Main Programes: Travelling from Germany to other European countries
01. Professional Visits
Application requirements
Employees at libraries, information and documentation institutions in Germany whose institution is a member of the dbv, or who are themselves members of the BIB or VDB (New applicants are strongly encouraged to apply)
Duration of the Professional Visit
At least 2 days, at one host institution (maximum)
Application Procedure
• BII provides only a grant, not a full scholarship • Applications must be submitted no later than 6 weeks before the start of the trip • You are responsible for planning and carrying out the trip on your own
What information is required in the Online application form?
• Your personal and professional information
• Planned itinerary for the exchange (job shadowing or conference attendance)
• For job shadowing: Written confirmation from the host organization
or contact person at the desired host organization
• For conference attendance: Proof of active conference participation
Financial Support
• Flat-rate funding based on Erasmus+ funding rates, depending on the destination country, type of mobility, and duration • 50% advance payment upon signing the contract; remaining payment upon submission of the participant’s report
Obligations
Receipt of the grant requires the submission of a participant report and completion of an EU survey, both of which must be submitted / completed no later than 6 weeks after the end of the stay abroad. Failure to comply may result in the grant being reclaimed in part or in full.
Application requirements
• You are a library/information/documentation professional
• You would like to deepen specialist knowledge on library topics
Funding is provided for
• Participation in the IFLA WLIC 2027 (World Library and Information Congress) from August 9 to 13, 2027, in London, United Kingdom
Application Procedure
• Please apply by November 15, 2026, at the latest
• You are responsible for planning your own trip (visas, travel expenses, lodging)
• BII provides a lump-sum grant, not a full scholarship
What information is required in the Online application form?
• Your name and the institution where you work
• A statement of purpose regarding your application for the event/conference, including details on the topics you wish to explore in depth during the conference (max. 3,000 characters, including spaces)
• A binding commitment to attend WLIC 2027 in person if your application is accepted
Funding
• A one-time lump-sum payment of €1,000
• Payment will be made as soon as possible after the contract is awarded
Obligations
The scholarship requires in-person participation in IFLA WLIC 2027.
In addition, participation requires you to submit a report on your experience, preferably as daily updates in the form of social media posts on LinkedIn, Mastodon, or Bibcourse, or as a written report, which must be submitted no later than four weeks after returning from the conference.
The grant may be reclaimed in full or in part by BII if the grant is not used appropriately.