1. LIS Abroad: Tips from a Global
Librarian
Heidi Dowding
dowdingh@gmail.com
2. Who I am
Digital and Reference Services Librarian working in a
university library in Astana, Kazakhstan
Recent professional librarian
Three years of experience working abroad
Traveled in twenty countries, lived in three
3. Major Takeaways for Today
After this webinar, you will be able to:
Find regularly updated job listings for LIS international
work
Optimize your resume for international work
Know what information you need to make a relatively
informed decision
4. The best all-around sites:
IFLA LIBJOBS listserv(http://www.ifla.org/mailing-lists)
LISJOBS.com
LIS school websites and listservs:
http://internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/work/field-
specific/information.html University of Michigan’s International Center
Job List for Information Professionals
http://guides.lib.fsu.edu/content.php?pid=290789&sid=2558899 Florida
State University’s LIS Jobs Libguide, International Job Sites page
http://www.ischool.utexas.edu:8080/careers/lis_international_search.p
hp University of Texas’ iSchool International LIS Jobs Sites page
Finding International Opportunities
5. Getting the Interview
Include *any* significant experience abroad
Emphasize experience with languages (even if it’s not
used in the area)
Create a strong web presence
6. Web Presence Suggestions
Create your own website to showcase your tech skills
Get into the conversations on Tumblr and Twitter
Use Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with potential
employers
Consider joining regional social media
8. Things to Consider: Travel
Are they paying for the flights there and back? How
much and how often?
9. Things to Consider: Relocation
Is there a relocation settlement?
Security deposit
Moving (either by freight or on the airplane)
Costs to tie up loose ends at home
Immunizations
Family costs (non-working spouse, children)
Costs for pets
10. Things to Consider: The Work Visa
How long will a work visa take to obtain?
How much will it cost and will it be reimbursed?
Will the employer pay for lost travel money if the work
visa is delayed?
11. Things to Consider: In-Country
Assistance
What sort of assistance will the employer provide once
you’re in the country?
Airport pickup
General orientation (city and within the organization)
Going to the doctor
Opening a bank account / Dealing with the organization’s
accounting department
Getting an apartment
Getting a phone
12. Things to Consider: Job Description
Get a written breakdown of your job duties if you can
Hours required, working days
Be aware that things might change once you arrive
13. Making the Decision
My equation for deciding:
Location + Actual Job + Professional
Opportunities + Money + Benefits =
Yes or No
14. Making the Decision: Location
Language
Food
Cost of travel outside of the area
15. Making the Decision: Actual Job
Does the description of your day-to-day duties sound like
what you want to be doing?
Does the work environment sound like a place where
you’ll fit in?
Do you know what the office environment will be?
Shared or solo?
16. Making the Decision: Professional
Opportunities
Will your employer pay for any professional conferences?
Will the job offer networking opportunities (either in the
organization, or in the local area)?
Will it offer unique research and publishing opportunities?
17. Making the Decision: Money
Will the pay vs. cost of living allow you to save money?
Will you be able to pay outside bills (e.g., student loans)?
18. Making the Decision: Benefits
How many vacation days are offered?
What is the healthcare system like in the country?
Are housing and living expenses covered?
Is there the possibility for financial bonuses?
19. Working Abroad
Benefits Challenges
Unique professional Cultural differences/ work
experience for the resume atmosphere
Experience working with Networking
diverse communities
Conferences
Chance to have a big
impact Getting to the next
interview
Language
immersion/experience
20. Any questions?
(Like “What is that animal, and why is it riding a bicycle?”)
Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/3257005706/
