KINGSTON, R.I. – March 27, 2007 – With an increasing demand for information professionals with an understanding of Chinese language and culture, the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies is inviting librarians, information professionals and library science students to participate in a unique 3-week summer program in China.
Scheduled for June 4-15, the three-credit seminar at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China will focus on the history of Chinese librarianship and the U.S.-China Million Book Digital Library Project. It is sponsored by URI’s Global Education for Librarians and Information Professionals program and is part of URI’s newly established Confucius Institute.
“This is an exciting opportunity for librarians to learn about the different types of libraries and librarianship in China, and about the role of traditional, academic, public special and school libraries there,” said Yan Ma, URI professor of library and information studies who will teach the seminar in China along with a colleague from Zhejiang University. “We’ll be located in the political, economic and cultural center of Zheijiang province, which has famous natural beauty and is one of China’s most important tourist venues.”
Participating students will attend daily classes, tour numerous libraries and visit Chinese cultural institutions. After the seminar ends, they must complete a research paper on a topic of their choice. (A non-credit option is available which does not require students to write a research paper.)
The fee for the program is $2,150, which covers the course, housing, some meals, and travel within China. Airfare to Shanghai Pudong Airport is not included in the fee.
The registration deadline is April 16 with a deposit of $150. Full payment is due by May 11. For registration information, contact Daniela Veliz, coordinator of URI summer programs abroad, at 401-874-2019 or dveliz@etal.uri.edu, or visit www.uri.edu/international/study_abroad/summer.htm. For additional information about the program, contact Yan Ma at 401-874-2819 or yanma@uri.edu.