Spring 2024 Virtual Health Sciences Practicum Opportunity, Loyola University Chicago
Posted August 16, 2023
The Library of the Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the Health Sciences Library of Loyola University Chicago, and the Galter Health Sciences Library & Learning Center, Northwestern University, are co-sponsoring a virtual joint practicum for the Spring 2024 semester. This practicum is geared towards LIS graduate students currently enrolled in ALA-accredited programs who are interested in exploring health sciences librarianship. Recent MLIS graduates are also encouraged to apply. The collaboration provides the student with a supervised virtual experience working with librarians in three academic health sciences library settings, learning skills to be applied to their future careers.
The practicum student will gain public service experience while integrating classroom theory into a working environment. The student will network with librarians from different departments within each institution. Each of the libraries will integrate the student into the daily workflow, allowing the student to accompany and assist librarians as they teach, perform reference duties, and provide individual consultations.
During the practicum, students will be assigned projects that serve the needs of each library and the interest of the student. Students will be required to submit weekly written reflections and deliver a final presentation detailing the experience toward the end of the semester. The three libraries will work with the student between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the semester. The student will spend approximately 100/120 hours between the libraries. The major focus of the placement will be to deliver public services, including the following relevant training:
• Learning and utilizing core health sciences databases such as PubMed and CINAHL
• Working with patrons in virtual settings
• Working on the development of LibGuides
• Working with librarians who teach course integrated instruction and /or library skills workshops
• Working with librarians who specialize in evidence-based health sciences and clinical practice research
• Learning the process of systematic reviews
• Learning how metadata and cataloging systems aid in discovery of resources
• Depending on the location of the student, an in-person site visit may be arranged
The Health Sciences Library of Loyola University Chicago is located at 2160 S. First Ave, in Maywood, IL. The UIC-Library of the Health Sciences is in the Illinois Medical District just west of the Loop. The Galter Health Sciences Library & Learning Center of Northwestern University is located at 320 E. Superior Ave., in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago.
Loyola University Chicago, UIC, and Northwestern University are affirmative action, equal opportunity employers that have a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and are particularly interested in received applications from a broad spectrum of people regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to Apply
To apply for the practicum, please send a cover letter and resume or CV by September 1, 2023 to:
Jonna Peterson, Loyola University Chicago, [email protected]
Rebecca Raszewski, UIC, [email protected]
Denise Nunes, Northwestern University, [email protected]