Dr. Karen E. DowningEducation Librarian

University of Michigan

Dr. Camila AlireDean Emeritus

University of New Mexico

Janice Welburn, M.L.S.Dean of Libraries

Marquette University

Fried Scorpions and Burger King:

Revelations of Professional Cross Cultural Exchange

“Cross-border scientific collaboration, as measured by the volume of publication by co-authors from different countries, has more than doubled in two decades…”

“We are all globalists now”

“Project MUSE reports that nearly 40 percent of libraries that buy its journals are outside of the United States.”

“The increase in computing connectivity around the world will create a new ‘collective intelligence, a global consciousness’ steadily absorbing more people, communities, and nations into its orbit.”

Digital communications technology promises to marshal relevant readerships into a movable global seminar.”

From: Dougherty, P. J. (2012). The Global University Press. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Accessed on 7/30/12.

Why Participate in Professional Exchanges?

1. Globalization of education and economic markets +2. Increased social and technological connectivity +3. Growth in students studying abroad =

Increasing need to possess intercultural experience, knowledge, and competencies in order to be effective librarians.

Cultural Competencies: What are They and Why are they Important?

Ascalon, Evelina and Born (2008) describe them as the union of social intelligence and culture in the following way:

• The capacity to recognize and understand culturally-based cues of persons from a variety of cultures;

• The ability to make accurate social inferences in a variety of cultural encounters;

• The ability to accomplish relevant social objectives across cultures;• The facility to interact through one’s acceptance and understanding

of other cultures. (p. 111).

One Model for Professional Exchange: People to People• Originated after World War II (1956) by U.S.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower• Focuses on the importance of global professional

& cultural exchange between ordinary citizens of different countries to promote peaceful existence

• Has facilitated mutual exchange of ideas, professional practice and knowledge between thousands of professionals from around the world

• Incorporates professionals representing broad disciplines of agriculture, arts & humanities, business, education, law, medicine, science & technology, and social sciences engaging one another in the “big issues”

• Helps us to better understand how our profession is similar and different between countries and cultures.

People to People Model

Cultural Enrichment:* Daily Language Lessons* In-country Briefings* History and Culture Overviews* Cultural Excursions* Group Meals with Traditional Foods

Power of Peace

Through Professional

Exchange

Exchange of ideas:* Library Funding* Helping Reluctant Readers* Library Marketing* Utilizing Technology* Library Facilities* Engaging Users/Non-users* Others

Ongoing Cross Cultural Relationships:

Materials Exchanges Internships Association Work Continuing Communications

People to People Model

People to People International, the Citizens Ambassador Program goal is to organize and promote opportunities for “bridging cultural and political borders through direct interaction, unparalleled access, and unique experiences for the delegations.”

PHASE I Preparation

Journey Design/Marketing/Dele

gate Selection

Journey/Delegate Preparation

PHASE II The Journey

Scheduled Meetings With Host Libraries/

Debriefings

Cultural events/ Journal Keeping

PHASE III Post

Journey

Final Report/Delegate

Evaluation

Delegation Leader/Staff Debriefing

Lessons Learned from this Professional Exchange

Professional Lessons:• Introduction and reference point on emerging library

services: (ie: new library facilities and academic integrity)• Provided the basic framework to engage in a dialog with

our counterparts (ie: presentations and card exchanges)• evidence that there are opportunities to co-develop library

projects between U.S.A. and China (ie: relationship between Dr. Alire and Mr. Xiangdong)

Personal Lessons:• It is energizing to discuss big issues across cultures!• Personally enriched by cultural experiences• Continuing friendships that developed from the trip

Assessment of Professional Exchange

Formative Assessment Methods:• Journaling• Bus Talks

Summative Assessment:• P2P Post-trip assessment

Outcomes Assessment:• Ongoing professional exchanges• Ongoing personal friendships• Uses of cultural competencies gained