| Table of Contents |
|---|
Disclaimer
This guide is for students in the Library and Information Science (LIS) program.
...
Guides and instructions for students in other iSchool programs are available on the iSchool Career Services website: ischool.syr.edu/careers/career-resources/internships/
Introduction and Philosophy of the iSchool Internship Program
The Purpose of an Internship
In recognition that education extends beyond the formal classroom, the faculty of the School of Information Studies (iSchool) encourages students to participate in special learning situations outside existing courses. An internship allows students to demonstrate what they have learned in class. A student intern also has the ability to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities that are not taught in class. For the LIS program, the internship is part of the program’s exit requirement.
The Difference between Co-ops and Internships
At the iSchool, co-ops and internships are differentiated primarily by their duration. A co-op, or cooperative work experience, is a paid position which can last between 6 and 12 months, extending beyond a single semester, and is most often associated with students in the Information Management (IM) program. Whatever the time duration, however, at least three (3) credits must be taken as LIS internship credit. Three credits will require 150 contact hours for completion. Generally speaking, most LIS internships are non-paid.
...
Students are encouraged to seek meaningful, relevant internships in which they can apply the theories taught in the classroom to real world applications. While Site Supervisors do share their knowledge and expertise with interns and co-ops, the students give a tremendous amount back to the organization in terms of projects completed, professional services rendered, enthusiasm, creativity, and new approaches to information problems.
Where the Internship fits into an Information Studies Program
Students usually choose to register for internship opportunities when they have completed approximately one-half to two-thirds of their academic program at the iSchool and have a GPA of 3.0 or greater. This is to ensure that they have the skills to be successful in the work experience they select. However, students are encouraged to plan early, so that their work experience will best parallel their professional goals. It is never too early to contact the Academic Advisor or Faculty Supervisor to develop a goal and discuss possibilities.
The Syracuse University iSchool does not discriminate against employers, students, or applicants on the basis of race, gender, handicap, age, veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
Benefits for Those Involved in the Internship Program
Clearly, an internship opportunity is a winning situation for everyone involved! While you, the student, gain real work experience, your employer gains the use of your skills for a designated period of time. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what benefits will accrue for the various parties.
Benefits for the Student
- Use information skills and apply theoretical knowledge in a practical experience
- Pursue a special interest in a subject specialty
- Interact and communicate with professionals
- Experience an information setting consistent with professional goals
- Become aware of employment opportunities
- Test theoretical concerns against reality
- Understand the role of the sponsoring site within the community
- Develop a professional self-awareness
- Develop professional contacts for future advice and job seeking
- Develop and implement a project that fulfills personal goals and benefits the internship site
- Demonstrate abilities learned in the classroom
Benefits for the Site
- Develop and implement special projects
- Have additional professional-level assistance available
- Gain fresh insights from students currently studying leading-edge approaches
- Interact with students and programs at the iSchool
Benefits for the iSchool
- Provide stimulating, practical learning environments for students
- Meet the individual needs of students
- Promote a good working relationship with public and private sector organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I do an internship?
LIS students are required to complete a 3-credit internship; however, in some circumstances an Independent Study course could be approved by the program director instead.
...
Students should select their internships based on what they want to learn in a particular setting.
What will an internship opportunity cost?
You must pay regular Syracuse University credit hour costs for your internship opportunity. If you are earning 6 credit hours, you must pay the bursar’s office for 6 credits.
If you find an internship in another region from where you currently live, you may need to pay housing costs to live in the area or transportation costs to get there.
How and where do I register for an internship opportunity?
You may register through the University MySlice online system for your internship opportunity, just as you would for any other class. Register for IST 973 for both paid and non-paid work experiences. Be careful to enroll in the correct section of IST 973. Separate sections are reserved for the LIS main campus students and the online 2U students. If you have questions about registration, contact Kathy Benjamin (kabenjam@syr.edu). You will automatically be enrolled in the IST 973 2U course once you register.
In addition, there is paperwork to fill out during the internship. The Proposal Form (see form on pages 18-19) must be uploaded to the ASSIGNMENT or CONTENT section of the IST 973 online course (2U learning platform) at least one week before you begin working, so that the faculty supervisor can approve the internship. You will not get credit for the internship if you do not turn in this paperwork! Also, the Proposal cannot be accepted for past work experiences.
What if my work assignment won’t end before the end of the semester?
You will have a missing grade on your next grade report. Once the assignment is completed and your evaluation forms have been turned in, a grade will be submitted for you. Plan ahead of time with your Faculty Supervisor.
What if I want to extend my experiential learning opportunity for another semester?
Keep in mind that you are limited to a total of 6 credits for an internship opportunity. Contact Kathy Benjamin (kabenjam@syr.edu) to decide how to register for the additional credits and to ensure that your grade is not withheld.
...
- Library of Congress
- Syracuse University’s Bird Library
- St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Rush Rhees Library
- New York State Archives
- National Archives and Records Administration
- Mid-York Library System
- Syracuse Supreme Court Library
- Cornell University Libraries
- The Adirondack Museum
- LeMoyne College Library
- Gilead Sciences, Inc.
- Fayetteville Free Library
- Onondaga County Public Libraries
- Monteverde Institute, Costa Rica
- Newsweek
- Consolidated Edison of New York, Inc.
- Cleveland Health Sciences Library
- SUNY Upstate Medical Center Health Sciences Library
- ALA/Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
- Vermont Women’s History Project
- Onondaga Historical Association
- Albany Public Library
- CNY Library Resources Council
- The Society of California Pioneers
- Ohio State University Libraries
- Boston College Libraries
- California State University Libraries
- Case Western Reserve Library
- New York Public Library
- Seattle Public Library
- United Nations
- Middlebury College Library
- OCLC
- SUNY Canton, Southworth Library
Finding an Internship Opportunity
In selecting a site, use the following resources:
Handshake
The main system in which students should search for jobs, internships, and co-ops is Handshake, https://syr.joinhandshake.com
Academic Advisor
Your advisor has probably worked with other students in similar situations and may have suggestions for where you can pursue an internship opportunity. He or she may also help you define your skills to include on your resume.
Faculty Supervisor
Various LIS Faculty members act as the faculty supervisor for LIS internships and may have suggestions and contacts for you to consider for your particular interests.
The Listserv
The email listserv is utilized by the Career Services team to post some currently available jobs, internships and co-ops, including local to international positions.
School Media Students
School Media students may contact Blythe Bennett for additional assistance or suggestions for finding a practicum site.
International Students
International Students must consult the Slutzker Center for International Services (SCIS) for information regarding internships and employment. international.syr.edu
Career Counselor (iSchool) and Career Services Office (Syracuse University)
For assistance with resume preparation, interviewing, and utilization of Handshake, the online recruiting database, you may consult with the iSchool’s career counselor Christopher Perrello (csperrel@syr.edu) or iSchool Career Specialist, Jeffrey Fouts (jlfouts@syr.edu). You can set up an appointment to meet with these staff members on Handshake.
Independently Finding Your Own Internship
Not all internship opportunities are secured through leads provided by your advisors or career services on campus. You can also develop an opportunity on your own. Target a particular institution and contact the director for an initial meeting and/or conversation about a potential internship. Keep in mind the criteria that a site must meet:
- There must be a Site Supervisor who is more knowledgeable than the student
- Ideally, the Site Supervisor will have an MLS or MLIS degree. If not, the Site Supervisor must have professional work experience in the library field
- The Site Supervisor must be willing to guide, supervise, and evaluate the student
- There must be specific, finite tasks for the student to complete
- These tasks must be considered educationally useful by the Faculty Supervisor and /or Academic Advisor
- There must be a project, under the direction of the Site Supervisor, that the student develops and completes
Tips for Finding an Internship Opportunity
Use All of your Connections
The internship opportunity does not have to come from the iSchool. Feel free to enlist the help of family, friends, professors, administrators, or anyone else you may know who is in a position to help you.
...
Keep in mind that the site and your role there must meet the criteria specified by the iSchool in order for you to earn credit. Your internship proposal must be approved by the Faculty Supervisor.
Have an Effective Resume
Remember, your resume may be your initial contact with an employer. Make sure it reflects exactly what you want conveyed to an employer.
...
Appointments can be made by going into Handshake and clicking on the “Request an Appointment” link from your homepage. Telephone or Skype appointments can be arranged if you are not in the Syracuse area.
Be Persistent
Create a cover letter and attach your resume. Follow up with a phone call.
Who’s Who in the Internship Process
Here are the important players in your internship search and successful experience.
Internship Student
This is you. The weight of this experience is on you, but the benefits are yours to reap. Here are some things you MUST do:
- Be proactive in your search for an internship opportunity
- Ask questions and be persistent in securing an internship
- Turn in the necessary paperwork
- Complete monthly reflective journals
- Keep in touch with your Faculty Supervisor
- Coordinate the mid-point evaluation of the internship with your site supervisor and faculty supervisor (see instructions on what to do in the 2U course for IST 973).
Your Academic Advisor
This faculty member is assigned to you when you begin taking classes in the iSchool. This person is available for advising you throughout your program in the iSchool and can assist with the internship process.
...
- Identifying skills to put on your resume
- Suggesting potential sites for internships and/or employment
Your Faculty Supervisor
The faculty supervisor for LIS internships varies by semester.
...
- Defining tasks for your Proposal and Learning Agreement Forms
- Assist in choosing a site, or measuring the potential for success at various sites
- Approving the Proposal and Learning Agreement and reviewing the evaluation forms
- Providing feedback to your monthly journals
- Grading the experience
Site Supervisor
This is the person with whom you will work at the site. He or she is not determined until you have selected a site and been offered a position; this might not be the same person who initially accepted you. In order to qualify for this position, this person must have skills superior to yours, and must be willing to guide you and evaluate your work.
...
- Advise you in your work
- Orient you to the site
- Provide you with the necessary space and supplies to work
- Assist with completion of the Learning Agreement, if necessary
- Participate in a midpoint evaluation with the faculty supervisor
- Evaluate your performance at the completion of your assignment
- Communicate with the faculty supervisor in reference to your work
iSchool Career Services & Employer Relations Coordinator
Kathy Benjamin (kabenjam@syr.edu) can help you with the internship process. She can also assist with internship registration issues and general help for internship searches. Kathy is the go-to person for CPT and OPT letters for international students.
Slutzker Center for International Services (SCIS)
International students must see an advisor in this office to ensure that they can work in the United States. There is additional mandatory paperwork required by the SCIS that you must complete before starting an internship.
The Slutzker Center is located on Walnut Place (across Waverly Ave. from Bird Library) and the telephone number is 315-443-2457
Overview of the Internship Process
When you’ve accepted an Internship Position
Step 1: Register for the class through the University’s MySlice system
Students should register for internship experiences during the regular registration period for a semester (main campus students) or a quarter term (2U students). Be sure to select the correct class number for graduate-level LIS internships (IST 973). Please also note that all internship courses offer a variable amount of credit hours for the registration. A value needs to be entered (1 – 6 credit hours). If no value is entered, MySlice will default to one credit hour, so be sure to input the correct number of credit hours you are seeking for the internship. Remember that at least 3 credit hours are required of every LIS student. If you have any problems, contact Kathy Benjamin (kabenjam@syr.edu), Career Services and Employer Relations Coordinator. You may register before you have found a site if you anticipate that you will find one during a particular semester.
Step 2: Complete and upload the Proposal Form to the 2U course for IST 973
This form is to be uploaded to the IST 973 2U course and provides the Internship Faculty Supervisor with a brief, overall outline of what you think you will be doing at the site. While it must have some detail, you do not need to know every aspect of your internship at this point. If you need assistance, discuss the form with your Site or Faculty Supervisor. This form MUST be turned in at least one week before you begin work.
Once you’ve started working
Step 3: Complete the Learning Agreement
This form must be completed and uploaded to the IST 973 2U course once you have worked 30 hours at the site. By this point, you will have a much better idea of exactly what you are doing on the job, and can detail your assignment more accurately. If there are changes between what you are expected to do and what you find you are actually doing, report them here. You may limit your response to the form, or attach additional pages if necessary. This form is an important part of your grade, so it should be taken seriously and filled out with care.
Step 4: Check the 2U course for additional assignments (i.e. readings, reflective papers, etc.) during the semester
Step 5: Mid-point Evaluation
It is up to you to arrange a mid-point evaluation with your faculty supervisor and site supervisor. Email the faculty supervisor with a request to contact the site supervisor once you are approaching the midpoint of the work experience. Do not wait until the internship is almost over.
Step 6: Finish the work assignment
At this point, you must complete the Student Evaluation Form. This form will not affect your grade, but will give you the opportunity to rate the value of the experience in relation to your overall program at IST and to your career goals. This form must be uploaded to the IST 973 2U course.
Step 7: Ensure that your Site Supervisor has completed the Site Supervisor Evaluation Form
Your supervisor will receive a copy of this form early in your work experience (usually after you submit your Proposal form with contact information), but it is a good idea for you to make sure that he or she is in possession of the correct form, and that it is returned in a timely manner.
...
This evaluation is designed to provide you valuable feedback on your performance. In addition to the form provided by the iSchool, the site supervisor may choose to evaluate your performance using an in-house evaluation form. This is also an excellent time to request that your Site Supervisor provide you with a reference letter for your future use.
Step 8: Complete any additional assignments for Faculty Supervisor
If required.
Required Forms and Documents and How to Submit Them
All forms marked with a * are required to earn credit.
...
You can find all the forms on the iSchool Career Services website: https://ischool.syr.edu/careers/career-resources/internships/
Resume
This is your primary method of introducing yourself to potential employers. It usually consists of 1 page, highlighting education, skills, and work experience.
...
- iSchool Career Services Resume Resources
- iSchool Career Counselor
- Faculty Advisor
Cover Letter
A cover letter may serve as an introduction to an employer by accompanying your resume, or act as your formal application for a position. It should be one page, clearly stating why you are the person for the job.
...
- iSchool Career Services Cover Letter Resources
- iSchool Career Counselor
- Faculty Advisor
Proposal Form*
This form is required in order to earn credit for your internship (IST 973)
This form must be filled out by you, the student, and uploaded to the 2U course for IST 973. It is due at least one week before beginning a work assignment. This form provides information about the assignment such as where and with whom you will be working, and gives a brief outline of the tasks that have been discussed with the Site Supervisor.
Learning Agreement*
This form is required in order to earn credit for your internship (IST 973)
This form is to be filled out by you and uploaded to the 2U course for IST 973* by you, in cooperation with your Site Supervisor. It is due after completion of 30 hours of work on the site. This form will establish precise learning objectives which will be met throughout the assignment, details the project and the tasks to be completed, and finalizes your responsibility to the employer.
Student Evaluation*
This form is required in order to earn credit for your internship (IST 973)
This evaluation is due upon completion of the work assignment, and provides you with an opportunity to rate the work experience and the internship process. Your comments on this form will not affect your grade, but it must be uploaded to the 2U course for IST 973 before the grade is assigned.
Site Supervisor Evaluation*
This form is required in order to earn credit for your internship (IST 973)
The Site Supervisor Evaluation is due upon completion of the work assignment. Your site supervisor should have received a copy of the evaluation early in your internship. The evaluation provides the Site Supervisor with the opportunity to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction with your performance, and helps in determination of a grade. Site supervisors should send the form to Kathy Benjamin (kabenjam@syr.edu).
Grading and Credit for IST 973
Your Final Grade
The person responsible for assigning your grade is your Faculty Supervisor. He or she may require other assignments/postings in addition to the forms required by the iSchool.
...
If you have a problem that may prevent you from turning the appropriate forms and assignments in on time, contact your faculty supervisor as soon as possible.
Getting Credit
Basically, the hours spent at the work site are those included toward your earning credit. However, in some cases, the employer may allow you to work remotely for a portion of the internship. This does not include hours spent traveling to and from the internship site.
...
Be sure to register for the correct number of credits. If you need to change your registration, please contact Kathy Benjamin (kabenjam@syr.edu or 315-443-4496).
Tuition for Internship Credit Hours
Credits earned through internship work experiences are just like those earned in class. You will need to pay the regular University credit hour charge for each credit. Financial aid (if applicable) will apply to these credits as to any others.
LIS Internship Checklist
- Finding an Internship Opportunity
- Meet with your Academic Advisor
- Use Handshake, the online recruiting tool used by Syracuse University, to assist in finding internships and employment
- Read the internship process outlined in this internship guide book
- Propose a project you would like to work at as part of the internship. Project: A definable undertaking (project) with a beginning and an end. This may be part of normal job duties but forming a distinct entity that the student develops and finishes. This is a necessary part of the internship experience. This proposed project would be discussed by the student with a potential site supervisor during the early stages of an internship search. It should also be a part of your Learning Agreement.
- After you have accepted an offer
- Contact your Faculty Supervisor
- Register for IST 973 for the correct section
- Meet with your Site Supervisor
- Fill out the Graduate Proposal Form, upload it to the 2U course for IST 973
- During the internship
- Fill out the Learning Agreement, upload it to the 2U course for IST 973
- Work the necessary number of hours
- Contact your faculty supervisor when you are approaching the midpoint of the internship to arrange for a Midpoint evaluation
- Complete any remaining assignments for your Faculty Supervisor
- Upon completion of the assignment
- Fill out the Student Evaluation Form and upload it to the 2U course for IST 973
- Remind your Site Supervisor to complete the Site Supervisor Evaluation Form
- Complete any assignment(s) (if required) for your Faculty Supervisor
...
Sample Internship Projects
Academic Library Internship Projects
LibGuides Migration: Serve as the project manager for the migration of LibGuides content from version 1 to version 2. This involves investigating all the steps involve in prepping for the migration, identifying and proposing resources that should be altered or removed, creating the assets lists, and potentially training staff on best practices for using version 2. This may also involve recommending a color palette and fonts and developing a style guide.
...
I will be co-teaching an information literacy course LIB/CHEM 280. In this role, I will be the primary grader, attend and assist at all classes, and plan and teach 2 sessions on my own. In addition, I will be editing and creating LibGuides for the library website, assisting in an assessment of Biology students’ use of the library, and observing library instruction sessions for various individual courses.
Public Library Internship Projects
As an intern for KCLS’s Burien Library, I will:
...
In addition I will be assisting the staff with any projects that they see would fit my interest and give me a chance to learn something new and gain new experiences.
Historical Society, Special Library, and Non-profit Library Internship Projects
I will be assisting library staff in cataloging and helping as a stacks assistant. Specific tasks: use OCLC and copy cataloging, input data in MARC fields using AACR2 in EOS database, if no records exists, create original catalog record under supervision of librarian, assign LOC call number and add barcode, maintain shelves, shelf reading, re-shelving, shifting, assess miscataloged, mislabeled, and damaged materials, help package and process interlibrary loans, help with other projects as needed.
...
My internship at the Denver Women's Correctional Facility will comprise mainly of a user needs assessment. I will develop goals for the survey with the regional librarians of the Colorado Department of Corrections, research how to write a user needs survey, and draft a survey in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. I'll distribute the survey to all 907 inmates at the facility, and I'll use in-house statistical data and circulation records in conjunction with the survey results to write an assessment of the needs of the population. After finishing the user needs assessment, I will use the survey data to assess the collection at the Denver Women's Correctional Facility. In addition, the survey I develop will be made available to other Colorado Department of Corrections libraries for use.
Medical Library Internship Projects
Based on my office discussions and email exchanges with my site supervisor, my planned project involves two different, but complementary activities at the Health Sciences Library.
...
I am conducting literature searches for doctors, nurses and other employees in the hospital. Sometimes there are requests for specific articles and other times there are specific questions for which I just search for answers. In addition, I spend time at the reference desk greeting patrons and answering the phone. Finally, I attend meetings with hospital library staff members concerning various projects.
Law Library Internship Projects
As an intern at the Cornell University Law Library, I will be working on two projects, both concerned with the Law Library’s special collections. First, I will be organizing the small Law School Archives. The archive contains rare books and manuscripts, historical materials from trials, personal papers from notable alumni, and internal archival material from the school and the library. Some of the material has already been organized and processed by previous interns or as part of university library collaborations. Most of the internal archival material is completely unprocessed, though there are box lists for some. I will be incorporating new, unprocessed materials into the existing collection, while creating standard procedures for the use of materials and infrastructure to allow the Law Library to incorporate new material into the existing collection. This is to include drafting policies and template forms for acquisitions, circulation, and cataloging, and identifying areas for growth. Any work on finding aids and cataloging will comply with existing archival standards, as well as fitting in to the Cornell University Library system standards. In addition, I will conduct an environmental analysis of the archives space, then organize and arrange the collections within the archives to maximize space and material security while addressing issues of oversize materials. I will also create finding aids for semi- and un-processed collections, curate exhibits from materials, and complete basic preservation work. The second project will focus on the library’s digital collections. I will be developing digital collections in BePress’s Digital Commons Institutional Repository for the Law Library. The majority of my work will be with an oral history collection, and will involve uploading files and records, developing metadata, and ensuring that files meet archival standards. I will complete the majority of this project remotely, in consultation with the digital resources and outreach librarian.
...
Finally, I will act as a beta tester on several vendor applications that the law library is considering. Most immediately, I will help evaluate the beta version of the EBSCO Discovery Service that allows patrons to search a single unified index of Brooklyn Law Library’s holdings (books, articles, etc.).
Corporate Library Internship Projects
I am implementing the DAM program that I developed last semester to manage the digital archive collection at Mithun, a large commercial architecture firm in Seattle, WA. This project aims to not only manage and make accessible the firm’s born-digital project data, but integrates existing analog data into a centralized, easily searchable database. I am reworking existing policies to reflect these changes in asset management, and creating new project closeout workflows to support policy changes and reinforce risk management practices. Although I am working independently on much of this project, I have strong support from the IT manager. I have also been recently asked to help manage the firm’s image library, by analyzing and reworking the metadata currently used in OpenAsset in order to make BIM files more accessible and searchable.
...