Associates Program Description
The Mortenson Center offers unique, individualized nondegree programs for librarians and information science professionals from outside the United States. The programs provide visitors -- known as Mortenson Associates -- with a broad knowledge of, and exposure to, the theory and practice of librarianship in America and provide ample opportunities to exchange information about practices in a wide variety of countries. The format of extended visits for the Associates Program is particularly crucial because it allows visitors to gain a deep understanding of the connection between the stated goals of the profession and the actual provision of services to an extent that is simply not possible through book learning alone. The main components of the Mortenson Center Associates Program are described below:
- Mortenson Center Seminar Series - Associates participate in a variety of seminars that provide an overview of current trends in the field, including such topics as fund-raising and development, advocacy, library services, area and state networks, preservation and conservation, library administration, and services to the disabled.
- New Technologies - Mortenson Associates participate in practical sessions that help them learn to use the latest technologies applicable to libraries. Associates are provided an electronic mail account and access to the Internet through campus computer labs.
- Tours of Libraries - Associates participate in many library tours, visiting a wide variety of libraries that may include academic libraries, public libraries, museum libraries, special libraries, school libraries, and business libraries. We schedule a visit to Chicago to tour the American Library Association headquarters as well as other libraries in the city. We also visit the Illinois State Library, one of our U.S. partners, located in Springfield, Illinois. The State Library provides interesting and timely programming for Mortenson Associates.
- Conference Participation and Library Tours Outside the Region - National conferences and meetings of major professional organizations represent an important source of information and personal contacts for Associates. If an Associate has the necessary funding, we can help make arrangements to participate in these types of activities. Examples of conferences may be the American Library Association annual or midwinter conference, an area studies conference, or a conference focused on some aspect of librarianship. When possible, we make arrangements for Associates to attend the Illinois Library Association annual conference. If there is no appropriate conference scheduled during an Associate's stay, we may arrange a tour of libraries outside our local area, provided the Associate has the necessary funding. For example, an Associate might visit the Library of Congress in Washington, DC; libraries in New York City; or other large public libraries in one or more American cities. We design a program that best suits the need of the individual Associate.
- Consultations With Librarians - Individual meetings with local librarians are arranged for Associates based on their particular interests. The meetings may take the form of tours of specific library units, one-on-one meetings with library professionals, or ongoing discussions involving substantive professional questions.
- English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Classes - We do not include ESL classes as a component of the Mortenson Center program, as we expect that Mortenson Associates will come with the necessary language skills to participate fully in the program. However, we do recognize that many Associates appreciate the opportunity to participate in English classes. There are ESL classes offered in the University of Illinois community, and many of our past Associates have found these courses to be very helpful.
- Access to University Facilities and Resources - Associates receive a University of Illinois identification card granting them full access to the holdings and services of the University Library. In addition, Associates are able to use the computer lab facilities on campus and attend lectures and workshops presented to the general public. Due to space limitations, we are unable to provide office space to Associates at the Center. However, Associates may receive mail and check email at the Center.
- Participation in Meetings and Local Workshops - When possible, we arrange for Associates to participate in presentations and workshops offered for Library faculty and staff. A regional library network organization offers many workshops for librarians from all over the state. We encourage Mortenson Associates to participate in appropriate sessions.
- Certificate of Program Participation - Upon successful completion of the program, Associates receive a certificate of program participation. The Mortenson Center Associates Program is a nondegree program intended to provide professional development opportunities for individuals working in libraries and information center settings.
Funding for Program Participation
Applicants must secure adequate funding to support a stay at the Mortenson Center in order to be accepted into the program. Applicants must provide official confirmation of all funding sources. Acceptance into the program also depends on whether the applicant meets the selection criteria, and the availability of space in the program.
There is information about possible funding resources on the American Library Association's International Relations Awards, Grants, and Exchanges webpage.
Program Size and Starting Dates
Although we receive many requests from professionals to participate in Mortenson Center programs, we accept no more than 12-15 participants at one time. The Fall Associates Program begins in early September and ends the first week of November.