contact us
search
SILS and the Department of Library and Information Science and Book Studies, University of Ljubljana are proud to present the annual summer seminar, Libraries and Librarianship on the Sunny Side of the Alps. Please watch this Web site for more information about the program, which is coming soon!
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 seminar features tours and presentations relating to librarianship in the Republic of Slovenia, the most advanced republic of the former Yugoslavia. Slovenia is located on the southern side of the Julian Alps and is bordered by Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia.
Visits will be made throughout Ljubljana and other communities in Slovenia. Participants will see castles; monasteries; and Prešeren monument in central square (pictured) as well as libraries. On the weekend you can take an optional one-day visit to Vienna.
Co-sponsored by the University of Ljubljana, the seminar is available for academic credit through UNC at Chapel Hill. Participants may earn three hours of graduate credit for attending.
“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,” said Kokotkiewicz.
“Slovenia is truly a treasure unknown to many Americans. 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 so many visitors.” --Dr. Jerry D. Saye, SILS professor and 2003 Fulbright Scholar to Slovenia
Activities
A series of presentations is supplemented by tours of
- Historic Ljubljana
- Bled Castle (pictured)
- Postojna Cave
There also will be opportunities for participants to pursue their own trips to other European cities.
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].
Cost & registration
The registration fee for participants covers housing, some meals and instruction. Airfare to and from the seminar is not included, nor is ground transportation between the airport and the hotel.
Cost: TBD
If you intend to take this course for credit, the UNC Cashier's Office will bill you separately for approximately $200.
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.
To register by check: Please print and fill out the Slovenia 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.
SILS scholarship winners may register by credit card , please complete this online registration form.
Please contact Stephanie Peterson with questions.
Accommodations
Accommodations are in M Hotel, located in a quiet residential area of the city, close to Tivoli Park.
It is only 1.5 km (.9 mi) from the city center and is easily accessible from Celovška Road, which leads to the city center.
Students will have free time during the first weekend to explore further in Slovenia or travel to other European cities.
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.
Academic credit
The seminar is available for 3.0 hours of graduate credit from SILS. Participants are asked to attend all class sessions at Slovenia and complete a research paper after the seminar ends. Participants determine the topic of their papers in consultation with the academic advisor.
Participants will see first-hand how Slovenia, a former communist state and newly independent country since 1991, provides for the information needs of its citizens. As a new member of the European Union, its citizens are challenged by the integration of the countries of Europe.
Please indicate your wish to enroll for credit on your registration form. The UNC at Chapel Hill Cashier's Office will bill you approximately $200. Contact the SILS program coordinator if your institution requires further information about the course.