(via Ramune Kubilius, Galter Health Sciences Library at Northwestern University)
The Library of the Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Galter Health Sciences Library of Northwestern University are co-sponsoring a joint practicum for the Fall 2019 semester. This practicum is geared towards LIS graduate students currently enrolled in ALA-accredited programs who are interested in exploring health sciences librarianship. Recent MLIS graduates are also encouraged to apply. The collaboration provides the student with a supervised experience working in the public service area of both a public and private academic health sciences library setting, learning skills to be applied to their future careers. Former practicum students have indicated this experience has factored significantly in finding positions after graduation.
The practicum student will gain hands on public service experience while integrating classroom theory into a working environment. The student will able to network with librarians from different departments within each institution. Both libraries will integrate the student into the daily work flow, allowing the student to accompany and assist librarians as they teach, perform reference duties, and provide individual consultations.
A project to serve both serve the needs of the library and the interest of the student can be designed, but a project for its own sake is not mandatory unless required by the graduate school program. Students will be required to submit weekly reports outlining their activities at each library. A final presentation comparing the experience at the two libraries is also mandatory. The two libraries will work with the student in scheduling time at each library between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the semester. The student will spend approximately 120 hours between both libraries. The major focus of the placement will be to deliver public services, including the following relevant training:
- Learning and utilizing core health sciences databases such as PubMed and CINAHL
- Exposure to core medical reference books and journals
- Working with patrons both in person and in virtual settings
- Working on the development of research and subject guides
- Working with librarians who teach course integrated instruction and /or library skills workshops
- Working with evidence-based health sciences and clinical practice literature
Both libraries are accessible via the CTA and Metra. The Galter Library is located at 303 E. Chicago Ave., in the Streeterville neighborhood just east of the Magnificent Mile. The UIC-Library of the Health Sciences is located in the Illinois Medical District just west of the Loop.
Northwestern University and UIC are affirmative action, equal opportunity employers that have a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and are particularly interested in received applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, covered veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
To apply for the practicum, please send a cover letter and resume by June 7, 2019 to: Jonna Peterson, Northwestern University, jonna.peterson@northwestern.edu and Rebecca Raszewski, UIC, raszewr1@uic.edu
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