Become a Librarian Overseas!

The UWO-CLA blog regularly publishes writings of its student members in order to allow our them to express their thoughts and opinions on issues in library and information science. These writings are not meant to represent the views of the UWO-CLA itself or the greater CLA organisation. Your comments and questions are encouraged on this blog. If you wish to contact the UWO-CLA directly please email claatuwo@gmail.com.

--

Annick Lapalme is in her first term at Western. She is from Montreal, Quebec. In her previous life she was in education and taught overseas for five years before returning to Canada to pursue a MLIS. She thoroughly loves traveling and looks forward to going back overseas one day.

--

Become a Librarian Overseas!

If you are interested in living and working overseas as a librarian in an international school, you will find this post useful.

The types of job you will find as a librarian in international schools will either be for the entire school (kindergarten through high school) or for a specific level (elementary, middle and high school) – it all depends on the size of the school. Your job description may include reading time with students (mostly at the elementary level), introducing research skills, working with subject teachers and collection development. Generally, international schools do not require the librarian to have a bachelor’s of education.

Getting the job

Getting a job overseas can be done two ways: by going to a job fair or by getting a job through phone call or Skype interviews. The two main companies running job fairs are International School Services (https://www.iss.edu/) and Search Associates (http://www.searchassociates.com/). By paying a fee, you set up your profile with one of these companies who are the liaison between international schools and potential employees. The recruiting company makes your profile available to employers, sends you employment opportunities and organizes job fairs all over the world. Job fairs are a place to meet directors face to face and conduct interviews. If you are lucky, you get a job offer right there at the fair!  Check out respective websites to find out where job fairs are being held and when (Search Associates does a fair in Toronto).

Another way to make your profile known is by creating a web resume and signing up with a company such as TIE Online (http://www.tieonline.com/). TIE Online makes your profile available to employers and also lists the available positions. Basically, it’s a way to get in contact with schools that interest you. Some schools are fine with conducting Skype interviews to hire while others will only interview at job fairs.

Benefits

All international schools provide a work visa for you. Most international schools will offer furnished housing or will assist you in finding a place. Rent is usually part of your package and therefore separate from your salary. Other benefits include health packages, return flights home every year and a shipping allowance.

Personality Traits

Is an international career for you? You obviously have to be a little adventurous, open to change and new cultures. Furthermore, you must be open-minded about your job placement. There may not be a job exactly in the country or region that is of interest to you, but keeping an open mind is the best way to discover amazing places.

Final Words

If you happen to have a partner that is a teacher, think about applying together. Many schools like to hire what they call “teaching couples”. If a school has job openings for both of you: apply!

Also, bear in mind that schools will reflect a salary that represents the socioeconomic level of the country you are in. You may find that some job offers come with a low salary, but this takes into consideration that the cost of living is low as well. Fewer expenses make for more money saved.

Hope you find this information useful. Feel free to ask questions in the comment box if you have any.

--Annick Lapalme

Musings of a CLA & PLG member

The UWO-CLA blog regularly publishes writings of its student members in order to allow our them to express their thoughts and opinions on issues in library and information science. These writings are not meant to represent the views of the UWO-CLA itself or the greater CLA organisation. Your comments and questions are encouraged on this blog. If you wish to contact the UWO-CLA directly please email claatuwo@gmail.com.

---

Lukas Miller is in his third term at Western. He hails from Regina, Saskatchewan, and has his Bachelor of Music from the University of Regina. His primary interests include music and music librarianship, information retrieval, and academic librarianship! In his spare time he enjoys listening to music, playing video games, sampling varieties of beer, and talking about library and information science related issues.

---

I often find myself questioned on why I've chosen to actively participate in both the Canadian Library Association (CLA) and Progressive Librarians Guild (PLG). For some reason an imagined and unspoken-of conflict seems to exist between the two organizations at UWO. For the next little while I hope to shed some light on why (I think) that conflict exists, and why I've chosen to be an executive in both organizations. But first, a little about me:

My name is Lukas Miller, I am the UWO CLA Communications Executive (I edit this blog!) for the summer term of which we are already five weeks into. I nominated myself for this position due to my penchant for partaking in various social networking platforms on a personal level - I figured I could contribute to the CLA by projecting it on the web and places outside the university campus. I also happen to be PLG London's Communications Executive - for the same reasons as outlined above for the CLA. So far, I'm enjoying my jobs and hope that it is perceived as such by my peers, the LIS students at Western, and any and all who follow CLA and PLG related issues and events. Now on to the discussion.

To begin, it is important to point out that the CLA at UWO has not existed for several years now. The group completely fell out of favour with UWO students for an undetermined reason - the specifics of the fallout of the UWO CLA will never truly be known without contacting past members - an endeavor that nobody as of yet is willing to take on (efforts to get in touch with past CLA executives have been fruitless). One thing that is certain though, is that the CLA did not grow in popularity over the last year or so, when issues surrounding Library and Archives Canada (LAC) went unchallenged by Canada's so-called professional library association - the CLA. Many professional and student members of the organization ended up not renewing their memberships as a way of displaying their displeasure at the CLA's lack of advocacy and action over issues at the LAC. Unfortunately, I do not have much space here to dote on what exactly transpired at LAC, but here is a link [http://www.savelibraryarchives.ca] to a web site run by the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) that was created in light of those issues.

Long story short - many people were unimpressed with CLA, and such as it is, they still are today. However, I see things a little differently.

First of all, let me be clear on this point - I too felt betrayed by the fact that the CLA felt no responsibility to stand up and advocate for libraries and librarians when the aforementioned issues rose up at LAC; I was a member of the PLG before the CLA because I felt things needed to be said, issues needed to be raised, and actions needed to be taken in order to save LAC. Consequently, speaking out in favour of protecting LAC would serve to advocate for all libraries in Canada - whether national government libraries, public libraries, academic libraries or even special libraries. This is where things get shaky.

I am anti-neutrality when it comes to being an information professional - whether a librarian, archivist, or related profession. I will spare you my thoughts on this for now (we had some excellent discussion on the blog post from Thomas Haennel, which you can read here [http://uwo-cla.blogspot.ca/2013/05/on-neutrality-tomas-haennel.html] along with my own comments below his posting). Long story short, the CLA got into trouble with the library community and library students across this country because they decided to take a back-seat to the LAC issues. Fast forward to today…

I joined the UWO CLA because I was beginning to see the larger CLA organization begin to speak out on library related issues. Their Twitter feed is now abuzz, daily, pointing out problems requiring the attention of its members. They release official statements now, such as ones regarding Daniel Caron's recent resignation and the appointment of a new director of LAC. I felt that simply letting the CLA stagnate and be the brunt of criticism from begrudged librarians would obviously not improve the organization in any way, so why not join up and do something about it?

I do not want to give anyone the impression that I plan to indoctrinate UWO CLA members to non-neutral causes: I respect the right of my peers and colleagues to come to their own conclusions. Ask any of the other CLA executives and I'm sure they will tell you that I have put no pressure on anybody in the group to subscribe to my own beliefs. What I do try to do though is at least bring the issues to light when I can. The UWO CLA is likened with being solely a “professional development” organization. This is all well and good, but part of being a professional is being aware of the issues surrounding your profession. If certain issues put your profession under scrutiny which may lead to loss of jobs and authority, those issues should be examined by the organization and a stance made.

This, I suppose, is why I’ve joined the UWO CLA – I want to ensure that issues (issues most often brought up in PLG meetings) are introduced to its members so that they are aware of the complications that comes with being a professional. I do not expect the CLA to be a reactionary organization in the way that the PLG is, but I do hope that its members will at least be aware of the issues at hand and think critically about them.

Ultimately, I hope to see the PLG and UWO working alongside each other, rather than cautiously treading around each other. I think they both simply need time to evolve and build bridges - the UWO CLA to find it roots and adapt to how the larger organization has come along, and the PLG to understand that change will come from within the organization in due time.

There is no reason students other than myself shouldn't be able to participate in one group or the other, or both simultaneously.

Thanks for listening!

--Lukas

My Two Cents on MLIS - Amy Wong

The UWO-CLA blog regularly publishes writings of its student members in order to allow our them to express their thoughts and opinions on issues in library and information science. These writings are not meant to represent the views of the UWO-CLA itself or the greater CLA organisation. Your comments and questions are encouraged on this blog. If you wish to contact the UWO-CLA directly please email claatuwo@gmail.com.

Some of you who were in the January 2013 cohort may already know who I am and what my library background is. For those of you of do, feel free to skip this little introduction; we’ll catch up with you a little bit later on. For those of you who don't know me, please let me introduce myself: My name is Amy. My hometown is Edmonton. My professional library background experience is with Edmonton Public Library. I worked as a library assistant from 2002 to 2012. I was there up until the last possible moment before transferring here to London for the 2013 school year for this degree. I arrived here on January 1, 2013.

There is a spectrum of reasons why you may be here for this degree at Western. Some of you may have known way back when that being a librarian was in your blood; that this was your calling. Some of you may have been mentored or inspired to be a librarian because of the local librarian, or a family member or friend. Some of you are here because this is a stepping stone to something else, whatever that something else may be. Some of you do not have any idea why you here: it could be that you’re here to avoid the job market and you want to stay in the cocoon of school. Some of you are here for professional development. For whatever reason you’re here, I think I can assume that for many of you, you’re here to get this degree to get a job.

Why am I here? Well, let’s back it up a little to 2002. When I finished my undergrad BA in the summer, it hit me like an elephant on my back- I needed a job. I had rent, student loans and other various bills to pay. With a Bachelor of Arts, what does one do? In my case, I fell into library work. It was never my dream or calling to be a librarian. I wasn't mentored or inspired to be a librarian; I just fell into this gig. Next thing I knew, I was ten years older in the same job without any other way to advance without an MLIS.

Originally I told myself that this MLIS was a professional development. And in many ways, it still is. I needed this degree to help me find another professional direction. I needed this degree to help advance me into “something else”, whatever that something else might be. Then a funny thing happened: I started this second term with my original intent still firmly in place, but then I had a class that made me really think about why I am here, and here’s the kicker- I  still don’t know. I don’t why I am here, personally. I’m still searching. When I figure something out, maybe I’ll tell you.

My point to all this rambling is to provoke you to examine and question yourself while you are here for however long that it is you are here. Why are you here? Yes, yes, you’re here to get your MLIS and get a job. But that’s too easy. You will get a job. Some of you will get the job of your dreams and some of you will end up changing jobs over and over again. And that’s ok. But whatever you end up doing with your MLIS, also ask yourself this: what does this MLIS really mean to you?

Does this all matter? What does this have to do with you getting a job? Who cares? Yes, everything and you. It matters because knowing why you are doing this MLIS means you will find a more fulfilling job and/or (hopeful) a career. It matters because you’ll find a job that you won’t dread going into work every day. When your personal life intersects with your professional life, you’ll know what your life priorities are. When you have to decide between personal or professional options, you’ll make a better decision and you’ll know why you made the decision that you made: That has a lot to do with getting a job. You should care. If you don’t, nothing else matters. Don’t just fall into whatever job that comes your way because that’s what the MLIS qualifies you to do. Think about how it will affect and influence you. Think about what you really want to do. Think about you.

--Amy Wong

On Neutrality - Thomas Haennel

The UWO-CLA blog regularly publishes writings of its student members in order to allow our them to express their thoughts and opinions on issues in library and information science. These writings are not meant to represent the views of the UWO-CLA itself or the greater CLA organisation. Your comments and questions are encouraged on this blog. If you wish to contact the UWO-CLA directly please email claatuwo@gmail.com.

"I hate these filthy neutrals Kif! With enemies you know where they stand but with neutrals? Who knows! It sickens me." - Zapp Brannigan (Futurama)

Undeniably the question of librarian neutrality is one of the most controversial philosophical issues that plagues the profession. One argument made for abandoning neutrality comes from Joseph Good in his article entitled "The Hottest Place in Hell." He argues that neutrality is equivalent to immorality; essentially he concludes that librarians must become actively engaged in society by taking stances on social issues and advocating for progress. My major concern with librarians taking stances on social issues is that such advocacy will drive patrons away from the library.

One problem with librarians advocating for progress on social issues is that progress is very subjective concept: what one considers progressive others may think is regressive. For instance, some may view the legalization of polygamy as progressive in regards to religious freedoms while others may view it as regressive in regards to women’s rights. If a library were to support one side, such support may offend some patrons who in turn may boycott the library as people don’t often patronize organizations or institutions that promote ideas contrary to their personal beliefs. Thus by taking a position on potentially controversial issues may drive patrons away from the library.

Another problem with Goods’ argument is that it is short sighted. Certainly there are certain beliefs that the majority of society subscribes to, while it may appear harmless to support these beliefs we must remember that any issues that an organization advocates for may have future repercussions. Just because current society subscribes to certain beliefs does not mean that these beliefs can’t change. Thus what we may consider moral now our descendants may call immoral. By advocating viewpoints that are currently accepted in society, progressive librarians jeopardize how libraries will be perceived by future generations. For instance had libraries advocated for common societal beliefs a few decades ago, they would have likely been one of the most vocal opponents of same-sex marriage for generations. Therefore many of us in the present would denounce the library for its role in opposing what many Canadians now consider just. It is impossible to know what beliefs future generations will hold, however we can predict that some beliefs will change. If said generations have a negative perception of libraries because of the role they played opposing their beliefs these individuals are unlikely to patronize libraries.

It is my belief that librarians exist to serve the public, however if librarians begin to take stances on societal issues we risk driving patrons away. If a library has no patrons it has no future and will simply vanish.

--Thomas Haennel

A New Beginning for the UWO-CLA

Upon foundation, the UWO CLA was envisioned to be a student group that creates professional development opportunities for MLIS students by building on practical skills and cultivating invaluable networks. This vision continues today.

Our membership is made up of University of Western Ontario Master of Library and Information Science students who wish to connect with our community, network with experts and develop professionally. Although the group experienced a temporary hiatus, it is back strong and ready to host exciting events in a positive, welcoming environment.

Our hopes with this blog are to inform our local and national library communities about the issues that are important to us and the values we wish to uphold. Our hopes are for this semester are that we gain a firm base in UWO’s MLIS community and offer professional development events that meet the needs of our fellow students.

I encourage you to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date and informed about UWO CLA events and weekly postings. If you are interested in joining or have any questions/comments, please feel free to contact me at rtravis5@uwo.ca

The UWO CLA is very excited about the upcoming semester and making a positive impact on our MLIS community.

Sincerely,
Robyn Travis
UWO CLA Chair (Summer 2013)

Meeting Minutes: May 7th, 2013

CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (WESTERN) MEETING MINUTES

Exec. attendance: Robyn, Cas, Sam, Lukas, Melissa, Lee, Rita

Absent: Erin, Meghan

7 May 2013

Time: 12pm

Location: Grad Club Board Room

Introductions

(Sending around email sign-up)

UWO CLA(W) partnership with CLA and students

• career development, mentorship, and resume writing
• we have contact with CLA, we still have official status, $300 for us in their hands
  
  

Official meeting times?

Mondays? 4:30?

Tom: preferably noon

Thursday at noon, NCB 266 might keep it at the grad club

Green board will have updates

CLA – professional affiliation $25 membership fee

Join listserves, Feliciter access, additional job postings

Constitution

• redoing constitution
• we have the bare bones of it, there will be a constitution committee meeting
• official roles, rules, policies, values,

Future projects

- One-day career planning workshop, tickets, keynote speaker, resume writing and interview skills, career choices

- Talking with the moderator this week

Q: membership fee? what publication?

Robyn: it’s monthly publication, comes up in courses, opportunity to write for them, complete access to their website, for a year

Q: affiliation between different associations (CLA and OLA)?

R: all separate, CLA all of Canada, different associations, CLA government libraries

Find out where you want to have your specialty

CLA is wherever your interest is, not specific to different types of libraries

Extra curriculars is what makes you stand up

Q: how long are the meetings? Are they weekly?

R: there will be events so they will be weekly and no more than an hour, we don’t want to take away from your responsibilities for school,

First term reps? Next week we can do a Facebook post with a list of duties, have a write up ready, and we’ll have an election

Lee: spread the word, there will be a pizza luncheon in two weeks

R: Thursday May 16th for representation elections:  short blurb, 3min or less. You will represent your cohort officially

If this is the kind of audience, it should be an official role

Will get in touch with the cons committee this week

Duties: You’ll get small jobs, you’ll be able to give input, see a gap in your professional development? Bring it to us.

Blog posts? Writers? R: first post this week revival

Can be about any issue, something in your course, 250, social media updated often, minimal effort. Tom will write the next one by Friday May 17th

Meeting with professional group for the conference

TOM: cons meeting will meet? R: anyone who wants to be involved?

R: we can cater to what you want to get out of the group

We can Skype in guest-speakers

MEETING ADJOURNED.

Changes incoming

Much of the information of this blog is out of date. Please be aware that changes are ongoing as we transition to the summer 2013 term with a fresh new executive and plans for the future. Stay posted by following us on Facebook and Twitter!