Associates Program
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
University Library