{"id":670,"date":"2020-05-28T11:47:33","date_gmt":"2020-05-28T16:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cehd.missouri.edu\/information-science-learning-technologies\/?page_id=670"},"modified":"2026-02-17T13:58:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T19:58:13","slug":"practicum","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cehd.missouri.edu\/information-science-learning-technologies\/practicum\/","title":{"rendered":"Practicum"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Practicum in Information Agencies<\/h3>\n

The LIS program gives each student the opportunity to graduate with practical experience in a library or information setting. The practicum is intended to provide connections and experience, depth and breadth, and additional insight that complement classroom learning, helping students to master LIS Student Learning Outcomes in the context of professional work. Many MU students report that the practicum was their favorite experience in their program, as it provided a tangible way to apply theory to practice. Additionally, studies (Palmer et. al. 2014; Goodsett & Koziura, 2016; Duffus, 2017) have indicated that practical experience increases employment opportunities of recent graduates. Therefore, we strongly advise all students to embrace this opportunity and to tailor their practicum experience to their own needs and circumstances. The practicum should be relevant to the student’s career goals and, as relevant, course of study. Students seeking school library media certification must complete a practicum in a school library setting; students enrolled in the Archives emphasis area must complete a practicum in an archives setting.<\/p>\n

The guide for 7381 Practicum in Information Agencies is available here: https:\/\/sislt.missouri.edu\/LIS-Practicum-Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The practicum guides provide information germane to both practicum students and their supervisors.<\/p>\n

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  1. Download the practicum guide and read through for the process.<\/li>\n
  2. Select up to three locations for your practicum.<\/li>\n
  3. Reach out to those locations to find out if they can host you.<\/li>\n
  4. Decide on the best location and submit your practicum application.<\/li>\n
  5. Draft a learning plan with your practicum host.<\/li>\n
  6. Submit draft learning to the practicum coordinator for approval before obtaining signatures.<\/li>\n
  7. Once your learning plan is completed, register for the class with a permission code from the practicum coordinator.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Placement<\/h4>\n

    Students taking the practicum are responsible for finding up to three practicum sites, as one or more selections may not be available. The requirement for practicum experiences is that the student is supervised by an MLIS-degreed librarian or certified archivist, or other employer holding an appropriate advanced degree (e.g., PhD) and that the supervisor turns in required paperwork. In this way, a number of paid and unpaid opportunities (e.g., internships, etc.) can serve as a practicum experience, as long as the student works with an iSchool practicum advisor, has a supervisor willing to submit the required paperwork, carries out the work and reflects on it as required, etc. Work generally occurs on-site, but individual projects and remote work, completed under the supervision of a librarian or archivist may also provide practical experience.<\/p>\n

    Duration and Scheduling<\/h4>\n

    The practicum may be taken for 2 or 3 credit hours; each student can take up to two. We recognize that a practicum experience may not fit conveniently into students\u2019 schedules along with work and family responsibilities. With the approval of students\u2019 on-site library supervisors and iSchool practicum advisors, the practicum experience may be extended over two semesters, completed during intersession, or be completed on evenings or weekends.
    \nRegardless of practicum hours taken, all students must complete 39 hours of coursework.
    \n<\/section>\n

    \n

    School Library Media Practicum<\/h3>\n

    The guide for 7380 School Library Practicum is available here: https:\/\/sislt.missouri.edu\/SLM-Practicum-Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Students pursuing school library media certification are required to take one or more practicum courses. Please consult your advisor for specifics about your situation.<\/p>\n