College Park, MD (5/5/08)

Maryland’s iSchool is pleased to announce its first Study Abroad course, LBSC708S – International Opportunities in Information Studies:  Destination Nicaragua.  This course will be offered in January 2009 and is designed to give participants a short-term opportunity to gain experience working in an information organization outside the United States.

Offered in conjunction with the University of Maryland’s Study Abroad Office, the 3-credit course offered during the 2009 Winter Term will focus on San Juan del Sur Biblioteca Móvil, the first public lending library in Nicaragua.
Established by volunteers in 2001, the library currently serves almost 5000 registered patrons in San Juan del Sur with more than 12,500 books in Spanish and English. 

During the first week of the course, students will participate in on-campus sessions focusing on the history, culture, economics, politics and demographics of Nicaragua; gain an understanding of the challenges of education and library development in Central America; recognize the opportunities and challenges inherent in cross-cultural experiences; and learn about the history and development of the San Juan del Sur Biblioteca Móvil.  While in Nicaragua from January 10-19, 2009, students will visit libraries, schools, and community agencies; complete volunteer service projects in a local community; plan and carry out a Book Fair for Children in San Juan del Sur; and meet members of the Nicaraguan library, education, and publishing communities. 

Dr. Ann Carlson Weeks, Professor of the Practice and Coordinator of the School Library Media specialization at the iSchool, will be the instructor for the course. Dr. Weeks has had extensive international consulting and has led People to People delegations to China, South Africa, Cuba, Poland, and Russia. 

This course is open to students in the College of Information Studies, graduates of the program, students from other library and information schools, and individuals interested in education and library development in Central America. It is recommended that participants have an interest in or experience working with children. Spanish language skills are welcomed, but not required. For more content and registration information, please visit the course web site at http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/5970. Registration opens May 1, 2008.

Preliminary plans are underway for a second Study Abroad short course to be offered in July 2009 at the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany. For additional information about either of these short courses, contact Dr. Weeks at 301-405-2060 or at acweeks@umd.edu.