The Library Practicum

Library and Information Technology 2600: The Library Practicum

Upon completion of all eight Library and Information Technology courses, the student is ready to begin actual work in a library. This is called "The Library Practicum."

The Practicum involves working 75 hours in a library over the course of one semester. Students experience all areas of the library and work under the direction and supervision of a professional librarian. Students gain hands-on practice performing tasks that library technicians normally do.

Choosing the library

It is the student's responsibility to notify the coordinator of the Library and Information Technology program at least one semester before the practicum begins. Students will provide three library choices for field experience. The coordinator will review the choices and suggest the best placement from the student’s three choices.

The student will receive an introductory information packet. The student will use the information and letter of introduction provided to contact the library with a request to do a practicum. When a library agrees to host a student, the student will set up a meeting to talk about the program requirements and a preliminary schedule will be approved at this meeting.

In addition to the 75 hours of service, the student will attend five seminars. Seminar topics include:

creating a professional portfolio
writing professional philosophies
creating goals, skills sets, and work samples
job searching for library jobs using the Internet
creating a resume and cover letter
creating a professional web page
communicating with staff at the host library

Steps to Begin Your Library Practicum (PDF)

Student Practicum Handbook
Click here to download the complete Student Practicum Handbook (PDF.)

Click here for the student profile form (PDF.)

Click here for the library choices form (PDF.)

Librarians' Practicum Handbook

This handbook is for librarians who will be hosting a practicum student. It contains the forms and information librarians will need to submit to the Library and Information Technology coordinator.
Click here to download the Librarians' Practicum Handbook (PDF.)