Department of Library and Information Studies Practicums

For the general MLIS degree, a practicum is usually an unpaid experience in an information organization done for credit through LIS 691. All practicum experiences must be 120 hours in duration to earn 3 credits. Only one practicum can be completed for credit. LIS 691 requires payment of tuition.  Practicum experiences must be arranged through and approved by the supervising faculty member for that semester.

Practicum Partnership Opportunities

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The Central Piedmont Community College Library and the UNCG LIS Department are working together to offer the Embedded Extension Service – a completely online practicum opportunity.  Practicum students will work as embedded librarians providing information literacy instruction at a large community college.  Please click here for more information.

 

 

26646 BC:Layout 1UNCG’s Department of Library and Information Studies is partnering with Greensboro-based executive search firm Charles Aris Inc. (CAI) to establish a practicum. MLIS students will conduct real-time research using professional online recruiting tools in a fast-paced business environment focused on pairing senior-level talent with corporate clients including Fortune 500 firms in 40 states and 13 countries.  Please click here for more information.

 

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The University Libraries also have other opportunities. The Special Collections and University Archives department has opportunities that can be either a practicum or an internship, these are described here. The Cataloging Department often has practicum positions and the library’s website has more information. University Libraries has an extensive Reference Internship program which is described on this website.

 

 

Click here for a list of Practicum Sites from 2011-2013

Professional Mentoring

Mission/Goal

The Professional Mentoring Program of the LIS Department offers students the opportunity to connect outside the academic environment with professionals working in the field to learn first-hand what it actually means to be successful as a library and information studies professional. The goal is to encourage students to begin to establish and understand the value of professional networks and personal learning communities (PLCs) by:

  • connecting them with professionals in the field to exchange ideas and expertise in an informal, supportive environment
  • developing their networking abilities and professional social skills
  • strengthening their communication ties with the profession
  • promoting their knowledge of professional standards and behaviors

Participation Guidelines and Requirements

Participation in the Professional Mentoring program is open to all LIS students and is completely voluntary. Students who choose to participate commit to making the relationship a success by keeping in contact with their mentors, showing interest, and taking initiative. Documented participation in the mentoring program may be used by students as part of their professional development for their Capstone (pending approval).

Students:
Students should have some idea of their MLIS concentration or area of interest and will be matched as closely as possible to an appropriate mentor based on career interests, personal interests, and location. Matches will be for the duration of the student’s program of study. Applications are available on the website and should be submitted at the beginning of fall or spring semesters so that timely assignments can be made.

Interaction between mentors and students is crucial to the mission and goals of the program. Therefore, students who participate are expected to contact their mentors at least once a month to gain insight, share ideas, keep updated, or ask for advice or guidance. Contact can be face-to-face or virtual through email, chat, or even a blog. Conversational starters or prompts will be offered each month for those who would like some suggestions or talking points. After a student contacts his/her mentor for the first time, mentors are encouraged to initiate conversations as well. Students and their mentors may also connect on occasion at socials sponsored by the LIS Department in Greensboro or at an eHub location.

Students are required to:

  • Initiate first contact with assigned mentor
  • Use UNCG email for all email exchanges
  • Keep in continuous touch, be appreciative of their mentors time and expertise, and always respond in a timely manner

Mentors:
Mentors will be selected from several organizations, including LISAA (the UNCG LIS Alumni Association), Metrolina Library Association (MLA), and the local community. If you are interested in becoming a professional mentor, please complete this form.

Mentors are expected to:

  • Respond to students in a timely manner
  • Share positive, supportive career insight

Both mentors and students will have ongoing, structured opportunities to provide feedback to improve the mentoring program. At any time a problem arises, mentors or students are expected to inform the coordinator so a workable solution might be found. (For example, mentor/student is not responding to attempts at contact.) If, for any reason, a relationship is not successful, reassignments can be made.

If you have any questions regarding the Professional Mentoring Program, please contact Betsy Byrd: ebhayes@uncg.edu.

LISSA

The Library and Information Studies Student Association (LISSA) is the student chapter of ALA at UNCG.
As a member of LISSA, you’ll get to take part in professional development activities, meet fellow students and librarians, volunteer in the community, and enjoy fun social events. Membership looks great on your resume. And we have t-shirts!

For further information on events and membership, please visit: http://lissaland.wordpress.com

President: Heather Hans

Vice President: Jewel Davis

Secretary: Amanda Wilkerson

Treasurer: Rebecca Driscoll

First-Year Representative: Chanda Green

LISSA Membership Form

LISSA Constitution and Bylaws

 

Progressive Librarians Guild (PLG) Student Chapter

We are the Progressive Library Guild Student Chapter of UNCG. We aim to create a platform for critical discourse about the intersection of libraries, politics, and culture. We affirm librarianship is activism. Collectively we are interested in examining the library/information field through a social justice lens, both examining and eradicating oppression. UNCG PLG is committed to providing access to a diversity of materials, alternative media, equitable distribution, and free flow of information. We are invested in becoming culturally competent librarians and information workers. UNCG PLG members are aware it is only through collaboration, community-building, and education can we truly be socially responsible and be a catalyst for social change.

President: April Parker

Vice President: Rachel Smith

Secretary: Devon Stokes

Treasurer: Angela Carter

PLG Membership Form

PLG Facebook Page

Sample Capstone Portfolios

The Capstone Portfolio is traditionally produced in the last semester of a student’s degree program through a one-credit course (LIS 698). The portfolio serves as a way to demonstrate achievements in coursework while preparing students for the job search process and giving them a tangible record of their work and professional experience. The following links are meant to serve as examples, as portfolio requirements change and evolve based on the curriculum and the student’s particular interests and experiences.

Online Learning Helpdesk

Online Helpdesk Image

The purpose of the online learning help desk is to provide students and prospective students general information about our online programs.   Please click on the icon below for more information.