Research in Action: Impacting Library Communities with Field-Based Projects

Abstract

Our library and information studies (LIS) program is grounded in the principals of social justice, leadership, and authentic practice. One way candidates of the program meet these ideals is through participation in a required internship. During the internship students complete an independent project on site at their internship location.

Using Elliot’s (1991) steps of action research, the students in the internship course identify an issue, collect or use data to inform action, analyze the findings, and reflect on the results. An initial needs-assessment is conducted. This includes establishing a rationale to inform practice. Students then implement a hands-on response to the identified need within the information setting during the semester of the internship. Completion of the research project allows for an in-depth, independent learning experience while providing student engagement at the internship site.

This presentation provides an overview of the action research project. It also highlights projects conducted by students, showcasing the broad range of interest, experiences, and depth of work undertaken by interns across a variety of information settings. Finally, it explores the benefits and challenges of this assignment and faculty opportunities realized when coordinating a mandatory research experience to meet the demands of a credit-bearing internship course.