Professional study tours for UK library professionals to the US and Commonwealth

Closing date for 2013-14 applications: Friday 26 April, 2013 

Run in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, the Travelling Librarian Award builds relationships between library and information professionals in the UK and their counterparts in the US and across the Commonwealth through a professional development study tour. 

Details

The award of £3000 covers flights and some accommodation in the US. Normally the visits last 2-3 weeks and take place during the autumn. The successful candidate will be free to put together their own programme of visits (although help and advice will be available). Where possible, she or he will be encouraged to take up hospitality with ESU branches in the US and international ESUs across the Commonwealth. 

The full list of Commonwealth countries.  

How to apply

To be eligible to apply, candidates must be:

a) UK library and information professionals and;

b) a member of CILIP at time of application. 

Candidates are invited to apply by email with a CV and supporting letter to education@esu.org.

Applications will also be accepted by post: Education Department, ESU, Dartmouth House, London W1J 5ED.

The supporting letter should outline the intended country (and region/cities if applicable), focus of the study tour and potential relevant institutions. 

All candidates will be informed of the result, and shortlisted candidates invited to interview in London on Friday 24 May, 2013. 

On return, the successful candidate will be expected to give some presentations and produce a short report. Usually, a Travelling Librarian reception is held each year when the most recent recipient has the opportunity to make a short presentation on their study visit. Past recipients have found the study tour a rewarding personal and professional experience which has often helped to advance their career.  For further information please visit CILIP's website.  

2012 Recipient

George Roe is Senior Indexer at the House of Commons Library and studied how libraries in the United States enriched the democratic process during the 2012 Presidential elections. He was keen to learn how US libraries have engaged people from a variety of backgrounds, especially those generally considered to be marginalised from the democratic process.

“I am extremely passionate about the role that libraries and information professionals play in the role of any truly democratic nation. I am thrilled to have won the ESU CILIP Travelling Librarian Award and I cannot wait to investigate this further and hopefully bring back some learning and best practise to our sector and to the House.” George Roe.

Click here to see George's blog.