Library placement as an enabler for libraries and librarians in building a sustainable future

Abstract

Placement has been considered the primary means of translating theory into practice (Burford et al., 2020; Keele, et al., 2010; Martin et al., 2019; Smith et al., 2019). It also facilitates libraries in seeking potential employees. The poster presents a critical analysis of librarianship placement as seen through the lens of relevant stakeholders: students, university placement coordinators, host/industry supervisors, and accrediting body for library profession and librarianship programs. Adopting a qualitative method, data collection was conducted in Australia through individual semi-structured interviews with 23 participants who were involved in library placements from 2018-2022. The results revealed that placement is viewed positively by all participants in this study. The participants also agree that COVID-19 has significantly impacted placement programs. Viewing through different lens, however, these stakeholders have similar and different expectations of, focus on, or concerns about placement. In addition, placement student experiences are not always as they initially expected. Therefore, a best practice guideline which aligns the stakeholders' perspectives is recommended. This will lead to not only the success of placement programs, but also the sustainability of libraries and librarians.