Government documents practicum: Completing the basic education

Abstract

Government documents librarianship can only be introduced in a single semester course; students completing the introductory class often still lack confidence in their ability to deal effectively with government publications. An additional semester of planned work experience in a functioning documents collection fixes theoretical knowledge and exposes students to the realities of administering such a collection of materials. The practicum, or internship, also indicates to the students whether they are really interested in working with government publications in their future careers.