[Publib] advice

[James Casey]

If your objective is to find a job rather soon and to possibly receive
multiple offers (especially in the NYC area), I would suggest that you
concentrate on cataloging.  Ask any library administrator how difficult
it is to find librarians capable of doing original cataloging and who
have an understanding of the emerging trends in metadata!   Academic
libraries will hire MLS graduates with cataloging ability (especially
with some command of foreign languages) and overlook the second masters.
Part of the perk might be that the tuition would be waived for the
second masters if you obtain the degree in the university where you are
employed.  

 

James B. Casey --- My own views

Director of Oak Lawn Public Library

ALA Council Member - candidate for re-election

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Edith Isele
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 1:48 PM
To: publib
Subject: [Publib] advice

 

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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