slovenia. “I can recall so many delightful experiences sitting at an outdoor café or pub just enjoying the atmosphere. My first visit to Slovenia for a library conference in 1999 made me want to come back again and again.  I have found that is true for many visitors.”

Registrations for the Oxford, England program must be received by March 1, 2007. Registrations for Slovenia and Prague are due March 15, 2007. The registration process is first-come, first-served, so act quickly to reserve your spot! Visit the international programs page for more details.