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Article
At home in the world: International library staff exchange program highlights
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Journal
  • Mary M. Somerville, University of Colorado, Denver
  • Liz Cooper, University of New Mexico
  • Catta Torhell, Linnaeus University
  • Cindy Hashert, University of Colorado, Denver
ORCiD
0000-0002-4201-8335
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1177/0340035215596348
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Abstract

Since 2011, the academic libraries at Linnaeus University, Sweden and University of Colorado Denver, USA have collaboratively created a programmatic approach for staff exchanges and associated projects. This initiative occurred within the larger framework of university internationalization goals and cultural competency requirements. In addition, both libraries were experiencing significant workplace changes, including newly designed facilities, programs, and services, which required that staff members learn to see their organizations and understand their roles in new ways. As the exchange program evolved, formal comparison studies complemented informal exchange observations about similarities and differences between the two library organizations. Resulting insights altered traditional worldviews and professional assumptions of both host and exchange participants. In addition, cultural competencies were further exercised through collaborative projects that benefit the increasingly diverse faculty and student constituencies at both home institutions. Concluding reflections suggest considerations for organizations considering international exchanges for staff members "at home in the world."

Citation Information
Mary M. Somerville, Liz Cooper, Catta Torhell and Cindy Hashert. "At home in the world: International library staff exchange program highlights" International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Journal Vol. 41 Iss. 4 (2015) p. 326 - 335 ISSN: 0340-0352
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mary-somerville/15/