The County Library discussion

It's time for me to start looking for a graduate school. I want a Master of Library Science degree. I'm hoping all you librarians here can give me some advice. Which schools did you go to? Do you recommend any particular program? I want to start out as a librarian at an elementary school and then, when my kids are older I would like to move to a public library. I would be so happy for any input! Thanks!

None of the Utah schools have a regular MLS program, but fortunately there are a ton of other options out there. The most commonly used around here is the Emporia distance program. http://slim.emporia.edu/ It's out of Kansas, but they have onground classes on weekends here. This is a great way of doing it, especially if you feel more comfortable with traditional classes and you don't want to leave the state to do it. It also enables you to create a network of librarians that can help you throughout your career. I'm thinking UNLV may have something similar, too, but I'm not as familiar with it.

I think most MLS programs in the country are available online too. I went to Southern Connecticut State University online and my husband just graduated from San Jose State University online last year. Online programs provide a quality education, and are as valid on onground programs. Online programs are great for people who have to work around difficult schedules, or just want to take tests in their PJ's, but you do have to be comfortable with the online environment, and you have to have a lot of self-discipline.

Anyway, it doesn't really matter which school you go to, as long as it's ALA-accredited, so pick the one that has the right classes and the right price for you. This is a great place to start: http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/

Also, depending on the school district, you may need a teaching certificate to work in a school library (although most of them don't actually have librarians- they have "media specialists" or something like that). You should look into the district where you want to work and find out what their requirements are.

Stephanie wrote: "Also, depending on the school district, you may need a teaching certificate to work in a school library (although most of them don't actually have librarians- they have "media specialists" or somet..."

I'm working on my teaching degree right now so I should be good. :)

Thanks for all the advice! Ya'll have given me a lot to think about and look into.

Most districts (in fact I think all but Salt Lake District..which is where I work) no longer have school librarians. THey have part time media specialists (or some other title) and they are paid a very low wage. So, while I wish you good luck, Havilah, here in Utah, becoming an elementary school librarian is very difficult. There are very few openings unless you are willing to only work part time for a pittance. Not to discourage. I've been teaching for about 15 years and have often thought that I'd like to study library science some day.

Jenny wrote: "Most districts (in fact I think all but Salt Lake District..which is where I work) no longer have school librarians. THey have part time media specialists (or some other title) and they are paid a ..."

Don't worry, I'm not discouraged. I've heard this from other people. That's one reason I want to get a Master's instead of just a certificate...that way I can work at a regular library if I need to (and honestly, that's where I want to end up anyway after my kids are older). Also, we probably won't be staying in Utah in the long run.

Good luck! I think being a librarian would be awesome!

Jenny wrote: "Good luck! I think being a librarian would be awesome!"
It is awesome! :-) I used to be a teacher myself, so you could always join us...

Just because I'm curious, what are your favorite things about being a librarian?

Jenny wrote: "Most districts (in fact I think all but Salt Lake District..which is where I work) no longer have school librarians. THey have part time media specialists (or some other title) and they are paid a ..."

My parents are both full-time "Library Media Specialists" in Utah--but in Middle and High schools. When my mother was getting her certificate (she had a teaching certificate, but they want additional training for these jobs) and masters degree in the field, Jordan District had 1 Library Media Specialist for 4 or 5 Elementary schools (and this was probably near 15 years ago now). Because of the downgrading, there can be more people wanting the jobs than jobs available.

My mom ended up getting her full-time position at the same middle school where she had been a part-time aide--they knew her, knew she was a hard worker, and knew she knew her stuff. Sometimes if the ideal position isn't available, you can take another, similar position to show people how competent you are for when a job does become available.

Good luck!

Havilah wrote: "It's time for me to start looking for a graduate school. I want a Master of Library Science degree. I'm hoping all you librarians here can give me some advice. Which schools did you go to? Do y..."

I'm an Emporia University graduate (2009) and one good thing about that program is that there are many, many graduates here in Utah: In the Salt Lake County Library, Salt Lake City Library, Weber County, etc. That definitely works to your advantage (I think) when you interview and you know some of the same people and all that stuff. Just my two cents though...

Melissa wrote: "Havilah wrote: "It's time for me to start looking for a graduate school. I want a Master of Library Science degree. I'm hoping all you librarians here can give me some advice. Which schools did ..."

That is a very great point! I will have to consider that for SURE when I am trying to narrow down my choices. I've heard a lot of good things about that school but I got frustrated when I saw that they don't offer in-state tuition rates because I don't live in Kansas.... is there any way around that?

Havilah wrote: "Just because I'm curious, what are your favorite things about being a librarian?"

My favorite thing about being a librarian is having a job that I really believe in. I feel like I am doing good, important work that makes my community better, and I am surrounded by people that feel the same way. Plus there is always something new and interesting to do or get involved with- I never get bored.

My favorite thing about being a librarian is having a job that I really believe in. I feel like I..."

I love the library, I love being in the library. The work librarians do is very important. And thanks to great librarians, we have two first rate public libraries in SL County. I'd love to work at the library.

I earned my degree from University of North Texas. The majority of it was online with a couple of long weekends oflive classes.

Knowledge is power. Librarians help people find knowledge. They help people have better lives through several different programs. They share what they love, whether it be books or movies or online services. And whether they realize it or not, Librarians are one of the foremost protectors of our freedoms that there are. Without access to information, there is no freedom for the average person.

Havilah wrote: "It's time for me to start looking for a graduate school. I want a Master of Library Science degree. I'm hoping all you librarians here can give me some advice. Which schools did you go to? Do y..."

I went to Texas Woman's University. It was very reasonably priced, since they made it so you could pay resident tuition with a small distance fee each semester. My favorite part about being a librarian is that everything I've loved or dabbled in comes in handy. Even my love of useless facts.

Havilah wrote: "I want to start out as a librarian at an elementary school and then, when my kids are older I would like to move to a public library. I would be so happy for any input! Thanks! "

Start out with where you want to end up. Surprisingly, it is incredibly difficult to cross between types of libraries. Bizarre prejudices, imho, having watched it across 35+ years. Maybe it's different elsewhere than in Utah, but I doubt it.

Also, school districts more and more have a single librarian "managing" several schools, if they have a librarian at all. Some just use older teachers who are burned out from the classroom but not yet ready to retire. So if you go the school route, plan on not being able to actually spend time with the children.

I will graduate from Emporia State this coming December.

Please note that when speaking of school districts, most points mentioned above relate to public schools. Charter and private schools do expect the degree, but as with anywhere else, it's a highly competitive field. A friend of mine took the librarian job at a charter school, but they offered it on the caveat that she work toward her degree while working there. Now THAT sounds like an ideal position!

UNT in Denton, TX is ALA accredited. I'm graduating in May. I only had to appear 3 times in person. It's all online.