• Join the WeDecolonize library team!

Want to co-create a space to rattle the eurocentric foundations of our universities?

Knowledge is not stored passively, rather it is actively kept. Are you interested in shaping a place where decolonial knowledge, activism, and collective care take center stage? This opportunity might be for you! Become a part of the WeDecolonize library and join us in shaking up the eurocentric foundations of our universities!

WeDecolonize is looking for an intern, student worker, or volunteer (VUB staff member) with a background in library, information, or archive management to help us operate and develop our alternative library.

About WeDecolonize

WeDecolonize (WD) is a collaboration between UCOS vzw and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The project is committed to the decolonization of knowledge, university structures, and curricula. Core to our initiative is the physical library space on the VUB campus (Pleinlaan 5, 1050 Brussels, next to Etterbeek station). The WeDecolonize library has become a safe space where students can read, reflect, and learn together from oppressed or marginalized perspectives.

The library already contains a growing collection of books and magazines, but:

  • The collection has not yet been cataloged according to a library standard
  • The current system for managing or lending materials needs development. 
  • The space can also be booked as a meeting and gathering space for other organizations or youth groups with similar goals. We are still looking for effective ways to promote this possibility 

So you get the opportunity to help build up and develop library operations at WeDecolonize.

What will you do?

  • Catalogue books and journals
  • Set up a lending and collection management system, including structure, registration, access, and tools
  • Contribute ideas on how to develop an accessible and equitable library service.
  • Optionally, support with communication and library-related activities

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who:

Is currently studying or has completed a program in library, information or archival management, such as :

  • Graduate Certificate/Degree in Information Management at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences or Erasmushogeschool Brussel (or any other college).
  • Introduction to Archival Studies or Library, Documentation and Information Studies .
  • Adult education (CVO) programs for library or archival professionals.

Is familiar with, or open to, WD’s themes: decolonization, anti-racism, gender equality and social justice . 

Both students/trainees and qualified professionals are welcome to apply.

What do we offer?

  • The opportunity to apply your expertise within a socially engaged project
  • A unique role in developing a library service from the ground up. 
  • Flexible working arrangement: internship, volunteer work, or short-term assignment
  • Guidance and support from UCOS and VUB staff
  • A certificate confirming your internship or contribution, upon request. 
  • Volunteering fee of 41 euros per day
  • Total of 40 working days

Interested?

Send your CV and motivation letter before October 20th to wedecolonize@ucos.be , using “Library worker application” as the subject line. Be sure to put ines.alshare@ucos.be and ghassan.bardawil@ucos.be in cc. 

We’ll get in touch with you shortly!