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Library Sciences Practicum

The Library Practicum internship is not currently available.

Project Description

Nashville Public Library’s practicum offers both breadth and depth of experience through a carefully structured sequence of assignments in different divisions and branches of the Library system, followed by an extended assignment in an area of professional interest. Within the established guidelines, efforts are made to accommodate academic requirements, previous experience, professional goals, and a variety of work or school schedules, so that the practicum is tailored to the needs of individual library sciences graduate students.

Practicum students with different professional backgrounds and levels of experience gain insight into many dimensions of public library service.

Practicum students agree to a schedule of assignments created by Volunteer Services, but division or branch managers are responsible for specific assignments at each location and designate appropriate levels of staff supervision. Students may shadow staff or may be assigned independent responsibilities, including circulation, reference, collections management, programming, patron services, and staff support. 

Qualifications

Applicants should be currently enrolled graduate students in an MLIS or other similar master's program of library studies or information sciences. Preference may be given to applicants who have previous experience volunteering and/or working in libraries. Applicants must have reliability, commitment and enthusiasm for learning; they must have the ability to work well with a diverse team in varied locations and with diverse patrons; excellent communication skills; and the ability to work independently. A clearly defined area of professional interest is desirable. 

Position Type

Unpaid, part-time internship, to be conducted in-person, usually pursued for credit; 10-15 hours per week (minimum of 150); some weekday hours desirable, otherwise flexible scheduling.