Nicolette Baffoni Nicolette Baffoni Library Program Manager - Library Development/LSTA nicolette.baffoni@olis.ri.gov (401) 574-9316
Professional Field Experience Grants The Office of Library & Information Services partners with the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Library & Information Studies (GSLIS) to connect students undertaking their Professional Field Experience (PFE) with public libraries for a paid internship opportunity. PFE students are paired with public libraries to complete 135 hours of work across 14 weeks of the corresponding semester, engaging in meaningful professional work that provides paid learning experience for students while providing added value to the library. All participating students (PFEs and student workers) will have completed at least one semester in the URI GSLIS program. PFEs and students participating in this experiential program are covered under URI’s Risk Management Office; participating libraries will be provided upon request with documentation on liability as student internships are covered under URI’s policy. The interest survey for libraries is currently closed, and will re-open in advance of the Fall 2024 semester. Eligibility Public libraries that meet the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries in fiscal year 2024 (as of July 1, 2023) are eligible to receive a grant for hosting a Professional Field Experience student. Funds OLIS provides a grant of $2970 covering 135 hours of work to matched libraries for the payment of their PFE student or student workers as a stipend. Process OLIS and URI GSLIS pair interested libraries with students based on library needs and student interests. Completing the interest form does not guarantee a student placement at a library; the selection of host libraries depends on the number of students interested in participating and the work areas identified by libraries. Public libraries will manage their grant through the State of RI’s eCivis Grant Management System. Public libraries will apply through the eCivis portal for advance or reimbursement of eligible expenditures. A final report will be required with a short narrative describing the work the PFE student or student worker completed and the benefits to the library. Grantees will submit all financial and activity reports through the eCivis portal, including documentation of student hours worked. Request Form & Instructions Request Form (Closed for Summer Semester 2024 - check back in Summer 2024 for the fall semester!) Accepting Your PFE Grant Award Managing Your PFE Grant Award Spending & Finances Important Dates and Request for Payment (Summer 2024) May 7, 2024 – First day of classes for the summer semester PFE students August 19, 2024 – Final day of classes; final day to submit Financial Reports September 16, 2024 – Final Activity Report due in eCivis September 30, 2024 – Final Financial Report (Closeout) due in eCivis Requests for advance payment/reimbursement will be accepted on a rolling basis but are due no later than August 19.