LIS 531UM International Librarianship:_Nicaragua
The objective of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on, practical experience working in an international library. This course is offered in conjunction with the Simmons College Study Abroad Office. This course will take place at the international library San Juan del Sur Biblioteca Movil, 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. In addition, a mobile library project, begun in 2003, includes more than 8000 books and serves an additional 35 rural communities. Over the duration of this course, students will participate in a variety of projects that will include some of the following: initiating libraries, training librarians, software testing, working on business documentation for the SJDS library, presenting to the Nicaraguan Library Association, participating in book readings, book fairs, assisting SJDS library staff on the mobile book project and helping SJDS library staff with library activities. Requirements: Knowledge of beginner Spanish language skills. Those who do not meet this requirement but wish to attend this trip will be examined on an individual level.