Incorporating Library School Interns on Academic Library Subject Teams

• Published in: The Journal of academic librarianship Vol. 37; no. 1; pp. 28 - 33
• Main Authors: Sargent, Aloha R., Becker, Bernd W., Klingberg, Susan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 2011; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Academic Libraries; California; Exact sciences and technology; Feedback (Response); Field Experience Programs; Field work; Focus Groups; Humanities; Information and communication sciences; Information science; Information science. Documentation; Internship Programs; Internships; Librarians; Library and information science. General aspects; Library Instruction; Library Schools; Library Science; Library Services; Mentors; Postgraduate students; Professional aspects; Professional aspects : training, employment; Professional development; Recruitment; Schools of library and information science; Sciences; Sciences and techniques of general use; Social Sciences; Teamwork; University libraries; California; San Jose California; United States > US; Higher education library; School library; Professional development; Training course
• ISSN: 0099-1333; 1879-1999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.acalib.2010.10.004

This case study analyzes the use of library school interns on subject-based teams for the social sciences, humanities, and sciences in the San José State University Library. Interns worked closely with team librarians on reference, collection development/management, and instruction activities. In a structured focus group, interns reported that the internship enhanced their professional and career development, but they desired greater feedback and mentoring than they received. The library gained staff for its large instruction program and successfully recruited talented former interns for professional openings. This analysis will help other libraries and library science schools to improve their internships and field experiences.