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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, an invitation to the Practicum breakfast meeting will be sent by the coordinator. The preliminary schedule will be approved at this breakfast 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

Click here to view the video, "The Process of Building a Portfolio." View this video to find out more about the "Portfolio Expo" and creating a professional portfolio.

Steps to Begin Your Library Practicum (Microsoft Word format)

Library Practicum Handbook
Click here to download the complete Library Practicum Handbook in Microsoft Word format.

Click here for the student profile form in Microsoft Word format.

Click here for the library choices form in Microsoft Word format.

Librarians’ 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’ Handbook.

Linda Slusar, Coordinator
SRC 3022B
(630) 942-2597
E-mail

Business and Technology Division
IC 2026
(630) 942-2592