Practicum
Students who have no or very little actual library experience should consider taking a practicum as one of their electives. Within the Detroit metropolitan and surrounding areas, there are over 200 libraries, many of which provide opportunities for a supervised practicum which students may elect for credit. A planned on-site experience in a participating library under the direction of a professional librarian and the supervision of a member of the faculty can be arranged.
The practicum is offered each term. The School Media practicum and the Archival practicum are available for 2 or 3 credits. All other practica are 3-credit classes only. The 2-credit course requires 90 hours at the practicum site plus three mandatory seminars; the 3-credit course requires 135 hours at the practicum site plus three mandatory seminars. A call for submission of practicum applications is made each semester to the LIS Program electronic discussion list. In addition to filing a practicum application, the student must also register for the course; students cannot register for the practicum without receiving departmental approval. Both the submission of an application and course registration are required in order for the Practicum supervisor to place the student.
Practicum Guidelines - Additional School Library Media Information
Application Deadlines:
| Semester | Application Period |
|---|---|
| Fall | February 27 - March 12 |
| Winter | October 19 - October 31 |
| Spring/Summer | January 15 - January 31 |
Please note that students specializing in school library media or pursing the archival administration certificate must complete a practicum; there is a special practicum application form for school library media students. For frequently asked questions regarding practica, please visit the Practicum FAQ section.
Practicum Application for School Library Media
To be filled out before the first practicum seminar: