The iSchool’s Continuing Education team recently launched a new international experience: the Librarians’ Tour of Amsterdam. This May, 18 library and museum professionals from across the country, including two recent iSchool alumni, participated in a week-long exploration of the Netherlands’ capital and its rich history. Attendees visited several diverse libraries and archives, gaining insights into historical and present-day Dutch approaches to information access and community engagement.
Amsterdam’s information centers
The tour’s structure reflected the diverse career paths of information professionals. For instance, at the Allard Pierson Reading Room, part of the University of Amsterdam, academic librarians in the group connected with colleagues facing similar challenges in supporting evolving research needs. Meanwhile, the visit to The Black Archives—which has transformed from a student initiative into an established local resource over its 10-year history—resonated particularly with participants working for community organizations and those interested in social justice initiatives.
The tour also stopped at OBA Oosterdok, Amsterdam’s central public library, where participants met with librarians to learn about the institution’s partnerships, programs and services. Attendees were impressed by the modern facility and its innovative approaches to public library programming in Amsterdam’s unique urban environment.
At the Rijksmuseum, the group also gained access to the Cuypers Library—the Netherlands’ largest and oldest art historical library, containing around 450,000 objects. This specialized collection provided perspectives on how major cultural institutions manage and provide access to research materials. Additionally, a visit to Amsterdam’s City Archives (Stadsarchief Amsterdam) provided practical insights into municipal record preservation and digital access initiatives. The concluding day trip to Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague provided additional professional insights and demonstrated preservation techniques for cultural artifacts, including the famous Delft Blue glassware. In addition, Rotterdam’s innovative architecture offered perspectives on how physical spaces can enhance community engagement.
These varied institutional visits allowed participants to exchange ideas across different institutional types and sizes, strengthening professional networks that will extend beyond the week-long experience.
Professional development across cultures
Overall, the tour underscored how collaboration across cultures can lead to particularly effective professional development. Participants received iAmsterdam City Cards, enabling independent exploration of over 70 museums and attractions during their free time. This approach allowed them to experience Amsterdam’s cultural landscape with the tour group while building the kind of broad knowledge base that enhances their work with communities back home.
A mix of returning participants—many of whom maintain connections forged during previous tours—with newcomers created ample opportunities for knowledge-sharing and relationship-building. This inaugural Amsterdam experience demonstrates how international study opportunities can provide working professionals with practical lessons, global perspectives, and lasting relationships that continue to enrich their careers and lives.
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