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Internships and Student Practicums

Students engaged in the fulfillment of a Master of Library Science degree or other library-related degree programs are invited to a submit proposal for a practicum/internship at the Sonoma State University Library.

The goal of the practicum/internship is to provide the student with “real world” activities or work assignments while simultaneously advancing the mission and goals of the University Library.  All proposals for a practicum/internship will be evaluated using the guidelines listed below.

Practicum/internship opportunities at Sonoma State may not be available every semester.  Library faculty will provide guidance, direction and support for the students’ work, activities and learning experience. All students engaged by the University Library will be expected to be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Any agreements between a student and the University Library may be rescinded at any time before the start of the practicum/internship for any reason the University Library deems necessary.  No terms and conditions in practicum/internship agreements may compromise the University or University Library’s pursuit of its educational mission or goals.

Guidelines for University Library Agreements on Student Practicums/Internships

The following guidelines should be applied in the development/acceptance of agreements for student practicum/internships:

  1. The University Library will support a maximum of one student practicum/internship per semester as feasible.
  2. All student practicum/internships are voluntary, unpaid positions.
  3. Proposals/inquiries for a practicum/internship will be evaluated by the coordinator of each department in which the practicum/internship will be conducted.  The practicum/internship will be evaluated based on:
    1. The educational value and learning outcomes of the work or research involved;
    2. The appropriateness to the students’ academic experience and/or background;
    3. The ability of the student to work independently with minimal supervision;
    4. The ability of the University Library faculty and staff to fulfill the academic requirements of the sponsoring school; and
    5. The ability to contribute to the goals and mission of the University Library.
  4. Students should be able to communicate the results of the experience in such a way and in sufficient detail to fulfill any academic requirements of their educational program.
  5. The student or sponsoring school shall provide support for any direct or indirect costs necessary for the fulfillment of the practicum/internship.

All proposals or inquires for a practicum/internship should be directed to the Internship Coordinator, Rick Robison, Senior Assistant Librarian, at (707) 664-4196 or robisonr@sonoma.edu.  Proposals should be accompanied with a resume and letter detailing the students’ work and/or educational experience including any special skills or qualifications.