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Lis abroad
This document provides tips for librarians seeking international work opportunities. It discusses finding job listings on sites like IFLA LIBJOBS and LISJOBS.com. When applying, candidates should emphasize any international experience and include language skills. Creating an online presence through websites, blogs, and social media can help. Important factors to consider for any international job offer include travel costs, relocation assistance, work visas, and benefits. The presenter provides a formula for deciding whether to accept a position based on location, job duties, professional development opportunities, compensation, and benefits. Working abroad offers unique experiences but also cultural and networking challenges.
Lis abroad
- 1. LIS Abroad: Tipsfrom 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 forToday 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-aroundsites: 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
- 7. The Interview You didit! Now what?
- 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 Myequation 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 “Whatis that animal, and why is it riding a bicycle?”) Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/3257005706/