Directed Fieldwork (DFW) is one of the iSchool’s most popular elective offerings (LIS 590) with fieldwork assignments in library or information science settings containing social justice components. Designed similarly to a practicum, DFWs provide the opportunity for real-world, hands-on experience. They give students an opportunity to assist in professional-level work and apply concepts and practices learned in coursework, all while under the formal guidance of a qualified supervisor/mentor.

Typically, students pursue tasks and projects that constitute entry-level professional work, involving skills and knowledge the student has already begun to develop through coursework but for which the student has not yet developed a high level of expertise.

DFWs are registered for and completed within UW academic quarters. Students complete most of their core coursework prior to enrolling in a DFW, and may choose to pursue a DFW for the following credits/minimum number of hours to be completed by the end of the registered quarter:

• 1 credit = 50 hours 
• 2 credits = 100 hours 
• 3 credits = 150 hours 
• 4 credits = 200 hours 
• 5 credits = 250 hours 

A DFW must be completed within the UW academic quarters. Up to three DFWs can be completed during a student’s time in the program, up to a total of 10 credits.

DFW Process and Forms

For Students

• All necessary DFW information and forms are available to current MLIS students on the MLIS Student Resources Canvas site.

For Host Sites

• If you are a current host site/supervisor or are interested in learning how to become a Directed Fieldwork Host Site, please see the DFW Host Sites page for additional information.
• DFW forms for DFW host sites and supervisors:
  • Learning Outcomes Agreement
  • Midterm Report
  • Supervisor’s Final Evaluation