[Publib] How Important is ALA Accreditation?

[mklibrarian at gmail.com]

My sense is that you would probably be more of a marketable commodity now
than five or 10 years ago, but still at a disadvantage.

I cannot imagine any academic library putting you on a ref desk, on par
with librarians who do have an accredited MLS/MLIS, but I can see them
considering you as someone in-between support staff and librarian.

In public libraries, where more than a few administrators these days seem
'quite interested' in de-professionalizing some positions [and dreaming of
ultimately self-service facilities, as they have in Singapore], I could
see you being looked at as someone who knows the drill but could be paid
less, a way to save some money. Prospects might even be a bit brighter in
some special libraries.

Bottom line, though, is yes, a degree from an accredited institution is
important and the best route to a good, real librarian position.

-M!

Marv K.
LibVibe: the library newscast
http://LibVibe.com/
mklibrarian at gmail.com





> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
> On Behalf Of Tolman, Erin Sheely
> Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:24 PM
> To: publib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Publib] How Important is ALA Accreditation?
>
>
>
> I am an MLS student in a program that is not (yet) officially accredited
> by
> the ALA.  In terms of job prospects, is that accreditation as important as
> job postings make it sound?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Erin Tolman
>
> MLS Student
>
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