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The Role of Supervised Fieldwork in Educating MLS Students FLA Annual Conference -- St. Pete Beach, FL April 22-25, 2008. Linda B. Alexander USF Carol Ann Moon Saint Leo University Jackie Bryan Saint Leo University.
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The Role of Supervised Fieldwork in Educating MLS StudentsFLA Annual Conference -- St. Pete Beach, FLApril 22-25, 2008 Linda B. Alexander USF Carol Ann Moon Saint Leo University Jackie Bryan Saint Leo University
Supervised Fieldwork provides the opportunity for SLIS students to: • Relate information from courses to work situations • Engage in “service learning” as an academic/ community enterprise • Observe, participate, and perform independently in a supportive environment
LIS 6946 - 3 credit hours • To be completed in an approved cooperative setting • 120 hours of “practice work” in any type of library or school media center under a MLS- degreed professional • Is usually completed the final semester of studies
Collaborative Aspect • LIS 6946-- Involves collaboration between the • Student • Fieldwork Coordinator • Site supervisor To create learning goals on how principles and theories are integrated in the setting. To develop understanding through discussion and practice.
Structure of the Fieldwork • Varies depending on student needs and background as well as the size and type of the setting. Fieldwork must be approved by the fieldwork supervisor and site supervisor. • 75% is spent working on various tasks • 25% is spent on a specific project
Learning ObjectivesUpon Completion, student will be able to: Describe the type of information center or library in which the student worked, providing details about the mission and goals. 1.
Upon Completion, student will be able to: Describe the administrative organization, resources, services and clientele of the setting. 2.
Upon Completion, student will be able to: Relate instruction from the SLIS graduate program to applied professional practice. 3.
Upon Completion, student will be able to: Perform duties in a representational range of functional areas in one or more subjects of concentration, such as: 4. • Information services • Materials Selection • Technical Services • Automated systems • Acquisitions • Archival work
Upon Completion, student will be able to: Demonstrate through evaluations by both supervisors that the experience has been a successful collaboration with agency staff. 5.
Upon Completion, student will be able to: Reflect upon the experience in a FINAL REPORT and through communications with the coordinator. This reflection includes discussions of the library and its involvement with the community and constituencies. 6.
The Role of the Student • Prepare a resume. • Contact the SLIS Coordinator, Dr. Linda Alexander, at lalexand@cas.usf.edu . • Appointment with Site Supervisor for meeting, bringing a copy of the guidelines. • Work with site supervisor to develop an approved fieldwork plan and work schedule. • Complete the application, get advisor signature, and request a permit from SLIS program assistant to register for LIS 6946.
The Role of the Student (continued) • Submit completed application and resume to Coordinator. • Show, through evaluations by supervisors, that s/he had a successful experience working collaboratively with the agency and the SLIS coordinator. • Submit FINAL REPORT, with appropriate signatures to SLIS coordinator.
The Role of the USF SLIS Fieldwork Coordinator • Discuss with the student the purpose, objectives, duties and responsibilities involved in the fieldwork. • Recommend and introduce the student to the site supervisor. • Maintain contact with the student during the progress of the fieldwork, and be available for help and guidance.
Role of the Site Supervisor • Explain professional responsibilities to the student and be able to guide them as interns, rather than employees. • Discuss with the fieldwork coordinator any difficulties that arise during the semester. • Introduce the student to the library and explain general functions, goals and rules. • Discuss the student’s performance with the fieldwork coordinator at the conclusion of the experience.
Steps to Initiate and complete the fieldwork • Consult faculty fieldwork coordinator and your advisor. • All fieldwork must be carried out under the direction of a site supervisor. • Student will contact site supervisor, provide a resume and present a tentative plan of work. • Student will keep bi-weekly LOG OF WORK. • Student will submit a FINAL REPORT by the last day of classes.