The Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) is a not-for-profit library system providing delivery and automation (online catalog software) to the libraries of southern and parts of central Illinois, as well as certain grant program services, such as the Cataloging Maintenance Center (CMC), to libraries statewide.
The CMC is a state-wide grant, so staff provide free cataloging of special collections, local authors, genealogy, local history, world language material collections, as well as training, and library database cleanup to all libraries in Illinois.
Training in cataloging, especially RDA guidelines, will be provided virtually via Teams, and will require as much time and as many sessions as needed. Training on specific projects will require several hours of training, along with direct supervision and shadowing by the intern until the intern is comfortable and confident working independently.
Practicum students will virtually assist CMC staff with these projects. All projects can be completed virtually. Possible projects may involve:
· Assisting in library database cleanup
· Finding matching records in library databases or OCLC
· Enhancing/updating OCLC records to RDA guidelines
· Cataloging items
· Working on digital collections
· Co-presenting Online with the CMC monthly webinars, if interested, https://www.illinoisheartland.org/cmc/online (past recordings)
Prefer
· Knowledge or interest in cataloging
· Attention to detail
· Ability to work independently
Main supervision of the practicum students will be by Dr. Pamela Thomas, Bibliographic Grant Manager, from the Champaign office. Please contact her to apply: pthomas@illinoisheartland.org.
