Librarians, especially those who work in universities, are a very important part of students’ academic careers as they are there to guide them on the best reading material for whatever field they happen to be studying. Many people underestimate just how vital the role of a university librarian is.
For this reason, it is of great importance that librarians keep themselves sharp and up to the task. One of the ways we see this occurring is through traveling sabbaticals. There are so many places around the globe that offer a wealth of cultural diversity to broaden your horizons.
When Is a Sabbatical Appropriate?
When a librarian has become stagnant, a traveling sabbatical may be just the thing he or she needs to recharge the battery, so to speak, and brighten things up a bit. Spending day after day in the same library, going over the same reading material day in and day out can become tedious. Not only can it take a toll of the librarian, but also on the students who rely on that librarian to keep the bookshelves stocked with all the latest academic works.
Taking a traveling sabbatical is basically just a great way to stretch the legs and get out of the same old rut. However, it is also so much more than that. A librarian with an online masters in library science, for instance, could benefit from looking at the programs being offered at other universities.
Qualifying for a Traveling Sabbatical
Each and every university has its own set of guidelines for qualifications regarding librarians and taking traveling sabbaticals. The University of Southern California, for example, will have specific policies on when any kind of sabbatical can be taken. Some of the criteria that must be met include the number of hours worked within a calendar year and the purpose of the sabbatical.
Usually what happens is that the librarian applies for a traveling sabbatical and lists the reasons for the request. The university will go over the application and then the sabbatical will either be granted or denied. If you have the requisite time on the job and can show a valid reason for taking an extended break, there is probably no reason you will be denied.
Financial Considerations When Contemplating a Traveling Sabbatical
There are quite a few things to think about before a university librarian decides upon taking a sabbatical, especially one that will involve travel. First, will the university help cover any of the costs of travel? If the sabbatical is outlined well in the application and the sabbatical is deemed appropriate for scholastic research and other activities that will improve the librarian’s ability to perform his or her job duties, travel expenses could be provided.
Additionally, most, if not all universities will only pay a percentage of the librarian’s salary, ranging from 40% to 75%, while the librarian is away. The librarian should decide if a traveling sabbatical will be cost effective. The level of a library science degree and the duties therein could also determine a university’s willingness to participate in financial assistance for travel.
The Benefits of Getting Away from It All
There are many benefits to taking a traveling sabbatical. Furthering education is by far the most important reason to travel to other places and get an idea of some of the learning material and curriculum that is being used there.
Every country has something to useful to offer when in need of a break and in a quest for knowledge. Keeping up world affairs will serve to better the university as a whole. This, in turn, will lead to helping students achieve a higher success rate when researching places and peoples a librarian has firsthand knowledge of. A library science degree is beneficial for anyone interested in scholastics, literature, and in helping students to excel in their studies.
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