We will explore an innovative professional development initiative for librarians inspired by undergraduate study abroad programs and visiting professorships. Strategic international academic exchanges offer professional development for librarians, the cross-pollination of ideas and best-practices for libraries, and the opportunity to cultivate international relationships for librarians, faculty, staff and students. This session will explore how to find and cultivate those international opportunities, how to make the case for international exchanges to senior administration, and design those exchanges in such a way that ensures maximum impact for all participants. We will also discuss how to leverage best practices to ensure a valuable exchange experience. Using librarian exchanges between Toronto and Innsbruck and Toronto and Brisbane as case studies, this session will help participants make the case for an exchange, design a valuable experience for both participants, and to effectively share that value upon returning to their home institution.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session participants can:
1. Find and cultivate international partnerships for professional development.
2. Make the case for international exchanges and design an exchange that ensures value to all participants.
3. Leverage best practices to ensure a valuable exchange experience.
