Throughout the first year of full implementation of Biblionet, IREX has gained a much clearer picture of the strengths, weaknesses and needs of the Romanian library system. One of the biggest challenges for Biblionet program is the lack of professional training opportunities. Few public librarians have formal training, and those who do studied an obsolete university curriculum, which is highly theoretical. The experience of both pilot project and first year of Biblionet has shown that Romanian librarians have the capacity for change, and are willing to do so when presented the opportunity.
Librarians need opportunities to develop their skills if they are to move broad policy, service, and sustainability discussions forward. In order to apply the savings from the first year to strengthen and enhance program areas in which further investment will result in the greatest long-term impact for the sustainability of library reform and development, IREX together with ANBPR decided to initiate a non-formal type of professional type of training for young librarians.
The purpose of the summer school is to identify young librarians who are able and committed to the profession, and to encourage their involvement in the development of a modern public library system in Romania. To achieve this we envision 3 main objectives: to encourage proactive and innovative initiatives of young professionals in public libraries; to encourage young professionals to be active in professional associations and other professional organizations; to create a proper framework for networking and sharing, innovation and collaboration among young professionals.
The Summer School for Young Librarians will be organized in Bran, Brasov County, between 6th and 11th of September.
Selection process:
The eligible candidates are young professionals (the limit is 35 years old) currently working in public libraries and have not more than 5 years experience in libraries. Application is open between 23rd of June and 23rd of July. IREX together with ANBPR and NGO partners will select 15 to 20 participants for the summer school. Application package consists of: Resume; Letter of intent; Project proposal.
Eligible candidates will go through a 2 step selection process.
Evaluation criteria for selection are:
• Demonstration of leadership;
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to share what is learned with others in the profession
• Communication skills
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to work as team members
• Demonstrated interest in library issues
• Commitment to attend the program and related activities
• Basic project management skills;
• Coherency, clarity and ability to plan activities efficiently;
• Innovation and creativity demonstrated through the project proposed as part of the application process;
• Solution-oriented attitude.
What will happen after the Summer School period?
After the training in September, the participants will implement the projects that they proposed as part of their application or the projects / action plans that they worked on during the Summer School courses. Projects will be implemented during 1st of October 2010 – 20th of March 2011. After implementation phase, the Selection committee will select the best 5 implemented projects and will present them during ANBPR spring conference.
