Program Overview

Introduction to the Practicum

The Practicum is a required, non-credit course for all MI students, typically a 100-hour work placement in an approved site, under the supervision of an experienced Information Management (IM) professional. The placement is usually unpaid.

When to Do the Practicum

• Full-time students: after the first year
• Part-time students: after completing 6 core classes The Practicum can be completed in the spring/summer (April to August) or concurrently with classes in the fall term of the second year.

Arranging a Practicum Placement

Placements are arranged through the MI Program Manager in November. Students must:

• Make an appointment via Outlook to discuss Practicum ideas
• Submit a completed Practicum Application form and up-to-date resume electronically to the Program Manager at least one week prior to the meeting

Practicum Guidelines

• Students are not encouraged to "cold call" organizations for placements.
• If a student has a personal contact at an organization, they may be allowed to initiate contact, but must first approve it with the Program Manager.
• For placements outside of HRM, students are responsible for:
  • Following directions for Practicum application form submission
  • Meeting with the Program Manager in early November
  • Contacting prospective placement sites to determine feasibility
  • Advising the Program Manager immediately upon securing a placement
  • Providing placement contact information to the Program Manager

Registration and Evaluation

• Students register for INFO 0590 in the term following placement completion.
• Practicum performance is evaluated based on:
  • Successful completion of the work placement
  • Performance during the placement
  • Feedback from the Practicum Supervisor
  • The student's Practicum report A Pass or Fail grade is assigned after the Practicum has been completed and all course requirements have been met.

Responsibilities as a Practicum Student

1. Complete all INFO 0590 course requirements by the deadlines.
2. Communicate in a timely, professional manner with all parties involved.
3. Respond to the Program Manager's Notice of Placement within three business days, confirming acceptance of the placement.
4. Acknowledge and agree to:

• Be subject to the policies, procedures, and regulations of the facility
• Maintain appropriate behavior, particularly concerning privacy and confidentiality

5. Inform the Program Manager about any concerns that arise during the placement.

Extended Work Placement

An Extended Work Placement can be counted as a Practicum experience if it meets the criteria:

• 500+ hours of continuous employment in an information setting
• Supervised by an approved, experienced information professional Students using an extended work placement must:
• Discuss potential placements with the Program Manager in November
• Follow directions for Practicum application form submission
• Complete the Practicum report as instructed

Health Sciences Library Placement

For placements in a hospital setting:

• Immunizations, Criminal Record, and Vulnerable Sector checks are required and must commence in December for an April placement. Students must make an appointment with the Program Manager in early November and begin satisfying immunization and security requirements over the December break.

Records Management or Archives Placement

Students must have completed:

• INFO 5515 Organization of Information
• INFO 6370 Records Management and/or
• INFO 6800 Archives Previous experience in an archive or RM setting is an asset.

Securing a Placement

The Program Manager sends a Notice of Placement to the student's Dalhousie email, arranging the initial contact between the student and supervisor. Students must reply via email within three business days, confirming acceptance of the placement.

Workers' Compensation

Since 2014, the University has purchased occupational accident insurance to cover students participating in unpaid practicum placements in Canada, excluding Ontario and New Brunswick.

Course Requirements and Deadlines

• Practicum Information Session: Held in October, attendance is mandatory.
• Practicum Appointment Booking: Students book appointments via Outlook in November.
• Practicum Application Form Submission: Electronically to the Program Manager, at least one week prior to the meeting, by November 23rd.
• Resume Submission: Electronically to the Program Manager, at least one week prior to the meeting, by November 23rd.
• Acceptance of Practicum Placement: Students must acknowledge acceptance within three business days of receiving the Notice of Placement.
• Practicum Report: Typically due within 30 days of the conclusion of the Practicum placement.
• Final Deadline for All Course Components: February 1st of the graduating year.

Practicum Report Instructions

• The report must be 2800-3000 words, excluding citations and support documents.
• Submitted as an attached Word file via email.
• Must contain a cover sheet with the student's name, supervisor's name, Practicum site, and dates of the placement.
• Follow the APA author-date method of in-text citation and include a reference list if used. The report must analyze:
• Tasks undertaken during the placement
• What was learned during the Practicum
• The relevance of the placement to IM goals
• Skills used and those that could be improved
• Evaluation of the placement elements and the assignment
• Self-assessment of preparedness for the work placement, referencing the MI Competencies

Oral Reports

Oral reports are an option in some circumstances and must address the same points as the written report. Requests for oral reports must be made to the Program Manager, with a valid reason provided. Approval is not guaranteed, and requests submitted after the report submission deadline will not be considered.