Changing places

How a job exchange can (maybe) change your life

Liz Walkley Hall

Outline

Some background

The why, how, who, how, and what of a job exchangeWhy go?How to sell the idea to your managerWho to exchange withHow to organise the detailsWhat to do after the exchange

Background

1996:Reference/Reserve Librarian, Flinders

University, South Australia

Background

1997:Assistant Librarian, Glasgow

Caledonian University, Scotland

Why …

Professional developmentExperience a different library

environment without resigning

Personal fulfilmentLive and work in a city you’ve always

dreamed about

How … sell the idea

Define the benefits to the library and the organisation

Find support and use it

“Earn” your exchange

Who …

Use established networksPersonal contactsProfessional or organisational contacts

Targeted approachGo directly to potential libraries you’d like

to work in

Possible resources:LIBEX: www.cilip.org.uk/jobscareers/libexLibrary associations, especially ALA

How … organise the details

Documentation

Insurance – work, medical, travel

Work permit/visa requirements

Salaries and the cost of living

How … duties and conditions

Job description

Working conditions and staff benefits

Training, professional development opportunities

How … personal effects

Accommodation

Household goods

Vehicles

Personal items

What to do afterwards …

Use the exchange to enhance professional opportunities at home

Maintain professional relationships with colleagues overseas

Scotland …

My view of Glasgow

Scotland …

West Highland Railroad

Scotland …

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Ireland …

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Wales …

Dylan Thomas’s cottage, Laugharne

England ...

Wren Library, Cambridge

Turkey …

Ephesus

Turkey …

Fishing village

Spain …

Cordoba

Spain …

Seville

Paris …

View from the Notre Dame

Friends …

Thank you …

Liz.Walkleyhall@flinders.edu.au