The Benefits and Problems of Library Practicum: A Case Study
Date Issued
2012
Date
2012
Author(s)
Wang, Yen-Hsiang
Abstract
The study aims to explore the benefits and problems of library practicum. The subjects of this case study were selected from the students of the Department of Library and Information Science, National Taiwan University. For the sake of convenience, the study chose a group of students who took the library practicum in the summer of 2010. The study first analyzed the contents of the 33 work journals and 33 practicum reports submitted by the group of students. Then, based on the results of content analysis and literature review, the study employs an in-depth interview to elicit information from 17 students, one instructor, one teaching assistant and 11 library practicum supervisors. This approach helps to acquire their viewpoints and comments on the benefits and problems of library practicum.
The results of this study show that library practicum can bring some benefits for students, including knowledge learning, career planning and an understanding of good work behaviors. Through practicum, students not only gain working experience, but also improve their understanding about the theories and principles that they have learned in classes. Some students even develop an interest to learn more about the new subjects they were introduced to. They also get a chance to enhance their problem solving skills during the practicum process. From the career planning perspective, practicum does help students understand the reality of library jobs, encourage them to think whether or not the library profession will be their career choice in the future, and, for some, begin to build an identity of library professional. Besides, students know that they should respect the values of good work behaviors and positive attitude. Some librarians are regarded as their role models. In addition, students develop personal networks which might be helpful when they are looking for a job later.
The results also reveal the problems of the current practices of library practicum. In terms of library schools, the problems addressed by students include course requirements, preparations of library practicum, site visit, and grading. With respect to the practicum units, students mention the following problems: practicum schemes, work arrangements, practicum judgments, salaries, interpersonal interactions and conflicts, as well as the gap between theory and practice. In terms of students, it was founded that some of their behaviors and attitudes might not be appropriate, including low attendance, bad working attitudes, poor hygiene habits and arrogance.
Based on the findings, the study provides some suggestions for instructors, teaching assistants, practicum supervisors, and students. For instructors, there are four items: (1) designing practicum courses that fit in with library works’ practical requirements, (2) designing practicum courses that fit in with students’ practical requirements, (3) building communication channels to eliminate communication barriers, and (4) weeding out practicum units with negative comments. For assistants, the study suggests that the Department should establish a practicum website and collect every year’s practicum reports for later use. For practicum supervisors, the suggestions are threefold, including (1) estimating available manpower and material resources before practicum, (2) work arrangements focused on professional works, and (3) compiling practicum manuals for consultation. For students, they are encouraged to set up a clearer goal when taking the practicum course. During the practicum process, they should reflect or report the problem or difficulty immediately whenever it occurs. Also, they should respect the work norms and have better work behaviors and attitudes.
Subjects
Library Practicum
Benefits of Practicum
Problems of Practicum
Library and Information Science Education
Type
thesis
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