Exchange Opportunities for Librarians and Information Specialists with/from AAMES Regions:Methods, Barriers, and Positive OutcomesPresented byMajed J. Khader, Ph.D.Marshall University Huntington, WV 257552011 ALA Annual ConferenceNew Orleans, LouisianaSaturday June 25, 20111:30-5:30 p.m.398 MCC

A Brief Overview The presentation is based on the review of the literature on this subject by utilizing the following resourcesEBSCOhost Academic Search Premier DatabaseOCLC WorldCat Bibliographies of the read articles

A Brief Overview (cont.)Research LimitationsCoverage/Subject LimitationExamples were used for demonstration and information sharing onlyMore significant and reliable examples may existExclusion of such examples due to research limitationsCited reported services were sorted based on date of publication

What is AAMES?AAMES stands for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Section. Created in 1969 under the initial name of Asian and North African Subsection (ANAS) of the Subject Specialists Section of ACRL. In1980, AAMES became a full section with slight name change to "Asian and African Section (AAS) In 1993, The Middle East was added to the Section title to become what is now called AAMES.http://wikis.ala.org/acrl/index.php/AAMES

IntroductionLong history of exchange and collaboration that dates back to early 1900s Exchange was sponsored by U.S. governmental agencies, private organizations, foundations, and individuals (self support) Collaboration methods include site visits, education, training, and collections exchange

Introduction (cont.)Sponsoring agencies are mainly US based institutions, some EuropeanExamples of sponsoring agencies:U.S. Government: Department of State, U.S. Information Agency.Professional Library Organizations: ALA, IFLA (international)Foundations/organizations: Carnegie Foundation, Soros FoundationSelf Support

Brief chronological review of US International Library Exchange and Cooperation Record (with a focus on AAMES region).

In reference to exchange and collaboration US libraries, library organizations, library associations, librarians and have an outstanding recordThe following slides present a brief chronology of selected collaborative and exchange examples and efforts

1900-1925Library services for the troops and allied nations become available during and after World War IThe doors were opened for international students to study in American library schoolsFlow of publications, lectures and addresses, visitor exchange, international conferences in both Asia and EuropeALA created Committee on Library Cooperation with Latin America

1926-1950 Graduate Library School, University of Chicago establishedResearch oriented professional education attracted minds from abroadAmerican were present at the founding of International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) 1927William Warner Bishop, Director of Libraries, University of Michigan, became active in developing standards and reciprocity agreements for the international exchange of libraries

1926-1950 (cont.)American librarians who served in World War II worked with their allied counterparts, assisted colleagues in war-torn countries, and eventually aided librarians in defeated nations of Europe and JapanUniversity of Chicago, Graduate Library School fostered the role of Americans serving as consultants overseasALA Washington International Office was established Establishment of the Benjamin Franklin Library in Mexico City

1951-2000University of Kentucky and Indonesian Western Universities establish networkDirector of the Agricultural Library of UK, Antoinette Powell, becomes short term advisor in 1980sEstablishes links with several universities in Sumatra

1951-2000 (cont.)The International Network of Public Libraries is establishedFirst met in July 1996Designed to strengthen communication between practicing public library managers at the international levelProvide impetus for public libraries across the world to address challenges that they commonly face

1951-2000 (cont.)Soros Foundation sponsored library projects in Mongolia Included the establishment of a training resource center at the National Library of Mongolia, book donations, and a mobile library 1999-2005Library Advocacy Workshop presented to Slovakian libraries (American Libraries May 2000)OCLC. WorldCat, QuestionPoint International Book FairsProvided opportunities to start mutual relationships with international librarians and develop mechanism to bring speakers, authors, publishers, etc. helps in forming partnerships

2001-CurrentOCLC continues to be the single most world organization that has an outstanding record regarding library collaboration and Exchange between the US and world librariesSoros Foundation continued it projects helping Mongolian libraries and librariansGlobal Collaboration: The Case of Oberlin College and Yunnan University Library. http://www.white-clouds.com/iclc/cliej/cl17li.htm#1 (2004)

2001-Current (cont.)LC and the National Library and Archives of the Islamic Republic of Iran (LJ, vol. 130, issue 2, February 1, 2005, p.24)University of Utah international collaboration with various libraries abroad (2006) People to People Ambassador Program, The China Mission (2006)Research in Maasailand in Africa (2007)Digitization and Processing of Historical Arabic Documents (2007)

2001-Current (cont.)LC and King Abdullah University in Saudi Arabia plan in digitalization program involving historical Arab and Islamic scientific work (Information Today, June 2008, p.28)Texas A&M and QU collaboration project (B&SSL 2008) Recommending materials, equipment and supply for a resource library collection

2001-Current (cont.)Canadian-Indonesian collaborative collection development initiative (2010)A group of 19 international librarians (including librarians from AAMES region) travelled around the U.S. for three weeks and visited various libraries including the Library of Congress and New York Public Library (Library Connect March 2011)

Collaboration MethodsMethods and tasks may vary from a simple task to a more elaborate oneTasks time frame also vary from a few days to a year or longerMeans of collaboration also vary Simple or brief phone call, e-mail, fax, etc.More structured ones - site visits; donations

Collaboration Methods (cont.)Examples and ideas of collaboration/exchange initiative (as reported in the literature)PersonalProfessionalsExpertsSubject specialistsConsultants

Collaboration Methods (cont.)CollectionsExchangeEvaluationsOrganizationServicesDocument deliveryInternshipTeachingFulbright Scholar Diplomat programs.

Collaboration Methods (cont.)Training (online and onsite) on subjects such as library management, primary sources, etc.WorkshopsWebinars education, equipment, database usage, etc.Support the development of library associationsHelp in introducing new technology into library servicesSite or facility visits

Collaboration Methods (cont.)Twinning partnership collaboration collection & staff development, etc.Exchange of national-level bibliographic records Promotion of library network activitiesCooperation in seeking standards for new technologies

Collaboration Methods (cont.)Participation in special programsPeople to People Ambassador ProgramDigitization PartnershipDigital resource sharing Electronic document delivery

Barriers/Obstacles/ChallengesLike any project, there are always obstacles Before, during, and after the exchange processPersonal, institutional, and beyond Some of these obstacles are universalOthers are unique to libraries, especially libraries in the developing worldCommunication Spoken language Body language and expressionLack of standards General and uniform standards-Cataloging and ArchivePersonal expectationsTechnology standards

Barriers/Obstacles/Challenges (cont.)Financial TransportationAccommodation expectationsCurrency exchange and knowledge of moneyFood familiarity and costsLack of professionals, qualified or experienced staff

Barriers/Obstacles/Challenges (cont.)Lack of policies and proceduresLack of resource tools. Proper equipmentOutdated or inadequateTechnology obstaclesPrimitive systems, internet problems, comparable technologyCultural differencesSecurity issues

Collaboration/Exchange: Positive Outcomes and BenefitsCooperation between U.S. Library systems and international counterparts will result in positive outcomes for both parties.

Among these outcomes reported in literature are listed in the following slides

Collaboration/Exchange: Positive Outcomes and Benefits (cont.)Exposing participants to new experiences Promote scholarship by building on each others knowledgeExchange of InformationPeople from around the world want to know about what is going on elsewhereOpportunities for selling products, databases, and services.Helps in building confidence and self-esteem when working with international visitors

Collaboration/Exchange: Positive Outcomes and Benefits (cont.)Gaining insight into international librarianship Learn about other different culturesTravel experienceGreat opportunity to exchange ideas and share information related to librariesLearn new diverse skills and knowledgeLearn about activities such as work practices or client services

Collaboration/Exchange: Positive Outcomes and Benefits (cont.)Personally rewardingDeveloping bonds with people from other parts of the world Professional Achievements such as Guidelines DevelopmentLibrary Journal, Feb, 1, 2003, reported the development of guidelines for statistical measures of usage of web-based information resources by 160 library consortia in North America, Australia, Asia, and Africa.

Collaboration/Exchange: Positive Outcomes and Benefits (cont.)Easier to obtain foreign language materialsDelegation visit to Argentinean book fair indicated how the Guadalajara visit made it so much easier. American Libraries, Feb. 98 p.30Fostering international and intercultural understanding (The Courier, March 1999) Learn from one another. I learned from them the meaning of community spirit.Support local people in their efforts to remain custodians of their pastoral lands

Collaboration/Exchange: Positive Outcomes and Benefits (cont.)Foster cross-cultural communication. Opened a new arena for me Unique View of world countriesBridge building between two or more cultures, institutions, units, etc.Exploring options and seeking ways to improve their practices and operationsStatus attached to librarian having a colleague from the U.S. Improvement of service

Collaboration/Exchange: Positive Outcomes and Benefits (cont.)Upgrading of staff skillsPromote access. Growth of collections and access to information that was not available before such cooperation Opportunities to bring speakers, authors, and publishers Warm relationship between countriesGood Publicity Like serving on a university wide committee as a result of becoming known through an international project Increase access to all various kinds information

Procedures for Developing PartnershipsReview the literatureResearch history & types of collaboration, organizers for that region, etc.Intensive advance planning. Consider any necessary adjustmentsConsult with other institutions and professional associationsGet the approval and support of your parent institutionPresident, trustees, friends of libraries, etc.These are your backups in case if problems arise

Procedures for Developing Partnerships (cont.)Learn about the people of that regionPrepare goals and objectives that will potentially be achieved from such partnershipsPrepare yourself Passport, travel and emergency insurance, medications, needed equipment, etc.Ensure that you have an official agreementCarry with you up-to-date records/documents of all correspondences

Funding Opportunities Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations

Various resources including non-profit and for profit US based and InternationalPartnerships/cross unit exchanges/collaboration programsThe following slides include some selected examples (no selection criteria, only for demonstration)

Foundations/CorporationsBell and Melida Gates Foundationhttp://www.gatesfoundation.org/libraries/Pages/default.aspxCarnegie Foundationhttp://www.carnegiefoundation.org/Elsevier Foundation http://www.elsevierfoundation.org/World Library Partnershiphttp://www.worldlibraries.org/

U.S. Government /Semi Governmental AgenciesU.S. Department of State, Leadership Program (IVLP)http://exchanges.state.gov/ivlp/ivlp.htmlU.S. Information Agency The Library/Book Fellows Programhttp://www.worlib.org/vol02no1/doyle_v02n1.shtml

Private Non-Profit OrganizationsCouncil for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES)http://www.cies.org/Fulbright Associationhttp://www.fulbright.org/Institute for International Education (IIE)http://www.iie.org/International Research and Exchange Boardhttp://www.irex.org/OCLChttp://www.oclc.org/us/en/global/default.htmPeace Corpshttp://www.peacecorps.gov/

US Based Professional Organizations and Institutions American Library Association ALA (Sister Libraries) http://wikis.ala.org/sisterlibraries/index.php/ALA_/_IRRT_Sister_Library_InitiativeThe Association of College and Research ACRL (People to People Ambassador Program)http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/whitepapers/chinajournal.cfmMedical Library Association MLAhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC198667/Mortenson Center for International Library Programshttp://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/about/index.htmlSpecial Libraries Association (SLA)

International OrganizationsBertelsmann Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BertelsmannBook Aid International One of the most successful book donation agencies in the worldhttp://www.bookaid.org/cms.cgi/site/index.html International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions IFLAhttp://www.ifla.org/Open Society Foundation Soros Foundationhttp://www.soros.org/about

ConclusionExchange and collaboration is not an easy task, but is rewarding. Establishing and maintaining successful exchange/collaborative programs requires several key aspectsPlanning, commitment, dedication, professionalism, patience, and support (financial and administrative)

ConclusionCollaboration/exchange promotes scholarshipCollaboration/exchange is a friendship between the peopleCollaboration/exchange should not be limited by boardersCollaboration/exchange should break the ice and tension between people from different cultural and political backgroundsCollaboration/exchange is victory where everyone is a winner

RecommendationsTake action Be proactive Get involvedBuild friendshipsHelp others

BibliographyAlbanese, Andrew (Feb. 1, 2005). LC. Signs Deal with Irans National Library, Library Journal Vol.130, No.2, P.24. Arlitsch, Kenning (2005/2006). Another Kind of Diplomacy: International Resource Sharing. Resource Sharing & Information Networks Vol.18, No. , p105-120.Ashling, Jim (June 2008). Global Partnerships Boost Visibility of digitized Scientific Papers Online. Information Today P.28-29. Bolduc, Andre (2010). Collaborative collection development: a Canadian-Indonesian initiative. Collection Building. Vol. 29, No. 4, P.124-130. Chalfoun, Eileen (September 2007). Beyond the border. College and Research Library News, Vol. 68, No. 8. P. 522-523Charafi, Moncef, Boussella, Wafa, and Abdel Alimi, Mohamed. (2007). An Intelligent System for Digitization and Processing of Historical Arabic Documents. International Journal of Computer Processing of Oriental Languages. Vol. 20, No. 4, p.259-288.Commings, Karen (Nov. /Dec. 1994). Workshop Facilitate U.S. and Russian/Eastern Siberian Exchange of Library Information. Computers in Libraries Vol. 14, No. 10, P.14.Dean, John F (2006). World View of Book Conservation. Collection Management Vol. 31, No. , p.139-154.Dole, Robert P, and Scarry Patricia. (1994). Guidelines on Library Twining. Paris, UNISCODoust, R. W. (2001). International Cooperation. In Carroll, Frances Laverne and Harvey, John Frederick. International Librarianship: Cooperation and collaboration. Scarecrow Press, Inc. (p101-110)Dr. Swapna Banerjee tours U.S. Libraries with an eye toward archives and preservation, Library Connect Newsletter, Vol.9, No.1, March 2011, p.11 Ford, Barbara J. (Feb. 1998). International Partnership: Books and Libraries. American Libraries Vol.29 , No 2 February 1998, p.30. Gahman, Marilena (1999). Zimbabwe Book Fair Gives Unique View of Africa. American Libraries V. 30, No. 8 September 1999, p.32. International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). http://exchanges.state.gov/ivlp/ivlp.html

Bibliography (cont.)Iivone, M; Sonnenwald, D.H.; Parma, M. (2001). Experiences of International Collaboration, in Carroll, Frances Laverne and Harvey, John Frederick eds.) International Librarianship: cooperation and collaboration. Scarecrow Press. Jordan, Rosa (April 15, 1990). Guyana: Where Libraries Are an Endangered Species. Library Journal Vol. 115, issue 7, P58-59.Kesselman, Martin Alan (2004). Library Collaborations in Global Librarianship, edited by Martin Alan Kesselman and Irwin Weintraub. New York, Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2004 P. 89-99Lefebvre, Madeleine (2003). Common Themes and Common Values: The Community Beyond Our Shores. Feliciter Vol. 48, No. 6. P.278-279.Li, Haipeng, and Yong, Yang (2004) Global Collaboration: The Case of Oberlin College and Yunnan University Library. http://www.white-clouds.com/iclc/cliej/cl17li.htm#1Lorians Pen Pal Club A seven Year Success, (April 1994). School Library Journal, Vol. 30 No. 8, pMassis, Bruce E. (2002). Planning for International Library Exchange and Cooperation: The Ifla/SEFLIN International Summit on Library Cooperation in Americas. Resource Sharing & Information Networks (16 no. 2. P. 239-253. News Fronts International: 150 Librarians attend 10th Transborder Forum. American Libraries Vol. 31, No 3 (May 2000), p.33. New grants awarded via the Innovative Libraries in Developing Countries Program Library Connection Newsletter, March 2011, p.4Open Society Foundation. One- School One-library-One Librarian, http://blog.soros.org/2010/03/one-school-one-library-one-librarian/ Retrieved May 16, 2011.Owens, I. & Davis, D. G. Jr. (2001). The American Approach. In Carroll, Frances Laverne and Harvey, John Frederick eds.) International Librarianship: cooperation and collaboration. Scarecrow Press.Philips, Chantal (2010). Guelph Librarian in China: An Interview. Feliciter Vol. 56, No. 1. P.23-25.Poustie, K. (2001). Cooperation on an International Scale. In Carroll, Frances Laverne and Harvey, John Frederick. International Librarianship: Cooperation and collaboration. Scarecrow Press, Inc. (p87-100)Seidman, Ruth K. (1993). Building Global Partnership for library cooperation. Washington, D.C. Special Libraries Association.

Bibliography (cont.)Shepherd, Peter (Feb. 1, 2003). Keeping Count. Library Journal, Vol. 128, issue2, p. 46-48.Smith, Jane. (2008). An International Collaboration: Establishing an Education Collection in a Library in Qatar. Behavior and Social Sciences Librarian (26, no3) p.33-45.Soros Foundation http://www.ndl.go.jp/en/cdnlao/newsletter/055/557.html (Retrieved May 16, 2011)Tinerella, Vincent, P. and Dick, Marcia A. (September 2006). The China Mission. College and Research Libraries News Vol. 67, No. 8, p505-524.U.S. and Saudi Arabia Form Digitization Partnership, Information Today, June 2008, p. 28Watkins, Kristine (Oct. 1997). Chapter Report: Exchanging Information. American Libraries Vol. 28, No9, P. 11 Zimbabwe Book Fair Gives Unique View of Africa, American Libraries Vol. 30, Issue 8, September 1999, P. 32.

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