Odyssey and Guidebook
(for MLS advisees)
Please send comments to: brownm6@southernct.edu


Department of Information and Library Science
Southern Connecticut State University

501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515
Fax: 1.203.392-5780 / Phone: 1.203.392-5781
Toll Free: 1-888-500-SCSU, then press 4

Independent Studies, Internships, and Field Projects

"A graduate independent study course requires a graduate level scholarship that is at least equivalent to the work required in regular graduate courses offered by the sponsoring department. Only matriculated students who have completed a minimum of nine credits of graduate work and have attained at least a "B" (3.0) average are eligible for independent study. Each independent study course must be approved as academically sound component of the student's planned program of study by the student's advisor, the Department Chairperson, and the Academic School Dean. A completed form must be presented to the Registrar's Office for scheduling before a student can register for independent study. As a condition of approval, the Independent Study Advisor agrees to submit a student prepared, one page abstract of the independent study to the Registrar's Office upon completion of the study. The abstract is a requirement of the Graduate School and is independent of any grading or reporting requirements established by the Independent Study Advisor or the Department." Independent Study (ILS 600 ) Applications [Word doc] must be submitted in advance of registration. Check with the department office for latest deadlines.

The Field Project is "an action research project in which the student investigates a significant problem in an institution and develops a strategy for change. Prerequisite: 12 credits in library science and a course in research methods.". Field Project (ILS 585 and ILS 685) Application [Word doc] must be submitted in advance of registration. Check with the department office for latest deadlines.

The Library Practice (Internship) is "A professional work experience in an academic, public, or special library. A professional work experience (internship) is very strongly recommended for all MLS students. For students without experience working in a library, this will provide a well-rounded experience that can add value to their resume. Students with experience are strongly advised to seek an internship that will broaden their experience, such as in a different type of library or in a specialized unit of a library. Students seeking experience in technology-driven areas such as digital librarianship are advised to complete appropriate electives (such as library automation, resources sharing and library networks, preservation, digital libraries) prior to beginning their internship.". Practicum/Internship (ILS 582) is arranged by Dr. Okobi (okobie1@southernct.edu). Contact Dr. Okobi for additional information and Application deadlines. Following are the documents associated with applying for Library Practice (ILS 582):

• Library Practice Guidelines (Word doc)
• Library Practice Content Outline (Word doc)
• Library Practice Internship Opportunities in Connecticut (Word doc)
• Library Practice Application Form (Word doc)
• Library Practice Schedule Form (Word doc)
• Library Practice Evaluation Form (Word doc)

NOTE: While ILS 582 may be taken for up to 6 credits (300 hours), ONLY 3 CREDIT HOURS OF ILS 582 MAY COUNT TOWARD THE MLS DEGREE.

Student Teaching and DSAP

Student teaching (6 credits) in the School Media Center is undertaken in the last semester of study. No more than 3 credits of courseware should remain for certification during the semester of student teaching.

"The application to Student Teaching can be downloaded and completed. One copy goes to the Student Teaching office along with 3 copies of the Personal data sheets. A copy of the application to student teach goes to the department coordinator. The deadline to submit material to the Student Teaching office and the department coordinator is March 1st for those students planning to student teach in a fall semester and October 1stÊfor those planning to student teach in a spring semester. You must meet with the department coordinator, who will determine if you are eligible to student teach and who will then submit a list of possible placements to the Director of Student Teaching." (School of Education)

Applications for Student Teaching (ILS 581) are due before October 1 for student teaching the following Spring and March 1 for student teaching the following Fall.

Students filling a position under DSAP must apply and register for EDU 999 Supervision and Appraisal under a DSAP (6-12 credits, depending on student's needs). Forms for Durational Shortage Area Permits are available from the School of Education.