Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

NEO-RLS Hosts Librarians from Mongolia

On Thursday, October 4, 2018 several NEO-RLS staff members met with 5 librarians from Mongolia, their interpreters and a representative from Global Ties Akron.  The librarians were in the United States under the auspices of the US Department of State through a program administered by the Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C.  The purpose of their visit was to learn more about library management in the United States.  

While at NEO-RLS the librarians were interested in learning about professional development opportunities for librarians and library staff, technological innovations, building strategic alliances, and continuing education and special interest programs.  

We had a wonderful time sharing information about our work with the region's libraries and learning more about the government sponsored libraries in Mongolia.  Questions ranged from the educational requirements for library employees, the availability of accredited MLIS programs, the benefits accrued by those employed in libraries, our funding structure, the types of continuing education provided and how we partner with other organizations.  The last portion of our time together was spent talking about the services we provide in terms of emerging technologies.  Some of the librarians are in the process of creating makerspaces and were very pleased to have the opportunity to try out various types of technology here in our office.

The time ended with the exchange of other ideas and contact information.  It was an interesting opportunity and we were pleased to have been considered as a visit site.