LSC 595 Homepage

Course Outline

Evaluation & Grading

Assignments:

Sakai

University of Rhode Island
Graduate School of Library and Information Studies
LSC 595: LIS Practicum
Spring, 2011

Catalog Description: Directed field experience applying theory to practice in libraries, information centers, and related organizations. Jointly supervised by a member of the faculty and a professional in the cooperating institution.

Goals: Students will put theory into practice, and will reflect on the professional implications of their practice. Each student must complete a PFE application form and submit it to the instructor before being allowed to register for the course. Settings will vary: the instructor will help students arrange placements in public libraries, college and university libraries, special libraries, and other information services as appropriate. Within institutions, students may work on special projects or routine assignments in public services, technical services, archives, instruction, or other areas. Qualified mentors at each site will mentor students and help assess their performance. Selection of setting and task will be tailored to each student’s career goals and interests.

Therefore, the GSLIS Educational Outcomes emphasized in this course will vary with individual students’ site selections, work assignments, and reasons for undertaking the PFE.

       Goal 1 (Professional Ethics) will be included in every student’s PFE; the student will choose which ethical issue or issues to address, and which assignment (journal/portfolio, online discussion, or poster session presentation) provides best evidence of the outcome.

       Other goals will be referenced as appropriate to each PFE. Again, the student, in consultation with the site supervisor and faculty supervisor, will choose which outcome or outcomes are most relevant, what activities will best support the desired outcome, and what products will provide the best evidence for assessment of the outcome.

For each student placement, a PFE agreement form approved by instructor, site supervisor, and student will specify the educational objectives to be met and activities through which those objectives will be met.

It is intended that both students and hosts should benefit from the practicum.

Requirements: Students must have completed 18 credit hours’ work toward the MLIS with an average of B or better. Individual placements may require specific course work.

Procedures:

1.     Before course begins: Instructor will notify potential site supervisors of student’s wish to interview; will explain PFE policies to supervisors; will give permission number for registration once both student and site supervisor have a viable informal agreement about the placement.

2.     Site agreement: The form allows students and site supervisors flexibility to identify and define appropriate objectives and activities in support of GSLIS Educational Outcomes. Instructor will help design rubrics for evaluation of each student’s designated outcomes. The student should send a final copy to the instructor as an e-mail attachment, copying in the site supervisor, when agreement is reached; e-mail consent will be accepted in lieu of signature. Copies of the agreement will be kept in the student’s GSLIS dossier and by student, instructor, and site supervisor.

3.     Communications:

a.     Whole class: Online discussion forum; face-to-face orientation; poster session.

b.     Instructor/individual student: Sakai mail preferred once course begins; e-mail; telephone. Students will submit assignments when due, and will contact instructor if questions and concerns arise. Instructor will respond to students’ questions or concerns during the semester as promptly as possible (usually within three business days), and will evaluate student work (usually within two weeks).

c.     Instructor/site supervisor: Email or telephone is preferred. Instructor will notify potential site supervisors of student’s wish to interview; will help negotiate practicum agreements with supervisors; will respond to supervisors’ questions or concerns during the semester; and will consult formally with supervisors at midsemester. Supervisors will assess student work at site, based on agreements; will contact instructor if questions and concerns arise; and will write letter of assessment by the last class.

4.     Records: Students will submit portfolios to be graded by rubric in TrueOutcomes.