Practicums for Library School Students

We opened a state-of-the-art new building in January of 2008--a great place to get real-world experience before graduation. We’re a fast-paced place, serving all kinds of people with a focus on high-demand materials and lots of free events. We have a branch too, along with this ALA award-winning website, offering you a wide range of experiences.

A Practicum is a Great Way To:

  • acquire real experience to make your resume stand out
  • get mentoring now — and job references later
  • learn practical skills
  • get career direction: find out if public libraries are for you

Choose Your Focus

Adults

  • Greet customers and recommend books, movies, and music
  • Get experience answering real reference questions
  • Help plan dynamic programs for adults
  • Blog or build content for the Web
  • Help patrons with computers
  • Help everyone from high school students to seniors
  • To learn more:
    Contact Kristina Hoerner, Adult Services Manager, at 217/403–2078 or khoerner@champaign.org

Teens

  • Experience the energy of kids in grades 6 to 12 in our fantastic new TeenSpace
  • See how we work with schools
  • Do unique programming
  • Work with interesting collections including graphic novels and video games
  • Develop teen-centered booklists and more for our award-winning website
  • To learn more:
    Contact Kristina Hoerner, Adult Services Manager, at 217/403–2078 or khoerner@champaign.org

Technical Services

  • Practice cataloging in a variety of formats
  • Learn how to work with vendors to acquire materials
  • Help improve access to library materials through special projects
  • To learn more:
    Contact Nanette Donohue, Technical Services Manager, at 217/403–2014 or nwargo@champaign.org

Children

  • Focus on birth through grade 5
  • Help develop our tremendously popular children’s collection
  • Go with us to classrooms and daycares
  • Work in the beautiful program room and discovery area in our new library
  • Recommend books to children and parents, too
  • Offer reference services to kids and caregivers
  • Learn about children’s programs and reading clubs (we have lots of them!)
  • To learn more:
    Contact Stephanie Edwards, Children’s Services Manager, at 217/403–2030 or sedwards@champaign.org

Douglass Branch Library

  • See what’s unique about a neighborhood-focused branch library
  • Branch staffers get to do everything, so you’ll get a great range of experiences
  • Our branch is humming with programs and activities, especially for children
  • Be on a first-name basis with a diverse group of patrons
  • To learn more:
    Contact Amanda Raklovits, Children’s Librarian, at 217/403–2090 or araklovits@champaign.org

Helpful librarian

Flexible schedule

Complete your practicum over a semester or in as little as a month.

Special projects

Up to one-fifth of your time will be spent on a specific project. We’ll work with you to match your interests and skills. At the end, you’ll have a real sense of accomplishment.