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DEGREES & PROGRAMS

SILS, Oxford University and its Department of Continuing Education are proud to present the 16th annual “Libraries and Librarianship: Past, Present and Future” seminar. The 2008 program will be offered May 11 - May 24, 2008.

International programs are open to all students and professionals, not just students at UNC Chapel Hill. Librarians at all stages of their careers have participated and enjoyed these programs in the past and are welcome to participate.

This two-week summer seminar offers an opportunity to study the history of librarianship at England's world-renowned Bodleian Library (pictured), one of the greatest research centers in the world. Offered annually since 1992, this seminar examines libraries and librarianship in Great Britain. Participants may earn three hours of graduate credit for attending.

“Going to on this trip to Oxford was one of the best decisions of my life! I learned so much about libraries, British culture, and myself."

"The folks at Oxford are knowledgeable and very kind. I also met wonderful people from all parts of the United States and Canada."

"Visiting the Bodleian, the oldest library in the English speaking language, should be on every librarians do list!"

"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."

"I wish I could do this every year! Interesting sessions, great people, a fascinating location, with comfortable accommodations and tasty food -- it was a wonderful working vacation."

—past Oxford participants

Activities

A series of presentations is supplemented by tours of

There also will be opportunities for participants to pursue their own projects and to meet relevant specialists currently working at the Bodleian Library.

For an example of a past schedule (this year's program will not be exactly the same and is subject to change), please see this sample schedule [PDF].

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Cost & registration

Registration: The registration fee for participants covers housing, food and instruction. Airfare to and from the seminar is not included, nor is ground transportation between London and Oxford.

Cost: The price for this year's seminar includes:

If you intend to take this course for credit, the UNC Cashier's Office will bill you separately for approximately $250.

A guest is defined as someone who accompanies you on the trip (usually a spouse) but does not participate in any of the instructional sessions and most tours. Room and board is included in the guest registration fee.

Payment: Acceptable forms of payment include credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) and check. Full payment at the time of registration is required to reserve your spot.

Cancellation policy: A monetary penalty will be charged to those cancelling their registrations:
• Cancellation requests received on or before March 1 – $50 cancellation fee.
• Requests received March 2 – March 31– 30% penalty.
• Requests received April 1 – April 30 – 60% penalty.
• Requests received on or after May 1 – no refund.

To register by check: Please print and fill out the Oxford Summer Seminar registration form. Return it, along with your payment, to the address on the form.

To register by credit card: Please fill out the online credit card registration form.

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Accommodations

Accommodations are in Rewley House, located in Wellington Square, a quiet area close to the center of Oxford. Rewley House is also the home of the Department for Continuing Education and Kellogg College.

Oxford participants will live within walking distance of the Bodleian Library and have the opportunity to learn about its collections. Students will have free time during the second weekend to explore further in Oxford or travel to other parts of England.

All accommodations are non-smoking. Access to all but two of the bedrooms involves the use of stairs. There are frequent times during the seminar when participants will be walking and elevators are seldom available. If you have a mobility and/or dietary concern please indicate this on your registration form and contact the SILS program coordinator so that we can advise you on how we will be able to meet your needs.

Double and single study-bedrooms are available, and each bedroom has its own bath with tub, shower and hair dryer. Linens are provided. A receptionist is on duty from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and a resident porter is on call at night. The dining room provides all meals, and every effort is made to cater to special dietary needs. Morning coffee and afternoon tea are served in the Common Room, where daily newspapers are also available.

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Academic credit

The seminar is available for 3.0 hours of graduate credit from SILS. Participants are asked to attend all class sessions at Oxford and complete a research paper after the seminar ends. Participants determine the topic of their papers in consultation with the academic advisor.

Participants learn about academic libraries and librarianship in Britain, the role of the British Library, the public library sector in England, digitization and information technology developments in the Bodleian. Areas such as preservation, conservation and collection development policies are presented from both the Oxford and British national viewpoints.

Please indicate your wish to enroll for credit on your registration form. The UNC at Chapel Hill Cashier's Office will bill you approximately $250. Contact the SILS program coordinator if your institution requires further information about the course.

Financial Aid

FOR UNC SILS STUDENTS ONLY

Leading book distributor Baker & Taylor offers an award that covers the cost of the seminar (one shared accommodation for one student; only UNC at Chapel Hill SILS graduate students are eligible).

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