ISKM09 Around the World with Academic Libraries

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Synchronous online teaching
Teacher(s)
PhDr. Pavla Vizváry, Ph.D. LL.M. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. RNDr. Michal Černý, Ph.D.
Department of Information and Library Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Mgr. Alice Lukavská
Supplier department: Department of Information and Library Studies – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
each even Thursday 16:00–17:40 Virtuální místnost, except Thu 13. 11. ; and Thu 6. 11. 16:00–17:40 Virtuální místnost
Prerequisites
Intermediate/upper-intermediate knowledge of English (B2 level according to CEFR) is expected.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to develop students’ language competences (English) within the context of their field of study, while also providing an overview of a selected professional topic (academic librarianship) in an international context, with attention to country-specific characteristics.

Course Objectives:
- To introduce students to the diversity of approaches to academic library operations across the world.
- To understand the role of academic libraries within various types of higher education and research institutions.
- To identify the factors that influence the development of library services in different regions (culture, funding, policy, technology).
- To foster critical thinking and the ability to compare different library systems.
- To inspire students through international examples of innovation and good practice in academic librarianship.
- To develop students’ academic English skills, including comprehension of professional presentations, participation in discussions, and written communication through essays and assignments.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and describe key features of academic libraries across different countries and cultural contexts.
- Compare and contrast library systems, structures, and services from a global perspective.
- Recognize the impact of institutional, cultural, political, and economic factors on the development of academic library services.
- Communicate effectively in English on specialized library and information science topics, both in speech and writing.
- Engage with international guest speakers and formulate informed questions and responses related to their presentations.
- Synthesize insights from international cases to propose innovative ideas or improvements applicable in students’ own context.
Syllabus
The course consists of a series of online presentations by representatives from various countries. Each speaker will focus on presenting academic librarianship in their country, then at their home institution, and finally within the scope of their personal area of expertise. Emphasis is placed on cultural and institutional differences, as well as on shared challenges and emerging trends. The course offers students inspiration on how academic libraries can function in diverse environments and what roles they play within the support ecosystem of higher education.

The guest list is currently being prepared.
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Academic libraries and collaborative research services. Edited by Carrie Forbes. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2022, xiii, 298. ISBN 9781538153680. info
  • SIMONS, Marcy. Academic librarianship : anchoring the profession in contribution, scholarship, and service. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2021, ix, 105. ISBN 9781538136201. info
  • Positioning the academic library within the university : structures and challenges. Edited by Leo Appleton. First published. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2021, xiii, 317. ISBN 9780367687908. info
  • BUDD, John. The changing academic library : operations, culture, environments. Second edition. Chicago: Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, 2012, 412 stran. ISBN 9780838986127. info
Teaching methods
Lectures, class discussion, questioning, reading
Assessment methods
To successfully complete the course, students are required to meet the following conditions:
- Online (synchronous) attendance at a minimum of 5 out of 6 guest lectures,
- Active participation in discussions during at least 3 guest lectures (specific professional questions "to the point" via chat in MS Teams or orally),
- Submission of an academic essay written in English.

A structured academic essay written in English will demonstrate both subject knowledge and academic writing skills appropriate to the field of Library and Information Science.
Essay Guidelines:
- Length: approx. 1,500 words (5 standard A4 pages), including references,
- Language: English, formal academic style,
- Structure: Clear structure including an introduction with a thesis statement, logically organized body paragraphs, and a conclusion that synthesizes the main points,
- Sources: At least 5 credible academic or professional sources; references should follow the APA citation style.
Purpose and Focus:
The essay should show critical engagement with the topics discussed in the guest lectures and demonstrate understanding of international approaches to academic librarianship. Students are expected to:
- Analyze and reflect on one or more aspects of academic libraries in an international context,
- Compare institutional or national approaches, highlighting cultural or structural differences,
- Discuss challenges, trends, or innovative practices observed during the course,
- Apply theoretical or conceptual understanding where relevant.
Possible essay types (choose one):
- Comparative analysis (e.g., comparing library models or services across two countries or institutions), - Thematic essay (e.g., focus on open access, user education, or the role of libraries in digital transformation),
- Reflective essay (e.g., critical reflection on one or more guest presentations and their relevance to local practice),
- Case study essay (e.g., an in-depth look at one institution and its role within its academic environment).
Náhradní absolvování
Due to the online format, the course can be completed under identical conditions.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
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