Special Interest Group - International Development

Links to Resources on the Internet Related to Volunteerism

The following are some agencies where school library and information services personnel might wish to make initial contacts to volunteer their services. The list is not intended to be all inclusive.  IASL does not necessarily endorse any of the agencies. Individuals are expected to do further research and analysis according to their unique skills. Feedback on your experience would be appreciated.
These links have been provided by the International Development SIG Coordinator, Gerald Brown. If there are problems with any of the links, please notify Gerald Brown.

  • Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is one of Canada's leading international development NGOs that works to improve living and working conditions in 70 countries around the globe by providing funds for human rights, community development and humanitarian aid.
  • Canadian Executive Services Overseas is aimed at connecting volunteer expertise with needs in developing countries.
  • Canadian International Development Agency offers a wide variety of consultant and volunteer opportunities around the world. See the current opportunities page.
  • Commonwealth of Learning. COL is an intergovernmental organization created by the Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning / distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. COL is helping developing nations improve access to quality education and training.
  • Global Volunteers Network is a non profit organization. It places volunteers in community projects in China, Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Thailand and Uganda. Volunteers have an opportunity to participate in a variety of educational, environmental and community aid programs.
  • LIBEX (Bureau for International Library Staff Exchange) hosted by Aberstwyth, The Thomas Parry Library, University of Wales acts as a clearinghouse for library and information staff interested in arranging job exchanges with LIS professionals in other countries. Libraries as well as individuals may use this free service.
  • Mennonite Central Committee MCC is a relief, service, and community development and peace agency of North American Mennonites and Brethren in Christ Church. They have many kinds of job placements that relate to education.
  • OECD Development Centre
  • Room to Read is a project founded in 2000, aimed at establishing libraries and computer language labs in South and South East Asia.
  • Volunteer Services Overseas VSO is an outstanding organization for building infrastructure in developing countries. It has many opportunities for talented people to volunteer their energy.
  • World Library Partnership. WLP is a organization of USA Peace Corps workers who have continued to build infrastructure opportunities in developing countries.

[International Development SIG]

Last Updated 21 November 2003 (LAC)