Professional Training in Library Science and Trade (library or edition)

Teacher(s)

Reverseau Anne (coordinator);

Language

French

Main themes

The professional training involves 240 hrs work. The training in publishing must take place at a location where printed works are produced, whether that is a traditional publishing house (literature, graphic novels, university, etc.), a magazine publisher or an institution which publishes material, etc.. It must demonstrate the course theory relating to the role of publishers: implementing the concepts learned during the course, providing opportunities for the practical expression of specialised vocabulary. The book trade training involves immersion which is as complete as possible within an organisation whose activities combine culture and commerce and therefore making profit in the service of creative works. The intention is to confront the reality of the key elements in book shop life such as they are set out in the course, and which are largely learned about in the field.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

The objectives of the training in publishing are to understand the different stages involved in making a book (as they relate to the host organisation), to become aware of the different problems affecting those involved in publishing (from the point of view of the authors, publishers, marketing professionals, printers) and their impact upon the print production period, but also to acquire an initial professional experience. The objectives of the book trade training consist in trialling the different skills necessary in order to carry out the role of a bookseller: knowledge of the collections, circulation and distribution channels, logistical and bibliographical tools used by booksellers, their role as a cultural agent through sales events, relationships with clients and sales techniques. At the same time, the aim is for the trainee to understand the bookseller's specific project, which is individual in every case.

Content

Students are welcomed into publishing houses/book shops in order to complete activities which are related to that institution's aims and contractually fixed in the training agreement which governs relationships between the parties (UCL-Business), as well as their respective rights and obligations in the context of organising the training. This training agreement can be obtained from the Secretariat for Romance Studies.

Evaluation methods

1. When the training ends the student must write a report (around 20 pages), which summarizes the training experience and the knowledge and skills acquired and assesses the experience from a critical point of view (5 pages presenting the business, 15 pages of critical synthesis on the trainee's experience). The report will be the subject of a thesis defence). The training report must be submitted at the latest on the first day of the session for which the student is registered.     
   
2. The business (publishing house/book shop) must complete an evaluation table relating to the service provided by the student-trainee.
   

The report will be assessed as follows:
1) written text and oral defence: 80 %
2) supervisor's report : 20 %

Other information

The student will have the benefit of a mentor within the business (publishing house). At UCLouvain the relevant person will ensure the organisation of the training (Professor Anne Reverseau).

Faculty or entity

FIAL