[Publib] advice

[Edith Isele]

I recently started a graduate program in library science at a rather ripe
old age, or should I say an older age? :) And, after reading a month's worth
of posted messages on this site, I am beginning to wonder at my employment
opportunities after I receive my master's degree.  As a consequence, I'm
looking for advice:  in order to enhance those opportunities, would all of
you recommend that I specialize in one particular sector of the program and,
if so, what area?  Or would it be better to combine the program with another
graduate program, like American History for example, and receive a master's
degree in both?  The latter would take more time, of course, and cost a
great deal more money.  In the long run, would it be worth it?

 

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

 

Thank you,

 

Michael in NYC

 

 

Michael,

The answer depends on the direction you want to take.  If you want to work
in an academic library, it is necessary to have dual master's degrees.  If
you want to work in a public library it also depends on what you want to do.
In a smaller library system, you will have more flexibility if you become a
generalist, so you will have a wider array of job possibilities.  If you
want to work in a large system, or have a passion for one area, such as
reference, cataloging, or working with children, then specializing makes
sense.  The first step is deciding which path you want to follow.  This list
is also a good place to find a lot of job postings.

Best of luck.

 

Edith Isele

Supervisor, Outreach Services

St. Louis County Library

St. Louis, MO 63131

314-994-3300 x 270

eisele at slcl.org

 

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