IRRT International Connections and Networking Committee

Statement of Role, Purpose, and Function

The IRRT International Connections Committee, formally Exchanges Committee, has as its purpose to collect information about library professionals and libraries worldwide seeking to establish study visits and exchange programs; to disseminate information to librarians about opportunities to enrich and broaden their career experience and the library profession by developing intercultural perspectives; to share educational and cultural interests, achievements, and developments in libraries and thus assist in the development of the profession and of friendly and peaceful relations with countries throughout the world.

2023 Best Practices from World Libraries Photo Gallery

The International Connections Committee (ICC) of the International Relations Round Table (IRRT) at the American Library Association (ALA) presents the “Best Practices from World Libraries” photo gallery, a presentation of selected photographs from around the world, which feature library projects and programs that best demonstrate this year’s IRRT Presidents theme: The New Normal for Libraries Around the Globe.

This collection of photographs has been curated by the International Relations Round Table (IRRT) International Connections Committee. The project idea comes from 2018 IRRT Emerging Leaders’ Project: Towards Increasing Engagement of International New Professional Leaders in ALA Activities, which identified “sharing innovative services and best practices” and “promoting the concept of a global community of libraries” as the highest priorities.

We believe the photographs selected best illustrate libraries’ innovative services and impact in building strong communities around the world. These images demonstrate ALA’s core values of librarianship in promoting democracy, diversity, social responsibility, lifelong learning and professionalism, and embrace what Dr. Michael Stephens called “the heart of librarianship” in pursuing “attentive, positive and purposeful change”.

All questions about this project can be directed to Sarah Sogigian at sarah@masslibsystem.org

Previous years:
ALA-IRRT International Connections

Documents

• Guide to Being a Global Librarian (PDF)
• International Opportunities and Funding Sources for Librarians
• Foundations and Organizations Supporting International Exchanges and/or Short-term Travel
• Preparing for International Travel and Exchanges
• International Employment Opportunities for Librarians
• International Job Exchange: Bibliography
• Voices of Exchange

Chair

Members

Committee Roster (Full contact information requires log in).

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