Master of Library Science Internship Manual

Transcription

1 Master of Library Science Internship Manual Guidelines for LIBS 6991, 6992 Professional Internship Department of Information and Library Science Master of Library Science Program College of Education East Carolina University Greenville, NC

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3 Internship Coordinator Kaye Dotson, Ed.D. 108 Ragsdale, Mail Stop 172 College of Education, Department of Information & Library Science East Carolina University Greenville, NC Phone: Fax: Rev

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP/FIELD EXPERIENCE 6 Catalog Description Philosophy Goal OBJECTIVES 7 For the intern For the Department of Information and Library Science... For the site ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 8 Intern Site Supervisor University/Faculty Supervisor Site Selection Site Selection Procedures Other Field Experiences COMPONENTS OVERVIEW 14 INTERNSHIP: ACADEMIC LIBRARY INTERNSHIP: PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNSHIP: SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERS 4 Rev

5 INTERNSHIP: SPECIAL LIBRARY FORMS 21 APPLICATION FOR LIBRARY SCIENCE 6991, 6992 MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING INTERN INFORMATION SHEET SUMMARY OF INTERNSHIP STEPS SAMPLE LOG GUIDELINES FOR PORTFOLIO Rev

6 PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP/FIELD EXPERIENCE Catalog Description: Library Science (LIBS 6991, 6992) Internship. (3,3) Prerequisite: Thirty semester hours in the MLS program. Involves 110 hours of observation and practical experience in a library setting appropriate to the intern's field of concentration. Philosophy: The primary purpose of the professional internship is to provide an opportunity for the intern to work in an ongoing environment directed by an experienced librarian or information specialist together with the university supervisor. Almost equally important is promoting a positive and productive relationship among the faculty and interns of the Department of Library Science and other library professionals at work in public institutions, businesses, and schools. Goal: To provide the intern an opportunity to apply knowledge gained from coursework, research, and independent study through work experience while still under the supervision of an experienced and professionally qualified librarian. * The student is responsible for finding, applying for, and then obtaining the faculty supervisor s approval of an internship in a timely manner 6 Rev

7 OBJECTIVES The internship is a cooperative undertaking among the intern, the university supervisor, and the site supervisor to: For the intern: 1. To test theoretical knowledge against reality 2. To interact and communicate with library professionals working in the area of the intern's interest 3. To develop a professional self-awareness 4. To pursue a special interest, where appropriate 5. To develop an understanding of the role of the sponsoring library/site within its own community 6. To become aware of employment opportunities 7. To begin development of a professional portfolio 8. To share the experience with the other interns enrolled in the internship For the Department of Library Science: 1. To provide stimulating learning environments for interns 2. To meet the individual needs of interns 3. To promote a good working relationship with several types and sizes of libraries, public and private 4. To obtain feedback from library/sites as to the effectiveness of the department's program as evidenced by the preparation of its interns For the site: 1. To interact with the interns and faculty of the Department of Library Science 2. To develop and implement special projects within the goals and objectives of the department's program 3. To have available additional professional-level assistance to meet the needs of the library/site 4. To gain fresh insight into the operations of the library/site Rev

8 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The field experience/professional internship for interns is intended to be an educational experience that is practical and flexible. To assure the educational nature of the experience and to maintain flexibility, a variety of learning situations may be arranged. Students are encouraged to arrange a setting to fit their own career goals. All field experience/professional internship situations must contribute to the professional development of the intern. Intern: The field experience/professional internship is individually designed for each intern. Although the Site Supervisor and the University Supervisor have specific responsibilities, the success of the field experience ultimately rests with the individual intern. The student is responsible for finding, applying for, and then obtaining the faculty supervisor s approval of an internship in a timely manner. An intern is expected to engage in all duties typically performed by a librarian employed in the setting in which the intern is placed. In addition to librarian duties, time may be spent in staff meetings, participating in professional development activities, conferring with site supervisor, etc. Individual supervision is provided by the site supervisor on an ongoing basis. Additionally supervision is provided by the university supervisor. Internship requires that at least 60 percent of the intern s time must be spent in active collaboration or services to teachers, students or stakeholders. The intern is expected to follow the assigned internship setting s calendar during internship. The university supervisor is responsible for the intern s grade after conferring with the site supervisor. Interns are required to provide their individual site supervisors a minimum of five opportunities for observation of direct activities. Each intern must: 1. Become acquainted with the Internship Manuel to be familiar with the guidelines, procedures, and responsibilities described in it. 2. Consult with University Supervisor to determine when and how an internship will help meet educational goals and fit into the overall academic programs. 3. Advise the University Supervisor of the intention to participate in an internship prior to early registration one semester before enrollment. 4. Complete the Internship Application form. 5. Meet online with the University Supervisor for discussion of the selection of the library/site, the determination of individualized goals and objectives, and the communication of these goals and objectives to the Site Supervisor. 8 Rev

9 6. Meet with the Site Supervisor to acquaint the Site Supervisor with personal background, goals, and objectives. Present a completed Intern Information Sheet to the Site Supervisor. 7. Agree to abide by all policies, rules, and regulations of the organization in which the work will be performed, including the protection of any information of a confidential nature that might be learned during the term of the professional internship. 8. Complete an Internship Contract and submit to the University Supervisor. 9. Submit required log of hours at the end of the course, signed by the Site Supervisor, to the University Supervisor describing the activities performed and impressions of the experiences. 10. Participate in seminars, assignments and service initiatives as scheduled during the semester. 11. Complete a reflective summary at the end of the experience, analyzing as well as describing the overall internship program. 12. Begin a professional portfolio with evidence to support the major functions of a professional librarian. Interns are required to complete a survey at the beginning of the course of the internship experience. The required survey focuses on the demographics of the population served. Demographic Survey Link: Rev

10 Site Supervisor: Supervision is a critical aspect of the internship. The Site Supervisor must be a library professional, able and willing to guide the intern to a successful completion of the experience. The purpose of supervision is to help the intern develop effective professional skills. For schools, the Site Supervisor must hold School Library Media Coordinator certification (076). Specifically, the Site Supervisor must: 1. Be acquainted with those areas, projects, and activities within the site which are appropriate for intern involvement and which will assist the intern in accomplishing the overall goals and objectives of the internship; be able to articulate this information to the University Supervisor. 2. Interview potential interns -- the interview, whether in person or by telephone, should be an exchange of information including, the nature of the site, the needs of the intern, the expectations on the part of both the site and the intern, the time frame, the methodology, and the means of communication. 3. Make the necessary site arrangements, including notifying appropriate personnel and provide work space, equipment, and/or supplies. 4. Collaborate with intern to provide rich, structured field learning experiences for student, enabling them to gain new knowledge, explore career options, and expand their professional connections 5. Certify the intern's logs by signing them. 6. Evaluate the performance of the intern and submit such evaluation, in written form, to the University Supervisor at the conclusion of the experience. A mentoring form of instruction, in which a supervisor monitors intern s activities and facilitates the associated skill development experiences, is encouraged. Although it is the faculty supervisor's responsibility to contact the site supervisor during the internship, the site supervisor should not hesitate to contact the faculty supervisor at any time there are questions or concerns. University/Faculty Supervisor: The Chair of the Department of Library Science assigns a faculty member as University Supervisor. The University Supervisor: 1. Works with students and site supervisors to ensure that approved internships provide professional learning opportunities that benefit both parties. 2. Contacts the Site Supervisor concerning the intern assignment. 3. Reviews logs from Interns 10 Rev

11 4. Communicates periodically with the Site Supervisor providing topics, ideas, and strategies for activities for the intern. 5. Reviews written evaluations of the interns' performance from Site Supervisors. 6. Facilitates seminar, blog and discussions. 7. Provides course leadership and assigns final grades. Rev

12 Site Selection: Sites can be identified in a variety of ways. Some librarians may hear about the program and volunteer their facilities. The Department of Library Science may identify potential sites in the region and solicit the participation of those institutions. Most often, interns identify specific sites and request assignment to them. Ultimately, the student is responsible for finding, applying for, and then obtaining the faculty supervisor s approval of an internship Site Selection Procedures: 1. Possible sites are identified by the intern, approved by the University/Faculty Supervisor, and a site is selected. 2. Intern visits site requesting assignment at that location. The intern makes an appointment for an interview (at the site or over the telephone) during the semester prior to that in which registration for the internship will occur 3. With acceptance from the Site Supervisor, the site is confirmed and the intern notifies the University Supervisor of approval. 12 Rev

13 Other Field Experiences: *Intern interns will serve a minimum of 15 hours at an alternate site which serves a different population. Different grade levels, types of library (public, community college, academic, school) may be considered. On rare occasions an intern may request placement at a site where there is no professional information specialist or librarian to serve as the Site Supervisor. The department may wish to accommodate both the intern and the site with the arrangement of such an experience. Doing so, however, will require the close attention of the department, in identifying a consultant for the intern and to the institution, organization, agency, business, or industry. Situations such as these will be approached carefully so as not to exploit the intern or to give the appearance of condoning the operation of information centers and libraries without the services of fully-qualified specialists. If such an arrangement is sought, the site must provide an "administrator" who will orient the intern to the institution or agency and be able to spend time interpreting its work to the intern. The intern will be required to document the work done for the University Supervisor. In addition, the University Supervisor will make three site visits, the cost of which will be borne by the site; the intern must be fully aware of the added responsibility of an experience of this type and be able to deal with it; and the University Supervisor must recognize that the intern is assuming additional responsibilities and is very likely to need an extra level of support/expertise. Rev

14 COMPONENTS OVERVIEW 1. Hours and Credits Three semester hours of graduate credit may be earned in LIBS 6991 and also in LIBS One hundred ten clock hours should be spent on site in the internship experience during each course. Additional time will be needed in order for the intern to confer with the University Supervisor, attend seminars, develop an internship portfolio, and prepare written and electronic assignments. 2. Seminars and Projects The intern will participate in seminars, blogs/chats, discussions and collaborative assignments as scheduled. The first discussion will be during the first week of the semester and additional dates determined at that time. Seminars will be held electronically. 3. Evaluation Evaluation of the intern is an integrated process designed to help improve the intern s professional competence. Interactions and communications between Site Supervisor and the intern should be aligned with the standards and competences for librarians. The Site Supervisor may examine and comment upon any assignment completed by the intern. The final grade will be determined by the University Supervisor after a review of the evaluation by the Site Supervisor; and review of the logs, intern evaluation, assigned projects, and portfolio. 14 Rev

15 OVERVIEW OF INTERNSHIP Every intern in the internship program should be introduced to the total environment of the library or information agency in which the internship is being undertaken, including the following, all of which are important. 1. Mission of the agency 2. Goals and objectives of the agency 3. Community served by the agency 4. Administration/management a. Organizational structure b. Policies and procedures c. Finances/Budget 4. Roles of personnel 6. Use of resources a. Fiscal b. Space c. Facilities d. Equipment 7. Collection Management a. Selection b. Acquisitions c. Organization d. Collection evaluation e. Circulation 8. Information services and programs a. Planning b. Reference c. Promotional activities d. Evaluating 9. Interrelationship/interdependence of systems a. Internal b. External 10. Strengths and concerns of agency/library Rev

16 INTERNSHIP: ACADEMIC LIBRARY The following areas may be discussed during the electronic/online seminars throughout the semester, and a review of these topics should be included in the final summary. These topics will be specific to operations of the individual academic library. The final electronic portfolio should also include an overview and evaluation of the internship experience with documentation of assignments, standards and competences. The final portfolio should include the following topics. The final course reflection is to be submitted to the University Supervisor at the end of the internship experience. Location within institutional organization including reporting relationship of the Director Institutional accrediting agency - date of last review/report Status of librarians including categories of other employees (number, part-time, unions, civil service, etc.) adequacy of staffing Current budget, recent history, role of Director in budgeting process, extent of external funding Basic staff organization of library Evaluation of library service by institution Technical Services (regional network, major vendors, approval plans, extent of automation, etc.) Public Services (Reference, circulation, etc.) Exceptional areas of service (BI, automation, outreach, off-campus, etc.) Fund raising and public relations (use of Friends, grant writing, etc.) 16 Evidence of responsiveness in regard to American Library Association Competences nces/finalcorecompstat09.pdf Rev

17 INTERNSHIP: PUBLIC LIBRARY The following areas may be discussed during the electronic/online seminars throughout the semester, and a review of these topics should be included in the final summary. These topics will be specific to operations of the individual public library. The summary should also include an overview and evaluation of the internship experience. The final electronic portfolio should include evidence of assignments and experience with, or understanding of, the following topics and concepts. A final course reflection should be given to the University Supervisor at the end of the internship experience. Rev Line of authority/governance structure Interaction with Board of Trustees Budget compilation and presentation User fees Services to adults, young adults, young people and other special populations Outreach programs Technical and administrative services Interlibrary loan and network participation Electronic database services - on-site and external Technical support Branch libraries/bookmobiles Evidence of responsiveness in regard to American Library Association Competences 17

18 ecompetences/finalcorecompstat09.pdf INTERNSHIP: SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERS The following areas may be discussed during the electronic/online seminars throughout the semester, and a review of these topics should be included in the course reflection. The required final electronic portfolio should also include documentation of assignments and activities with the following concepts and standards. These concepts or standards will be specific to operations of the individual media center. The summary course reflection includes an overview and evaluation of the internship experience. A final course reflection should be given to the University Supervisor at the end of the internship experience and should be a minimum of three pages in length. School librarian leadership Learning environments Instructional needs of a diverse population of students Identification of a comprehensive 21 s century library media program Knowledge of learners and learning Effective instructional practices Reflection on practice Evidence of responsiveness in regard to American Association of Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians ents_ pdf. Evidence of responsiveness in regard to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Standards 18 Rev

19 INTERNSHIP: SPECIAL LIBRARY The following areas may be discussed during the electronic/online seminars throughout the semester, and a review of these topics should be included in the final electronic course portfolio. These topics will be specific to operations of the individual special library. A final reflection should also be included with an overview and evaluation of the internship experience. The final reflection should be a minimum of three pages in length. The final summary reflection and electronic portfolio is to be given to the University Supervisor at the end of the internship experience. Position within parent organization and line of authority Accountability of library to parent organization Identification of user group's special needs Characteristics of collection and services Goals of collection development Professional organizations relative to library's mission Personnel evaluation/performance appraisal procedures Automation and networking Rev

20 FORMS & Survey Interns are required to complete specific forms and a survey at the beginning of the course of the internship experience. The required survey focuses on the demographics of the population served and should be completed at the beginning of the internship Demographic Survey Link:

21 Department of Information and Library Science Master of Library Science Program East Carolina University Greenville, NC APPLICATION FOR LIBRARY SCIENCE 6991, 6992 INTERNSHIP Semester of Internship: Name of Intern: Address: Internship Site: Mailing Address: Phone Number: Type of Library: Name of Site Supervisor/Director: Address: Mailing Address: Number of LIBS Graduate Hours Completed: List LIBS Graduate Courses Completed: Seeking: School Library 076 Certification: Public Library Certification: Currently Working in a Library: Approved by University Supervisor: Date: Rev

22 Department of Information and Library Science Master of Library Science Program East Carolina University Greenville, NC MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING FOR LIBRARY SCIENCE 6991, 6992 INTERNSHIP Semester of Internship: Name of Intern: Address: Internship Site: Mailing Address: Phone Number: This Memo of Understanding is entered between Site Supervisor for, an intern from the Department of Information and Library Science, as represented by University Supervisor. The Site Supervisor agrees to assume responsibility for assisting the internship intern in conducting activities related to his/her internship experience. These activities are defined in the Internship Guidebook. The Site Supervisor agrees to participate in the evaluation process of the intern. The University Supervisor agrees to be available for consultation with the Site Supervisor either by phone, via , or in-person as deemed necessary by the intern s progress and within the policy of the Department of Information and Library Science. Schedule of Hours: Special Arrangements: Site Supervisor Name: Signature: Date: University Supervisor Name: Signature: Date:

23 Department of Information and Library Science Master of Library Science Program East Carolina University Greenville, NC INTERN INFORMATION SHEET This information will be shared with the Site Supervisor. Please type all information or use this form as a word processing template. NAME HOME ADDRESS CURRENT ADDRESS PHONE # Internship Semester ============================================================================== IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT: NAME (RELATIONSHIP) ADDRESS PHONE # ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE Degree Date Institution/Location COURSES COMPLETED IN THE MLS Program Rev

24 COURSE SCHEDULE FOR SEMESTER OF THE INTERNSHIP WORK EXPERIENCE: In Libraries, Media Centers, and Information Agencies: In other areas related to internship: PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES CIVIC INVOLVEMENT, HOBBIES, AND OTHER INTERESTS

25 Department of Information and Library Science Master of Library Science Program East Carolina University Greenville, NC Steps to the Internship Action Preliminary discussion of field experience with faculty advisor and University Supervisor; identification of sites Intern notifies university supervisor of site selection Resulting Document Application form Internship & Intern Information Sheet Application form Disposition of Document To University Supervisor Copy filed in Department Approximate Time Frame 2-3 weeks before pre- registration for the term in which the internship will be conducted 1-2 weeks before preregistration Notes* Intern should determine sites according to professional interest Intern will contact site supervisor to arrange work schedule Course opens on Blackboard Memo of Understanding Course Syllabus and all assignments are available Copies to: site supervisor, University Supervisor Intern keeps copy of syllabus Intern begins site work Log 110 Hours Completed log to university supervisor Evaluation of Intern by Intern Evaluation To University Site Supervisor Form Supervisor Evaluation of Intern by Contact with Intern Grade University Supervisor Final Contact with Site Supervisor by University Supervisor Letter Submitted To Site Supervisor 1-2 weeks before preregistration Beginning of semester of Internship Upon completion of hours Upon completion of hours Upon completion of hours Upon completion of hours Interns should check Blackboard frequently for announcements and due dates

26 Department of Information and Library Science MLS Program East Carolina University Greenville, NC Phone: Fax: Name of Intern Site Date Hours Worked Site Supervisor Initial Activity Total Hours: Site Supervisor Signature Date: Intern Signature Date: Internship Guide Dept. of Information and Library Science East Carolina University 29

27 Guidelines for Digital Portfolio of School Internship The Internship Portfolio is a documentation of activities of during the Internship. The contents should include but not be limited to: Mission of the agency Personal philosophy of library service Setting: Description of the library size, community served, physical layout, staffing Log of hours served Reflection of overall experience A section for each of the five North Carolina School Library Media Coordinator Standards, and American Association of School Librarian Standards, ents_ pdf. with evidence/documentation that you have addressed each of the following: North Carolina School Library Media Coordinator Standards Standard 1: School Library Media Coordinators demonstrate leadership. Standard 2: School library media coordinators build a learning environment that meets the instructional needs of a diverse population of students. Standard 3: School library media coordinators demonstrate implement a comprehensive 21 s century library media program. Standard 4: School library media coordinators demonstrate knowledge of learners and learning and promote effective instructional practices. Standard 5: School Library Media Coordinators reflect on their practice. American Association of School Librarian Standards Standard 1: Teaching for Learning Standard 2: Literacy and Reading Standard 3: Information and Knowledge Standard 4: Advocacy and Leadership Standard5: Program Management and Administration

28 Guidelines for Digital Portfolio of Non-School Internship The Internship Portfolio is a documentation of activities of during the Internship. This is not to be confused with the program electronic portfolio. The contents should include but not be limited to: Mission of the agency Personal philosophy of library service Setting: Description of the library size, community served, physical layout, staffing Organizational chart Log of hours served Evidence of work in technical services Evidence of work in public services Evidence of work in administrative services A reflection on the overall experience Evidence/documentation of understanding or experience with the following American Library Association Competences American Library Association Competences 1. Foundations of the Profession 2. Information Resources 3. Organization of Recorded Knowledge and Information 4. Technological Knowledge and Skills 5. Reference and User Services 6. Research 7. Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning 8. Administration and Management Internship Guide Dept. of Library Science 32 East Carolina University