Taken from http://www.cilip.org.uk/about-us/medalsandawards/travellinglibrarian/Pages/travellinglibrarian.aspx 

Travelling Librarian Award for encouraging US/UK contacts in the library world.

The Award   (Travelling Librarian Award 2011) 
Each year, the English-Speaking Union (ESU) and CILIP invite applications for the Travelling Librarian Award, from UK library and information professionals. The Travelling Librarian Award is intended to encourage US/UK contacts in the library world and the establishment of permanent links through a professional development study tour.

Eligibility
Applicants must be:
a) UK library and information professionals and;
b) in membership of CILIP at time of application.

Award details 
The Award will be about £3000 to cover flights and some accommodation in the US. The successful candidate will be free to put together their own programme of visits (although help and advice will be available) and where possible will be encouraged to take up home hospitality with ESU Members. The successful candidate will be expected to cover further incidental costs. This study tour opportunity will be for two weeks in Autumn.

Criteria 
A selection panel will judge all applications objectively on how well they further the aims and purposes of the award, and the evidence provided in support of this. 

Each application will be judged on its individual merits. 

There is no set application length expected. It is up to each candidate to write as little or as much as they wish. However, what you present in support of your application should be: a) relevant and b) sufficient, to allow the selection panel to make an informed decision. 

Typically, each year there are many excellent applications. However, should there be no suitable application, the panel reserves the right not to make an award for that year. 

A professional development opportunity 
On return, the successful candidate will be expected to give some presentations and produce a short report. Usually a Travelling Librarian reception is held each year when the most recent winner has the opportunity to make a short presentation/talk on their study visit. Past recipients have found the study tour a rewarding personal and professional experience which has often helped advance their career. 

The English-Speaking Union aims to strengthen international understanding through a variety of cultural and educational programmes and scholarships. As part of its international policy, CILIP aims to provide opportunities for members to enrich their professional lives by sharing experience and expertise with overseas colleagues.

When to apply
The English-Speaking Union (ESU) and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) invite applications for the Travelling Librarian Award, from qualified librarians working in UK libraries or information centres, from January each year. The closing date is usually at the end of March.  The Travelling Librarian Award is an opportunity to do a study tour in the United States for two weeks.

How to apply 
Candidates are invited to apply via email with a CV and a supporting letter to: [log in to unmask]  

The closing date is 28 March 2011 and the interview date is 12 April 2011.

All applications will be considered and a shortlist will be drawn up.  All candidates will be contacted shortly after the application deadline and shortlisted candidates called to interview to discuss their application further in person.  

Interviews are held at the English Speaking Union headquarters at Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED.

For further information, please contact either: 

Gill Hale:  
[log in to unmask] 
020 7529 1587

or

Guy Daines, Director, Policy & Advocacy, CILIP [log in to unmask] 
020 7255 0642.