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

INLS 299
PROFESSIONAL FIELD EXPERIENCE

A. Setting up the Field Experience:

1. reads the Field Experience Policies and Procedures and becomes familiar with the guidelines, procedures and responsibilities described in it.
   
2. attends information session in a semester prior to planned enrollment in the field experience.
   
3. meets with the FE Coordinator to discuss the program and to begin the process of matching the student’s needs and interests with an appropriate site.
   
4. consults with the Faculty Advisor to determine when and how a field experience will help meet educational goals and fit into his/her overall academic program.
   
5. after a site has been selected and approved by the FE Coordinator and the Faculty Advisor, contacts the Site Supervisor to exchange information regarding expectations and availability.
   
6. meets with Site Supervisor at the site. When the Site Supervisor and the student are in agreement regarding their respective roles, a Field Experience Agreement (FEA) must be completed and signed by the student and Site Supervisor, approved and signed by the Faculty Supervisor and submitted to the FE Coordinator, who will sign it and distribute copies.

B. Implementation:

1. completes all requirements of the FE.
   
2. agrees to abide by all policies, rules and regulations of the organization for whom she/he is working, and will not reveal any information of a confidential nature that might come to is/her attention during the term of the field experience.

C. Problems and Contingencies:

1. takes problems and concerns about the field experience, Site Supervisor or Faculty Supervisor to the FE Coordinator. If the student feels that the FE Coordinator is not meeting the agreement obligations, these same concerns are taken to the Faculty Advisor to prepare a statement of the situation to be presented to the dean.

D. Evaluation:

1. writes a paper, relating the work experience to general principles. (See Faculty Supervisor’s responsibilities below.).
   
2. completes student evaluation.
   

E. Seminars:

1. attends three required seminars assigned by the FE Coordinator.

A. Setting up the Field Experience:

1. ascertains that the student has met field experience enrollment criteria.
   
2. initially approves the general purpose of the field experience and the site as being appropriate for the student’s program of study.

A. Setting up the Field Experience:

1. reviews FEA for "professional" content and evaluates the objectives carefully. Approves the FEA.
   
2. determines the content and scope of the required paper. The intent of the paper is for the student to relate the specific work experience to the general expectations of the information/library science field. The Faculty Supervisor may determine that some literature research is appropriate and that procedures and/or policies of the site can be compared in light of previous analysis. The scope of the paper could be based on one or more of the goals and objectives of the student as expressed on the FEA.

B. Implementation:

1. reviews the student’s 20- an 60-hour progress reports, meets with the student for discussion and approves any modifications or additions to the FEA goals.
   
2. is available as a resource person for guidance and discussion.
   
3. conducts at least one on-site visit, preferably two, to the student and Site Supervisor during the field work assignment.

C. Evaluation:

1. reviews the student’s FE paper and the Site Supervisor’s evaluation and meets with the student to conclude the held experience. Signs the evaluation form to recommend "P," "L" or "F" as the course grade; turns the form in to the FE Coordinator.

A. Setting up the Field Experience:

1. communicates with the FE Coordinator at the School of Information and Library Science regarding opportunities at the site.
   
2. identifies areas, projects and activities within the site that are appropriate for student involvement and that will help the student meet the overall SILS Guidelines.
   
3. communicates with and interviews potential field experience students. The interview should be an exchange of information including: nature of site, needs of the student, expectations of both the site and the student and basic information (time frame, methodology, communications, etc.).
   
4. if the student is not acceptable, informs the FE Coordinator. If the student is accepted, assists in writing the FEA detailing the nature, rationale, methodology, responsibilities and criteria for evaluation of the field experience.

B. Implementation:

1. makes necessary arrangements at the site, including alerting appropriate personnel and providing space, equipment, and supplies.
   
2. orients the student to the site — physical layout as well as the organizational structure. The student should gain an understanding of the philosophy, goals, functions and clients of the site (See Appendix 1: "Guidelines For Professional Field Experience in Libraries and Information Agencies").
   
3. meets with the student as necessary for discussion. The Site Supervisor may request review of the student’s 20- and 60-hour progress reports.

C. Evaluation:

1. completes a written evaluation of the student (a letter and evaluation form will be sent from the School of Information and Library Science) and provides information as necessary to the Faculty Supervisor and/or FE Coordinator. Meets with student to review the final evaluation.
   
2. contacts the FE Coordinator or Faculty Supervisor if any questions or problems arise.

A. Setting up the Field Experience:

1. evaluates needs of students and sites and helps students select appropriate assignments, when necessary.
   
2. assists the student, when needed, with arranging the initial site placement: student interview, completing the FEA and other paperwork.

B. Implementation:

1. keeps the lines of communication open. Is available for counseling and conflict resolution.
   
2. arranges student participation in required field experience seminars taught by SILS faculty. May teach field experience seminars.
   
3. may supervise field experience students as a Faculty Supervisor.
   
4. maintains student FE files; makes sure all forms are sent and returned according to the timetable; assures all requirements are met.

C. Evaluation:

1. is responsible for assigning final student grade and for reporting final grade to University Records.

D. General:

1. maintains contacts with held experience work sites and knows the needs and opportunities in available sites. Maintains files on sites, which include feedback from students and Faculty Supervisors.
   
2. advises students of program requirements, goals, procedures, etc. Is available for questions about the program.
   
3. communicates with the site, as necessary, for the purpose of administration, assistance, evaluation and feedback.
   [VII. Forms]
   [Policies & procedures table of contents]
   [FE main page]