Academics:   Master of Library and Information Science

Be sure to become thoroughly familiar with DFW requirements and procedures by reviewing the PowerPoint and DFW web pages and forms:http://ischool.uw.edu/mlis/fieldwork/default.aspx.

You must submit the application to and clear your host site prospects with the MLIS Academic Advisor BEFORE the published deadlines and BEFORE you initiate contact with the potential DFW host site supervisor/mentor. The application MUST be submitted by the Friday of the 4^th week of the quarter preceding the DFW quarter; you may submit the form in person (MGH 470) or email it to mardup@uw.edu.

AFTER you have submitted the DFW Initial Application Form you can get contact information for potential host sites from the MLIS Academic Advisor. If you have a host site in mind or a new site you’d like to pursue this is also okay.

In discussing fieldwork with a potential supervisor/mentor, provide him/her with the “Information for DFW Host Site Supervisor/Mentor” form and be sure to cover the following points:

• What qualifies the individual to be a DFW host site supervisor/mentor (e.g., what is their relevant education and/or experience)? In most instances, the supervisor/mentor must have an MLS/MLIS degree, MSIM degree, or be an endorsed teacher librarian.
• Does the DFW host site supervisor/mentor have more skills and knowledge than you do about the activities/project(s) you would be pursuing for your directed fieldwork? Sometimes potential supervisors want student assistance on projects because they themselves do not have the necessary skills. (For example, perhaps they want to create a database but do not yet have database-related skills.) Although this type of situation would not be appropriate for Directed Fieldwork, you might be able to pursue this as an Independent Study (LIS 600) or as a portfolio project instead. Check with the MLIS Academic Advisor about these options.
• Does the potential DFW host site supervisor/mentor have the time, energy and willingness to provide adequate supervision? (Generally, student and supervisor should meet at least once per week.)
• Are the fieldwork activities at a professional (beginning professional) level?
• Would the fieldwork constitute a learning experience for you (the student)?
• How many hours per week (and how many total hours) would you like to dedicate to fieldwork? Would the fieldwork activities/project(s) realistically fit your schedule?
• What are the start and end dates of the DFW? If your DFW does not follow the UW Academic Calendar schedule please talk with the MLIS Academic Advisor before confirming the dates with the host site.
• Have you explained to the DFW host site supervisor/mentor the paperwork that would be involved for him/her? Reports include the Learning Objectives Agreement, Midterm Report and Supervisor’s Final Evaluation. Dates for when these items are due are on the website.
• Does the potential DFW host site supervisor/mentor have any questions to discuss with the MLIS Academic Advisor? If so, be sure to give them the appropriate telephone number and email address.

If you and the DFW host site supervisor/mentor decide to commit to a DFW, then together you must complete and SIGN the “Confirmation and Contact Information” form. This must be done at least one month prior to the start of the actual quarter you are doing your DFW.

Submit this form at least one month before the start of the actual quarter you are doing your DFW. Fax it to 206-616-3152, drop it off in MGH 470, or scan and email it to the MLIS Academic Advisor.

After you register for LIS 590 and closer to the start of your DFW quarter you will receive an email from the DFW Faculty Coordinator that provides you with access to the LIS 590 website. You will also receive a “Letter to the DFW Student” and “Letter to the DFW Host Site Supervisor/Mentor” with guidelines to completing the DFW.

At this meeting provide the DFW host site supervisor/mentor with the “Letter to the DFW Host Site Superivsor/Mentor” handout (this will be given to you prior to the start of the quarter). Review this handout and go over organizational policies, procedures and culture. Also ask about professional attire, protocol and any personal/professional expectations that your DFW host site supervisor/mentor has for you.

With your DFW host site supervisor/mentor, complete the “DFW Learning Objectives Agreement” (LOA). Submit the LOA via email attachment to the DFW Faculty Coordinator

Meet formally with your DFW host site supervisor/mentor r at the midpoint of your fieldwork to discuss and complete the “Midterm Report”. Submit the “Midterm Report” via email attachment to the DFW Faculty Coordinator.

Meet the assessment criteria outlined in your “DFW Learning Objectives Agreement” and complete your DFW hours of service, and any other requirements outlined in the DFW class website.

Make sure that your DFW host site supervisor/mentor completes the “Fieldwork Supervisor's Final Evaluation” form. You can also opt to fill out the “Student Evaluation of DFW Host Site” form. Submit all documents by email attachment to the DFW Faculty Coordinator.

Arrangements may be made with the DFW Faculty Coordinator for an in-person or on-the-phone exit interview.