Museums, libraries and archives are inherently international institutions. Collections, users and employees come from across the globe, providing the UK workforce with plenty of scope to travel, network and influence the shape of information services on a global scale. Quite literally, it’s a career without borders
Meet three people that have spent their career engaging with other nations and other cultures and visiting far-flung places.
The world is at your doorstep. So how to you go about it? A good starting point is to look into different internship, training opportunities and bursaries available.
People that are forthcoming and hard working, tend to spot and bag the best projects. Networking is the bedrock. It’s often worth signing up to international project groups, like CILIPs Special Interest International Library and Information Group or the International Council on Archives (www.ica.org). Attend seminars and workshops and get mingling.
Research libraries especially work in partnership with international counterparts, sharing knowledge and good practice. This cultural exchange often spawns international internships and exchange programmes.
The Society of Archivists too provides bursaries to members wishing to attend conferences and undertake training that will enable people to form international networks and take advantage of the global workplace. The National Archives also regularly publishes news about international organisations that they are involved with.
Other sources worth checking out include:
MLA - detailing the MLA’s international initiatives and activities
One thing’s for sure a career in this sector will not limit you to working in breezy Blighty. Pack your bags and enjoy the journey.