Libraries and Librarianship in the Czech Republic

Since 2002, SILS and Prague's Charles University have offered library students and professionals a chance to journey to the heart of the Czech Republic. Participants in this program will enjoy lectures and tours related to librarianship in this culturally and academically rich country that deals with a history of monarchy, empire, Communism and the meeting of east and west.

The series of presentations is supplemented by a walking tour of the Old Town, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square; a bus tour of historic Prague, including Mala Strana, Nove Mesto, Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter; visits to the Klementinum (National Library), the town of Kromeriz to see a castle library, the Parliament Library, and a tour of Strahov Monastery and its libraries. There is also ample free time to allow participants to explore on their own or to travel further afield in the Czech Republic or other nearby countries.

Accommodations

Participants stay in the City Centre Hotel, located in the heart of the city, only a few minutes walk from Prague's main Wenceslas Square and the Old Town. The hotel is located across from the metro station at Nemesty Republiky and very close to a number of restaurants and stores. SILS will take care of lodging arrangements. Students do not need to make separate reservations unless they want to stay in Prague before or after the seminar. 

Academic Credit

The seminar is available for 3 hours of graduate credit from SILS. Participants are required to attend all class sessions and complete a research paper after the seminar ends about a topic discussed during the seminar and developed in conjunction with the SILS faculty advisor who accompanies the trip. Participants see first-hand how the democratization of the Czech Republic, formerly a communist state, has affected the accessibility of information, in both print and electronic forms. Please indicate your wish to enroll for credit on your registration form. The UNC at Chapel Hill Cashier's Office will bill you approximately $350.