Proposal: SLA twinning project with developing country librarian.
Just as U.S. cities establish "sister" relationships with international cities/towns (i.e. Kansas City and Seville, Madrid), so can SLA Units reach out to developing country librarians.

Goals:
a. To exchange information & experiences -- Both parties have valuable experiences and information to exchange. b. To provide both parties with opportunities for professional growth and cooperation c. To develop sustainable ongoing support for international librarianship d. To recruit more SLA members internationally

Mechanics
Minimally, each SLA Unit (Chapter, Division, Caucus, Student Group, Committee) would have the opportunity to "twin" with a developing country librarian. If additional interest warrants, individual members of each unit could "twin" with a developing country librarian. In other words, at least one relationship would exist between a SLA unit and developing country librarian. Depending on interest, one unit may have multiple relationships.

The DC International Relations Committee will manage the master list of candidate librarians and coordinate the initial pairing.

Candidate Criteria (main list from Global 2000 candidates)
Candidates for Twinning Project (a Microsoft Excel document)

a. Initial criteria: Basic LIS education, continuing education, library position, skills and English. Each had at least five years experience as a special librarian.
b. Top candidates were evaluated on a scale which indicated sharing, continuing education, ability to train and teach, networking, resourcefulness in spite of lack of opportunities and lack of travel opportunities.

Minimum time commitment per relationship: 2 years. Each unit can make a determination after 2003 on whether to continue the twinning program.

Main activity:
a. Subsidize the cost of 2 years of membership in SLA.
Basic membership for two years costs $274 for one chapter and division affiliation plus affiliation with the International Caucus. Each SLA unit covers 90% of the cost ($246.60) while the librarian covers 10% ($27.40) plus any more additions. After this two year period, SLA's virtual membership would be available as an option.

Other possible activities:

a. Ongoing fundraising for peripheral supplies such as ISP connections, funds for Internet cafes, etc. Fundraising ideas include an optional "checkbox" to add an amount to Chapter event fees, etc.
b. Establishment of a local area directory of librarians who would be willing to host in their homes travelling developing country librarian if/when in that locale.
c. Establishment of materials exchange between unit member libraries and developing country libraries. These materials could include publications, library marketing materials, etc.

Reporting
Formal, semi-annual joint report from librarian in developing country and each unit's "twinning" project coordinator to full unit. More frequent and informal updates can supplied via unit newsletters, listservs, etc.

Originally submitted by Becky Milton and Marcelle Saint-Arnaud --
Co-Chairs, International Project Committee of DC/SLA
November 6, 2001 DC/SLA Chapter Board meeting.
Contact Giselle Foss for more information.
Last updated September 8, 2003