The Erasmus programme as a tool of raising librarians’ qualifications, on the example of the Main Library of the Silesian University of Technology

Abstract

Since 1987 the European Union supports the acquisition of new skills and cooperation among universities in the framework of the Erasmus programme, by funding the exchange of students and teaching staff. Since 2007 Erasmus also enabled internships abroad for the librarians employed in higher education.  The article presents the use of the Erasmus programme to raise professional qualifications of librarians. The basis for the analysis is the experience of the employees of the Main Library at the Silesian University of Technology. A survey was conducted among the participants of the Erasmus programme. The respondents assessed the preparation and realization of the placement, and its usefulness in their professional development. The analysis of the survey results, and the repeated participation in the scholarship of a half of the beneficiaries indicate that the programme is an interesting form of upgrading one’s qualifications and gaining new experience.