Student-led Learning in Public Libraries

In recent years, the field of library science has developed a competitive, experience-driven hiring culture. Students are expected to graduate with years of varied hands-on experiences in addition to coursework. How can students gain these experiences? In what ways can practitioners provide a productive learning environment for students? With budget cuts and constraints on staff time, how can public libraries make space for library science students to gain practical experience and to engage in self-directed learning? For seven years (2016-2023), Donica Swann provided practicums, internships, and apprenticeships that benefited both The Urbana Free Library and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and above all, the student participants. Learn about the struggles and triumphs of these programs and how your institution may benefit from participating in similar partnerships. Gain insight into the benefits of working with students and hear firsthand accounts of the impact these programs have made on the lives of the students who participated in them. When strong partnerships exist between library schools and public libraries, students can enter the profession as strong, confident candidates.