ISIP Experience

The Information Specialist Internship Program provides many useful experiences by completing the module areas listed below.

Collection Management

Collection Management staff build and manage the Libraries’ collections in support of campus research and instructional needs. Their responsibilities include:

  • Selecting books, journals, electronic resources and media
  • Consulting with faculty and students about their information needs
  • Evaluating and assessing collections
  • Developing collection policies
  • Compiling and reporting collections data for various purposes

Information Technology (IT)

Information technology is a broad subject area concerned with technology and other aspects of managing and processing information, especially in large organizations. In particular, IT deals with the use of computers and computer software to convert, store, process, transmit and retrieve information. Within this program, IT will specifically cover the planning, development, design, application, and integration of technologies within the library and information environment.

Public Services

Public services are the “face” of the information center or library, focusing on direct assistance to people in finding, evaluating and using information. Although much of public service work is done in person at a staffed help desk or public office, such personalized service can also be provided remotely by phone, email, IM or other communication methods. Specific library public service roles include:

  • Research assistance
  • Checkout of library materials
  • Help with using computer programs
  • Class or workshop instruction
  • Individual consultations on any information need

Technical Services

The Technical Services division in the library supports the mission of the Library by acquiring, processing, organizing, providing access to, and preserving the library’s print and electronic collections. Their work is essential to helping users find library materials.

Special Libraries

Special libraries offer unique opportunities to work in a specialized environment of interest, such as corporations, hospitals, the military, museums, private businesses, government and academic settings. Special libraries on the UW-Madison campus are discipline-specific information centers and support the learning, teaching and research in academic departments. Some examples of special libraries at UW-Madison are:

The ISIP intern will be exposed to the breadth of activities and functions that define an academic special library, including but not limited to: Information technology; Public services; Collection management; Technical services; and discipline-specific activities.