School of Information and Library Science
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

INLS 299
PROFESSIONAL FIELD EXPERIENCE

I. First Session

Announcements

• Dates of future seminars, conflict resolution
• Review of responsibilities

• Identify site and major responsibilities
• First impressions and site profile

1. characteristics of the library/agency clientele
2. describe the collection you are dealing with, or the resources available to you
3. highlight two or three special programs, services or projects of the library/agency. Bring any materials for show and tell that would illustrate or be helpful to others in gaining some insights into your site.

Describing the site experience and relating it to theory presented in class and the literature of the field. Each student will describe the assignments and activities at the site and then discuss and evaluate the work being done relative to pertinent theory(ies) presented in class. (Relate your FEA objectives to what you have learned in classwork.) To further expand the discussion, each student may be requested to prepare an appropriate one-page bibliography (8-9 items) on the topic and verbally summarize 2 to 3 of the articles read. This research should be completed on the same topic as will be covered in the paper.

III. Third Session: Management Issues and Conclusions

The realities of managing libraries/departments/information agencies. Topics can be further refined in Second Session, but some suggested topics might include long-range planning, interpersonal relationships, staff development, budgeting, staff management, participative management or public relations.

Wrap-up:
Each student talks about:

• What suggestions do you have for improving the services of your site?
  
• What did you learn about yourself and your career goals?
  
• What would you like to have done differently?