Effectiveness of Library Practicum in linking theory and practice: case of the of University of Zambia and Mulungushi University Libraries

Abstract

Library practical training is a supervised, hands‐ on practice in various library duties and functions. This paper explores the effectiveness of library practical training in linking theory and practice. The study used a survey method in which a questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Third year students from the Department of Library and Information Science on practical training during the 2018/19 academic year participated in the study. A sample size of 110 respondents was purposively selected. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results revealed that practical training was a very effective and highly relevant educational experience appreciated by students and lived up to their expectations in linking theory and practice. Inadequate practical training duration, overcrowding of students in one institution due to the limited places for attachments in other institutions and a general lack of motivational incentives in most host institutions were the main challenges reported by respondents. This study is the first of its kind on library practicum in Zambia. It is hoped that the findings will be helpful in designing enhanced and more effective library practical training programs in Zambia as well as in other developing countries.