Duke Libraries Collection Strategy & Development Department Diversity Analysis Practicum/Field Experience (Unpaid)
Description
The Collection Strategy & Development Department (CSD) at Duke Libraries works to strategically develop the library collection going forward, and to manage the collection that we have.
At the core of this mission is ensuring that the library collection serves the research and teaching needs of the university, which requires resources representing the broadest possible array of perspectives. We seek to understand the scope of underrepresented perspectives in the catalog, but the breadth, size, and age of our collection and differences between subjects in how this viewpoint diversity is articulated and measured present challenges.
This practicum/field experience is an exploratory project to investigate how we think about and measure diversity and representation in the library collection.
Project
The student in this practicum/field experience project will research diversity in the library collection and then choose a section of the collection, research what diversity looks like in that subject specifically, do an analysis of our resources in that section (print and electronic resources), and make recommendations of how we can increase the diversity in that section.
Requirements
Current enrollment in an MSIS or MSLS program accredited by the American Library Association or equivalent program.
Because we aim to get a range of perspectives on this project, all eligible, interested students are encouraged to apply – no specific skills are required except a curious nature and the ability to work independently.
This is an unpaid practicum. The hosting department works with students to satisfy the requirements of their degree program so that students will receive credit toward their degree.
Timeframe
The practicum/field experience is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.
Hours
The required hours depend on the requirements of your practicum/field experience class, generally about 8 hours/week. The specific time is fairly flexible, but it would be expected that most of your hours would be completed during working hours of 9 am to 5 pm to facilitate meetings with others.
Location
The practicum can be completed virtually, in person, or hybrid. It will be useful to be in person some of the time to tour the collection and talk to people. On-site practicum work takes place at Perkins Library (411 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC 27708).
Application Process
Please send a resume and brief statement of interest to Sarah Holsapple (sh324@duke.edu).
Soft deadlines (Students who send their resumes and brief statements of interest by these deadlines will be given priority):
- July 15th for Fall semester practicum/field experience
- December 1st for Spring semester practicum/field experience
