IRRT International Connections 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

2020 ALA Annual in Chicago, IL

Program: Leaning International: stories from the field

The IRRT  International  Connections Committee asked librarians who have worked abroad, in academic, school, government, public, or special libraries, to speak about their experiences on the Leaning International: stories from the field panel. The panel was held at ALA Virtual Conference .

Panel Description: For information professionals in all stages of their career who are interested in working internationally, this annual program hosted by IRRT’s International Connections Committee features American librarians discussing their own unique international experiences.  Sessions are split between prepared topics and audience Q&A time.  These interactive events have included such diverse topics as leveraging networks to find work abroad, pre-departure language and etiquette training, adapting to regional librarianship as well as cultural standards, the practicalities of life overseas, and more!

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

2017 ALA Annual Conference-Chicago: Leaning International: Stories from the Field

For MLS students through seasoned information professionals interested in working internationally, this annual program hosted by IRRT’s International Connections Committee features American librarians discussing their own unique international experiences.  Sessions are split between prepared topics and audience Q&A time.  These interactive events have included such diverse topics as leveraging networks to find work abroad, pre-departure language and etiquette training, adapting to regional librarianship as well as cultural standards, the practicalities of life overseas, and more!

2016 ALA Annual Conference -  Orlando: Leaning International: Stories from the field

Description: For MLS students through seasoned information professionals interested in working internationally, this annual program hosted by IRRT’s International Connections Committee featured American librarians discussing their own unique international experiences.  Sessions were split between prepared topics and audience Q&A time.  These interactive events  included such diverse topics as leveraging networks to find work abroad, pre-departure language and etiquette training, adapting to regional librarianship as well as cultural standards, the practicalities of life overseas, and more!  

2015 ALA Annual Conference Activities - San Francisco: Leaning International: Recipes from the Field

Description: For MLS students through seasoned information professionals interested in working internationally, this annual program hosted by IRRT’s International Connections Committee features American librarians discussing their own unique international experiences.  Discussions are split between prepared topics and audience Q&A time.  These interactive sessions have included such diverse topics as leveraging networks to find work abroad, pre-departure language and etiquette training, adapting to regional librarianship as well as cultural standards, the practicalities of life overseas, and more! This annual program hosted by IRRT’s International Connections Committee features American librarians speaking about their own unique international experiences. 
Speakers: (Click on each name to view presentation) Rebecca L. Miller, Senior Research Officer at Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit; Catherine Shreve, Librarian for Public Policy & Political Science, Perkins Library, Duke University; Elly Shodell, Oral Historian Director of Local History Center, Port Washington Public Library, Ray Pun, ALA Emerging Leader 2014, Reference and Research Services Librarian, New York University Shanghai Library, Jim Agee, University Librarian, American University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

2014 ALA Annual Conference - Las Vegas: Leaning International...Recipes from the field

Description: Are you an MLS student or a recent graduate interested in working internationally? Are you seriously considering it? Do you want to get a recipe on how to prepare for this challenging and exciting opportunity? From service-learning project in Sao Tome to exciting library jobs in China and Kazakhstan…Come and hear first-hand from people who will share their real-life experiences and help you to go in the right direction.

Speakers: Martin Wolske, Center for Digital Inclusion (CDI), GSLIS UIUC; Sara Margaret Rizzo, Nazarbayev University Library, Astana, Kazakhstan; Samuel Charles Boss, Guangzhou Public Library, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

• Program (PDF file)

Chairs

Members

Committee Roster (Full contact information requires log in).

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