Books, Borders & Beyond: UTM Librarian’s Erasmus+ in Spain

The Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Programme is a prestigious initiative under the European Union’s Erasmus+ framework that enables academic and administrative staff to participate in international teaching or training experiences. For Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Library, it opens doors to global collaboration, allowing librarians to share ideas, learn new practices, and build connections with international partners. By taking part, UTM Library staff not only enhance their professional competencies but also contribute to the university’s internationalisation agenda and the enrichment of knowledge-sharing across borders.

Earlier this month, Nor Shaliza Mohd Basarudin, a librarian from UTM Library, had the opportunity to join the International Week Program at the University of Huelva (UHU), Spain. The 5-day program starts from 30^th June until 4^th July 2025. The application for this programme was submitted in January 2025, and she received a congratulatory email from UTM International in February 2025 confirming her selection.

Prior to the programme, a briefing session was conducted by the UTM International team in April 2025. During the session, it was announced that another representative from UTM, Dr. Aimi Sara Ismail from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), would also be participating in the International Week. Both representatives had been corresponding via email with the coordinator from the UHU, Spain, regarding required documentation such as the acceptance letter and other related materials, including the funds. Once the funds were received, both representatives independently arranged their own travel itineraries, including flights, land transportation, and accommodation.

The International Week (IW) kicks off with participant registration and a welcoming speech by Prof. Dr. Blanca Miedes Ugarte, Vice Rector for International Alliances at the UHU. A total of 24 participants from nine countries were selected to take part in the programme. The participating countries included Namibia, Jordan, Chile, Kosovo, United States of America (USA), Türkiye, Senegal, Montenegro, and, of course, Malaysia. Namibia had the largest representation at the International Week, with a delegation of 10 participants — all from various departments at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), making it the most represented institution at the event.

The participants were later briefed on the programme itinerary by Dr. Grace McClintic and Lucia Romero Lopez. The International Week was thoughtfully structured by the UHU to include a variety of activities such as talks, presentations, campus tours, experience-sharing sessions, networking opportunities, guided city excursions, and cultural activities. The first day’s activities concluded with a welcoming drink at El Desembarque de La Ría, located near Muelle del Tinto—a historic wooden promenade pier that offers breathtaking views of the river, particularly a sunset, at 9.30 pm.

On the second day, the programme continued with a one-hour Spanish language class followed by a Spanish dance lesson. During the language session, participants learned basic conversational phrases, including numbers, self-introductions, and how to order food — all useful for navigating daily life in Spain. The dance session introduced participants to the vibrant world of Flamenco, a passionate and expressive Spanish art form that blends singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), and dance (baile). Originating from Andalusia, Flamenco is known for its rhythmic footwork, graceful hand movements, and deep emotional expression, rooted in Romani, Moorish, and Andalusian traditions. Despite the language barrier between the instructor and participants, the class was engaging, energetic, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Next is the campus tour. The tour began with a visit to the Geology Museum, located within the Department of Earth Sciences at the Faculty of Experimental Sciences. The museum houses a fascinating permanent collection of minerals and fossils, displayed through a traditional museum showcase system. Its mineral collection features over 360 different species, including numerous rare and visually striking specimens, celebrated for their beauty and mineralogical significance.

The campus tour concluded with a visit to the Pedagogical Museum, situated at the Faculty of Education Sciences. The museum is divided into three main sections. The first, Old School Textbooks, features a collection of textbooks dating from 1776 to 1975, offering a glimpse into educational materials from different historical periods. The second section, Teaching Resources, showcases items from basic school kits alongside various teaching aids representing different subject areas such as Reading and Writing, Drawing, Weights and Measures, Arithmetic, Geometry, Natural Sciences, and Geography. The final section, Educational Environments, presents immersive displays that recreate historical learning spaces — including a school for girls, a rural teacher’s workplace, and a period classroom — reflecting the evolution of schooling throughout the 20th century. As a librarian, the museum experience resonated deeply with Nor Shaliza, as both libraries and museums share a common mission: to preserve knowledge, inspire discovery, and support lifelong learning.

Afterward, the participants proceeded to the networking lunch, where they had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, share professional experiences, and explore potential collaborations. The informal setting encouraged open dialogue and cross-cultural learning, fostering stronger connections among participants from diverse backgrounds. The networking lunch was, in fact, a daily activity throughout the International Week, offering continued opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

The third day commenced with a continuation of the Spanish language and dance classes. This was followed by one of the programme’s key highlights — a presentation session where each university representative was given 10 minutes to introduce and showcase their institution. Nor Shaliza took the initiative to present UTM and the UTM Library, highlighting its achievements, services, and international collaborations. The presentations captivated the audience, with several participants — especially fellow librarians — expressing keen interest in visiting UTM in the future. The session concluded with the awarding of certificates to each representative in recognition of their participation.

Later that evening, participants were treated to a memorable two-hour boat ride, marking the final group activity before transitioning to individual programmes based on each participant’s professional designation on the fourth day. The scenic journey covered key locations including the Huelva Estuary, Odiel Marshes, Columbian Places, and Punta Umbría. As the boat gently cruised along the waters, participants had the chance to take in the breathtaking sunset views. The experience was made even more delightful with a light dinner served on board, featuring a selection of traditional tapas and drinks, creating the perfect atmosphere for reflection and relaxed conversation.

What truly captivated Nor Shaliza was the library’s Special Collections Rooms, which house an impressive array of rare and historical materials. These dedicated spaces contain old books, manuscripts, and other valuable print resources that reflect the academic and cultural legacy of the region. The collections are preserved in climate-controlled environments and presented with great care, underscoring the library’s commitment to conservation and heritage. As a librarian, Nor Shaliza found deep inspiration in how the University of Huelva Library safeguards these treasures — reaffirming the shared mission of libraries and museums to preserve, celebrate, and transmit knowledge across generations.

 

In conclusion, participating in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Programme has been an enriching and transformative experience for Nor Shaliza and the UTM Library. Beyond personal and professional growth, the programme has fostered meaningful intercultural exchange and opened pathways for future collaborations with international partners. Through shared experiences, academic and non-academic dialogue, and mutual understanding, this initiative has strengthened UTM Library’s role in the global academic landscape. It reaffirmed the importance of embracing internationalisation not only as a strategic goal but as a powerful means to build bridges of knowledge, inspire innovation, and promote inclusive learning across borders. The relationships forged, ideas exchanged, and practices observed during the International Week will undoubtedly influence and enhance the library’s services back home — contributing to a more connected, responsive, and forward-looking academic library environment at UTM.