Presenter: Naomi Skulan

Practicum Location: Memorial Library CTS Original Cataloging Unit, Madison, WI

While cataloging remains an integral function of academic libraries, shrinking budgets have caused a decrease in cataloging staff and a need for increased efficiency when cataloging.  At the Memorial Library Original Cataloging Unit in Madison, Wisconsin, efficiency tools and techniques are being used that are not widespread to all libraries.  From experience and published research, it is shown that macros, bulk loading, and MarcEdit are tools and techniques that are useful for all catalogers and can increase cataloging efficiency.  Thus, both emerging and experienced catalogers should be educated in these tools and techniques, either on the job or in library school.

Presenter: Jared Parker

Practicum Location: Cowles Library, Drake University, Des Moines, IA

This paper discusses how the shift from the previous information literacy standards to the current Framework presented by the ACRL. This can be accomplished by focusing on the biggest strength of the Framework, where is its flexibility in application for the classroom, along with retaining practical uses.  It allows for individuals to adjust courses without having strict targets, which means instructors can calibrate their goals to match the thresholds they believe students need to reach.  As such, the curriculum can be arranged for the students to think critically about the subjects being talked about, as well as getting practical information literacy skills, such as how to search for information and citing it.

Presenter: Kaydian Campbell

Practicum Location: Wisconsin Historical Society- Archives Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Rare maps are often left unprocessed because few catalogers have the training describe maps with necessary detail to help researchers locate them within the catalog. To address this issue, archives should appoint a designated map cataloger and student assistant for cataloging maps. Libraries may alternatively outsource rare map cataloging to map catalogers at affiliate institutions.

Presenter: Matt Westlund

Practicum Location: Wisconsin Music Archives, Madison, WI

Social media is beneficial for most institutions that use it.  I did my practicum at the Wisconsin Music Archives, which unfortunately does not have a social media presence.  The research I did produced enough evidence and was conclusive enough for me to advocate for the implementation of a social media account.

Presenter: Kathryn Sheriff

Practicum Location: Carleton College Archives, Northfield, MN

At the Carleton College Archives, staff are facing an ever growing backlog of unprocessed materials. MPLP, or ‘More Product, Less Process’ has proven effective at reducing backlogs, but at what cost? At Carleton, the replacement of searchable finding aids with online catalog records has been very helpful in making collections accessible to the public, but it has also hampered users’ searching ability, ultimately costing the archivists’ more time in reference transactions with researchers. By adding subject headings and considering users’ search terms in MPLP-style processing, Carleton can continue to reduce its backlog while also ensuring users’ ability to locate the materials that they need.

Presenter: Maddie Shovers

Practicum Location: Madison Children’s Museum, Madison, WI

Archives and museum collections often contain sensitive and sometimes provocative materials that might not be appropriate for public display, but as archivists and defenders of history, we must find the balance between what is appropriate and what needs to be shown. At the Madison Children’s Museum, we are installing an exhibit of dolls from around the world, some of which are characterized and not realistic. In creating the exhibit, we have had to utilize local resources and judgment to decide what is displayed and how the materials are portrayed. By presenting the exhibit as a depiction of what representation is, we have been able to show children that not everyone is a like and not all representations are accurate.

Presenter: Samantha Abrams

Practicum Location: Madison Public Library, Madison, WI

As timeless and relied-upon as they are, collection development policies are infrequently consulted — and, even, rarely developed — by institutions either approaching, or currently practicing, web archiving. But why? In this paper, I argue that collection development policies are essential to creating web collections, and describe the process through which I created one for the Library’s collection.

Presenter: Tyler Furo

Practicum Location: Madison Public Library, Madison, WI

During my practicum at Madison Public Library, I created and shared a variety of Library marketing posts via Facebook. In this Library 2.0 universe, Facebook is an essential marketing tool. However, the marketing impact of a Library’s Facebook usage is dependent on the amount of engagement from Facebook users. I have determined and outlined three areas of best practices that if followed will likely increase the impact of your Library’s marketing: Consider Your Audience, Interact, and Be Consistent.

Presenter: Sam Link

Practicum Location: Madison Public Library, Madison, WI

This paper matches key competencies for maker programming highlighted in library literature with examples observed during an LIS student’s practicum placement with Madison Public Library’s Bubbler program in spring 2016, focusing on the question of technology and approaches to program development and management. Discussions of the broader maker movement and current gaps in access to programs are included to better define the Bubbler’s role in the community.

Presenter: Sebastian Bisogno

Practicum Location: Verona Public Library, Verona, WI

Collection development projects about controversial topics are risky. Working at Verona Public Library, I had a leading role in the collection development for the Vietnam War Collection. I needed to know how to carry out a mindful collection development project, considering sensitivities comprehensively. I found through attention to balance, presentation and awareness of the difference between biased material and material reflecting a specific experience, one can develop a collection that is well received by the community by all sides.

Presenter: Samantha Jackson

Practicum Location: Verona Public Library, Verona, WI

At Verona Public Library they have a very strong 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, but Julie Harrison, Head of Youth Services, was curious what other libraries were doing. I created a survey and compiled the data to find out. From the survey I discover that over half the of the participating librarians do not think there is a correlation between incentives and completing the program, and those who do believe it is more for the caregivers reading to the children. The main take away being that the incentives for the program should offer something to the caregivers as well as the children.

Presenter: Justina Wuebker

Practicum Location: Bondurant Community Library, Bondurant, IA

Writing a budget themselves can sometimes overwhelm new public library directors, but here are some tips that can help a new director know what to base the budget on and how it may affect some other aspects of the library. By knowing what to expect and where to pay attention, tightening the budget or making decisions about where to add cuts and extra funding will be much easier.

Presenter: Amy Gauthier

Practicum Location: WiLS, Madison, WI

Online tutorials are quickly becoming an integral part of the learning experience in several areas of our lives extending from the classroom to work and to personal use. They are essential to the future of academic and public libraries. Not only do online tutorials offer additional access points for patrons and students to the library, but they also provide library staff with time and opportunity to interact with more patrons and students. It is clear that libraries will be best served to incorporate online tutorials into the list of services offered in order to move forward and stay relevant in this digital age.

Presenter: Catherine Hannula

Practicum Location: Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, Madison, WI

The Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research in Madison, Wisconsin, wished to grow its follower base on social media and sought a new social media strategy to do so. A new Tumblr account was created that showcased film and theater posters that matched popular hashtags. Posts were cross-posted on Facebook. While follower count has increased, more research and time is required to determine if the strategy was a success.

Presenter: Edda Arnaldsdóttir

Practicum Location: Registers Iceland, Iceland

The web is a great tool to share information. With so much information on the web these days and the push to introduce more eGovernment initiatives it has never been as important to make sure that every citizen has the same access to content on the web and opportunities to participate. Making sure governmental websites are accessible for the disabled and those who do not speak the native language is vitally important to limit structural inequality.