For this assignment, you must find a library of your choice (academic, school, public, special collections) and conduct at 3 hour observation of that library by shadowing a librarian through his/her day. Because this is a class geared towards introducing you to the profession and the different kinds of libraries out there, I want you to spend time talking with the librarian you are shadowing: who are they? How did they come into librarianship and their current job in particular? Who does their library serve? What are the biggest rewards and challenges of working at their job? How typical were things on the day you observed? In addition, be sure to pay attention to wider aspects of the library setting, such as:

-What does the physical space look like? What kind of signage is used? Furniture? Technology?

-How is the workspace set up? Do librarians have offices? Cubicles? How is the workspace perceived?

-What are some of the major long and short term projects going on at the library?

-What challenges are looming going forward for the library?

You will write an approximately 3-4 page report responding to the above questions as well as providing additional information about the institution/librarian you observed. You are, of course, encouraged to discuss as much as possible with the librarians you are shadowing–be sure to ask lots of questions!–but you might also utilize the library website to answer many wider questions about the library, particularly in advance of your observation. You might also look for a strategic plan, which many libraries have and freely publish on their web pages. A little bit of research here on the front end can go a long ways to helping you formulate interesting, insightful questions during your visit.

All paper should utilize standard 12 point font, Times New Roman, one-inch margins and double spaced.

Please upload your completed paper to Canvas. The paper is due no later than April 9, 2017.

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