University of Memphis Libraries – Research & Instructional Services
Location Description
The University of Memphis is an urban, R1 research university serving the Mid-South region and beyond. The University Libraries support the learning, teaching and research needs of the students, faculty, and staff, by providing learner-centered instruction and training, services, collaboration, technology, and research resources. The primary branch of the University Libraries is the Ned R. McWherter Library, located on the main campus.
This practicum will be with the Research & Instructional Services (RIS) department, located in McWherter Library. RIS leads the University Libraries’ information literacy instruction program, which is offered via library instruction sessions, reusable digital learning objects, and information literacy development for University of Memphis teaching faculty.
Practicum Work Mode
Flexible / Hybrid
Semesters or Time Period Available
Ongoing, not limited to a specific semester
Location
126 McWherter Library
Memphis, TN 38152-3250
https://libraries.memphis.edu
Contact
brannen varner
Assistant Professor, Graduate Student Outreach Librarian
bvvarner@memphis.edu
9016788206
Student Tasks
The student will participate in creating and maintaining digital learning objects (DLOs) that are used by the University of Memphis Libraries. Opportunities include working on research guides (LibGuides), asynchronous modules (Canvas), videos (Canvas Studio, Vimeo), and FAQs (LibAnswers). Practicum students will develop a DLO alongside a library faculty member, gaining an understanding of asynchronous learning objectives and outcomes. They will also participate in the essential work of maintaining and updating existing DLOs. This work can be done fully remotely.
Practicum students in the fall and spring semesters will also have the opportunity to observe and teach library instruction sessions. They will gain experience in the lifecycle of teaching in-person library instruction sessions, including understanding and developing the curricula, leading a session with a library faculty co-teacher, and receiving feedback from library faculty. If a practicum student wishes to take part in instruction sessions, they must be able to be physically present at the University of Memphis’s main campus.
Type of Mentoring Provided to the Student
Each practicum student will have an assigned library faculty mentor from the RIS department that they will meet with regularly. The student will be able to select their mentor from a list of available faculty. They will also receive mentoring and feedback opportunities from other RIS faculty collaborating on shared projects. The student will also be given the opportunity to meet with a panel of faculty librarians to discuss experiences with the academic library hiring process.
Student Interaction With Others at the Location
Practicum students participate in RIS departmental meetings, library instruction planning meetings, and working group meetings related to DLO development. These meetings will incorporate all RIS faculty and staff as well as faculty and staff from many departments in the University Libraries. All meetings are virtual.