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  To MLIS or Not to MLIS

  Has anyone here done their MLIS? We all love books, there's no doubt but from my new career in Library work I'm learned how being a book worm is one thing and archiving/cataloging books is another. I do not see myself working in the library field as an administrative for many years to come.
  
  I am absolutely thrilled to be working everyday surrounded by the aroma of books but deep inside it is the Academia that I long for and I see myself teaching at some point; however, for some reason or the other that's not possible at the moment. How will an MLIS help me? What is it like? What subjects or experience can it bring? Will an MLIS help you teach at the university level in some way?
  
  I have googled enormous amount of sites dealing with sample programs but I want to hear people tell me about their experience with MLIS and what changes it made for them; who knows, I might actually fall in love with it.

  Snoddgrass II started this discussion 2 months ago. ( reply )

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  Patty F 

  I have had my master's for 31 years. There was never any doubt in my mind that to be a librarian I had to get my advanced degree. However, I would say that you really have to want the degree. I did not like library school - it was a means to an end. I am not sorry, but I can't wholeheartedly endorse the process. Many of my classes did not really help me in my job.

  I am a public librarian in administration for 23 years. Please write to me if you have any specific questions. I wish I could tell you what to do, but I think you have to decide this on your own.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

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    Karen 

    I am in the 2nd year of the Aussie version ie a degree - I've been hacking away at it for 3 years and is also a means to an end - to be a librarian!

    posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

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  Carol R 

  I have had my MLS for 15 years and work in a community college. I would not be working as a librarian if I didn't have the degree. I love the community college-- this one is half academia, half public library-- the best of both worlds. I teach credit classes (English, General Studies) and non-credit library instruction. While I am not sure the degree gives you much more than 'theory', there were a few classes I really liked (storytelling and online searching). Of course, now it is all technology.

  I think this also depends on WHERE you live...

  Best of luck on that decision!

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  Barbara M 

  I've had my MLIS since 1990. I went for that degree right after earning my BA in History but I did the whole thing as an adult (I was 38 when I started school). I was really burned out from being a student while also being a wife, mother, homemaker. I will never be sorry however! Yes, I probably could still do library work without my degree but I wouldn't be able to be in the same position as other professionals. I've been the director in three public libraries and one (small) college library. There's a lot of on-the-job training that happens but the degree gets you entre. I've had the wonderful experience of being on boards and committees and the regional and state levels and have been involved in the planning and building of a new library facility, in developing dynamic library teams. I'm really proud of librarians everywhere and it has to start by paying your dues and getting the degree. There are a lot of people who disagree with me for sure but it is a profession. Even doctors leave the classroom to learn on the job, it's a profession. Good luck with your decision.

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

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