The iSchool at Maryland is pleased to announce that its Study Abroad course 
to Nicaragua will be offered again in January 2011.  LBSC708S – International 
Opportunities in Information Studies:  Destination Nicaragua offers students a 
short-term opportunity to gain experience in providing library services in a 
setting outside the United States.  The 3-credit graduate course, which will 
be offered during the 2011 Winter Term, will again focus on San Juan del Sur 
Biblioteca Móvil, the first public lending library in Nicaragua 
(http://www.sjdsbiblioteca.com/home.htm).  Established by volunteers in 
2001, the library currently serves more than 5000 registered patrons in San 
Juan del Sur and in 35 rural communities with over 12,500 books in Spanish 
and English.  

The course is open to students in the College of Information Studies, 
graduates of the program, students from other library and information schools, 
and individuals interested in education and library development in Central 
America.   Spanish language skills are welcomed, but not required.  For 
registration information, visit the course web site at 
http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/5970.  The last day to apply 
for the class is October 7, 2011.

Following two on-campus course meetings (January 10-11), which will focus 
on the history, culture, economics, politics and demographics of Nicaragua and 
the challenges of education and library development in Central America, 
students will travel to Managua and San Juan del Sur.  While in Nicaragua from 
January 12-21, 2011, students will visit libraries, schools, and community 
agencies; complete volunteer service projects in local communities; plan and 
carry out a Book Festival at the Palacio Nationale de la Cultura in Managua; 
and meet and work with members of the Nicaraguan library, education, and 
publishing communities.   

Dr. Ann Carlson Weeks will again be the instructor for the course.  Dr. Weeks 
is a founding director of the International Children’s Digital Library 
(www.childrenslibrary.org) and has had extensive international consulting and 
speaking experience.  

For a syllabus for the 2011 course or additional information about Study 
Abroad opportunities offered through the iSchool, contact Dr. Weeks at 301-
405-2060 or at [log in to unmask]