Jeff Huestis wrote:
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 11:08:32 -0400
> From: "Schelp.John (EX)" <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: Discussion List for Intl Volunteers <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Peace Corps Libraries
>
> >Peace Corps Librarians:
> >
> >I am an RPCV from Togo (91-93), where I helped establish a village library.
> >I have since created an organization called the World Library Partnership
> >that connects libraries in developing countries with partner libraries in
> >the U.S.A.  The partnerships focus on building global understanding through
> >cross-cultural exchange.  Each U.S. partner also conducts at least one
> >fund-raiser per year to help their counterpart buy books and materials.  We
> >emphasize sending money instead of books in order to encourage local
> >publishing and avoid some of the problems with book dumping mentioned in a
> >previous message to this list.  WLP also maintains an extensive database of
> >book donation programs and other resources for libraries, which you can find
> >on the web at http://RTPnet.org/~wlp.  I am currently writing a manual and
> >resource guide for village librarians, which will be available free of
> >charge early next year.  I love getting letters from PCVs regarding their
> >library projects and will do what I can to hook them up with what they need.
> >
> >As others have already pointed out, there are few actual librarian posts in
> >Peace Corps.  The program in Botswana that is ending this fall and the
> >program in Morocco are two of the few.  There is also a librarian in Belize
> >working with the national library system.  Hundreds of PCVs have set up
> >libraries or worked with libraries as "secondary projects," and based on the
> >letters that I receive, I doubt there is a country in the developing world
> >where library skills are not sincerely needed.  I really encourage any
> >librarians out there to apply--even if they have to go with a non-library
> >program.  Wherever they end up, there is sure to be library work that needs
> >doing.  The American Library Association currently has a listserv for RPCV
> >librarians.  You can subscribe by sending a message saying SUBSCRIBE PEACE
> >CORPS <your name> to [log in to unmask]  There are over 80
> >RPCV librarians on the list and I am sure that some would be happy to
> >share their experiences.
> >
> >Laura Wendell
> >Executive Director
> >The World Library Partnership
> >1028 Bahama Rd.
> >Bahama, NC 27503
> >(919) 479-0163
> >[log in to unmask]
> >http://rtpnet.org/~wlp
> >
> >