Lise Alsted Henrichsen (Denmark)

The Public Libraries in Askvoll, Fjaler, Gaular, RCNUWC Library and the Book Boat)
Email: lisealsted@hotmail.com

Why are you a volunteer?

Why not?! It’s a perfect way to travel and experience another country, people often find it very surprising and positive that you work for free – they will help you and show you the best of their country. Personally I was given a unique chance to work with the most interesting issues in my profession. I am given so many experiences I will gladly give up a pay check for that.

Why did you choose Norway?

Well to be honest I didn’t choose Norway in particular. I chose the project. But I came to one of the most beautiful and wildest countries in Europe. Not bad at all! A lot of people ask why a Dane goes to Norway – it’s just another Nordic country and the culture must be exactly the same..? It is - and not at all. I’ve been here for a while now and do not see the big differences anymore but the small charming nuances are still there. The language for instance is one big treasure hunt in use and pronunciation of the same words as in Danish.

What do you do?

I'm librarian basically. I volunteer in three public libraries and one college library. My work has tree headings "user training, distance students and mobile library services" and I agree with my colleagues on each place about what to do. I’ve had information searching courses for pupils, students, employees at the kommune and elderly people, I’ve interviewed distance students about their library habits, I’ve done a survey about educational use of libraries in colleges, I’ve been with the book bus and book boat – a quite unique library service which goes to "very rural" areas.

What is bad about being a volunteer?

You are presented of all possible stereotypes people have about your country – and you have to be ready to pretend, agree, discuss and hate them all. You ARE your country.

Three typical norwegian things?

She is still thinking

What was your first phrase?

Æsj!

Your best norwegian experience?

I had so many! A Kodak moment is definitely skiing for the first time in an amazing winter landscape coloured in red and purple of the setting sun – with Ragnhild, Oddmund and Jerome.

Your favorite norwegian food?

Waffles with rømme and raspberry jam at Dingemoen stadion, bixit biscuits on a mountain top, Freia chocolate with fruits, rømmegraut, brown cheese with strawberry jam, pear soda – just to mention some favourites. The winner though is the fabulous sweet SMØRBUKK. How the Norwegian manage to create this perfect combination of caramel and chocolate is a mystery but just so yummy. This summer I had the great honour to work in a kitchen with the coolest Norwegian lady. We had fish every day for a week and she made it delicious every day – and everybody (40 youth) ate it. Absolutely amazing!

If you had optional things to do, what would you do?

Go north along the cost with the boat from Bergen, end up in Lofoten and go fishing on the sea. Waterfall jumping. Pack my back pack and run off to the mountains. Forever.

The most important phrases in your job:

No skal vi sjo
I don't know but I can find out
No; you don't need your card to lend books

Three volunteers in Bunad (Norwegian traditional costume) on the 17th May 2003. From the left:
Wendy
Lise
Franca