(via Rebecca Raszewski, University of Illinois at Chicago)
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 2016 semester. This practicum is geared towards library science 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 of working in the public service area of both a public and private academic health sciences library setting, learning skills that can be applied to their future careers.
The goal of the practicum is for the student to 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 that will both serve the needs of the library and the interest of the student can be designed to pursue, 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 AM and 5:00 PM during the Fall semester. 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
To apply for the practicum, please send a cover letter and resume by Friday, July 15, to Jonna Peterson, Northwestern University (jonna.peterson@northwestern.edu), and Rebecca Raszewski, UIC (raszewr1@uic.edu).