Student Learning at RCLC
How Can You Gain Experience At the RCLC?
Events
The RCLC hosts a number of in-person and virtual learning opportunities throughout the year for current students, alumni, and information professionals. These events include Mock Caldecotts, cataloging events, the annual Marantz Picturebook Research Symposium, the Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth, visits from local authors and illustrators, and more.
Follow the RCLC鈥檚 and for event announcements.
Work Experience
If you are a current student and are interested in supporting the RCLC as a graduate assistant, student employee, intern, or volunteer, contact the Reinberger Children鈥檚 Library Center鈥檚 Director, Michelle Baldini (mbaldini@kent.edu).
ISchool students have gained experience
- Creating and installing physical and virtual exhibits
- Supporting visiting scholars and children's books research
- Organizing and promoting events
- Marketing on social media
- Curating and designing websites
- Cataloging
- Writing book reviews
Writing for the RCLC鈥檚 Blog
The RCLC is always in need of guest student contributions to the Reinberger Children鈥檚 Library Center鈥檚 blog.
Students may use content from assignments completed during the MLIS program for book reviews with permission from their instructor. Book reviews can be written about any children鈥檚, tween, or young adult book that is worthy of recommendation and has not already been reviewed. That is to say, that the review should be positive. Currently, we are in most need of reviews of tween, young adult and graphic novels.
Reviews should include a brief summary of the book鈥檚 storyline/content (no more than 50 words give or take), and, in around 150 words, your critical review of the work. The review should include discussion of the book's themes, illustrations/book cover (if applicable), and other major points of interest (plot, pacing, character development, potential use in libraries or classrooms etc.) as you deem appropriate.
Please also provide a citation with the author, illustrator, title, publisher, and year with your submission. In addition, include your recommendation for the target audience for the work.
Published book reviews are great pieces to add to your resume and this is a wonderful learning opportunity if you are interested in contributing to publications in the field in the future. Plenty of examples can be found on the blog. The RCLC will work to help students fine-tune submissions. If you have any questions or want to submit your first review, reach out to Michelle Baldini (mbaldini@kent.edu).