Dr. Susan P. Besemer (Reed Library Director Emeritus) completed a six-week assignment on a Fulbright Senior Specialists grant in library science to provide training in library management and planning for library staff and graduate students of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, in Phnom Penh. Created by the Royal Cambodian government in 1999, the Royal Academy develops the research capacity of Cambodian scholars on Khmer studies and other fields related to the development of Cambodia. Besemer worked in Cambodia during the months of July and August teaching and conducting a needs assessment for the library's future growth.
 
In addition to teaching responsibilities, Besemer assisted the library staff to create a library catalog using WinIsis software, provided free of charge by UNESCO for libraries in developing countries. When asked about her experience, she said, "It was rewarding to be able to learn about Cambodia while sharing my own experience where it is truly needed. My host, Dr. Prom Tevy, and her graduate students opened my eyes to the history and culture of the Kingdom of Cambodia. There are many needs, and much talent at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. I hope to be able to continue to help them develop their library."
 
The Fulbright Senior Specialists Program offers two- to six-week grants to leading U.S. academics and professionals to support curricular and faculty development and institutional planning at academic institutions in 140 countries around the world. Created to complement the traditional Fulbright Scholar Program started in 1946, the Senior Specialists Program aims at increasing the number of faculty and professionals who have the opportunity to go abroad on a Fulbright. Grantees can undertake new activities, ranging from conducting teacher training and developing and assessing curricula or educational materials to leading seminars or workshops or conducting needs assessments.
 
Dr. Besemer was director of Reed Library from 1987 until 1999 and holds a B. A. degree from SUNY Albany, a M.LS. from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Bergen, Norway.