In an era of intensifying internationalization in higher education, Karen Bordonaro is exploring the evolving role librarians play.

In her latest book, International Librarianship at Home and Abroad, the librarian liaison at Brock’s James A. Gibson Library examines libraries and reinforces their position as an integral part of international efforts.

The book was informed by personal experience — Bordonaro commutes daily to campus from her home in western New York — and a survey of 300 librarians from around the world.

This is the third in a series of books written by Bordonaro with an internationalization theme. She works extensively with international students and scholars as a liaison librarian, while also working part time as a Brock ESL instructor.

“This book was about turning the lens to my colleagues to find out what they think it means to be an international librarian,” said the 35-year veteran of the profession, who has been working at Brock since 2006.

Her research affirmed internationalization goes beyond the “glamorized image of working abroad” and includes work that is done in one’s own country as well.

“We can practise internationalization at home,” she said. “That opens it up to more people, not just those who have the time, money, ability and research support to go abroad.”

Achieving that global mission at home is possible by supporting exchange students, whether they are studying at a local institution or visiting another country, and by hosting and mentoring librarians from abroad.

Libraries “connect people and resources across boundaries,” said Bordonaro, and their role in internationalization is just starting to be understood.

Many librarians see international students as a special population that may require more support with library services, but few know exactly how to offer that assistance, she said.

Bordonaro is hopeful the book will provide some direction, while helping librarians to reframe the way they think about their profession.

“With so many international students coming to Canada, there are huge opportunities for librarians to become more involved in thinking beyond our own local circumstances,” she said. “This is a home away from home in many ways for students. We want them to feel comfortable here, we want to provide them with good service and we want the rest of the University community to know we have a role to play as well.”

International Librarianship at Home and Abroad is available in Brock’s library and at the Campus Store.