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Online MLS-- Things to Consider When Applying
May 19, 2007
Now that I've been going to school for a year, I'd like to add a few things to my list of deciding factors, which I started writing about in the post titled
Online MLS Decision-- may it help those of you who haven't decided where to go yet. (I'm sure someone out there is just itching to tell you where to go... Maybe a former professor, an old friend, or the guy behind you in the checkout line?) First, I'd pick a program that is geared toward Library Students who don't have a lot of library experience, or who are not currently working in a library, because I'm not. (Okay, I just started my first internship experience-- in an actual library, which I'll write about another time-- but it's only been two days, so I'm not counting that.) I love the program I'm in, but I've definitely noticed that it is set up to accommodate folks who are currently working in libraries, and want to further their careers by getting a Masters in Library Science.
This means that the professors at T.W.U. often give assignments that seem to assume you have an inside connection at your local library, that you already spend a lot of time there, and that you already know what kind of library you want to work in when you grow up. They are also assuming that you're already grown up. Which I'm not so sure that I am.
When I started my MLS, I had NO IDEA what kind of library I was headed toward... and I hadn't actually WORKED in a library for a good five years. I have several ideas now, but they are all a bit different, which doesn't help much-- just wait until I tell you about my internships! There's also a hefty and very valuable internship requirement with my program, which can be waived for folks who already work in a library. I'm currently working to get that set up for Fall semester. Since I've never actually spent time with/met my professors, most of my professional references will have to come from this internship. This is actually referred to as a Practicum in all the Texas literature, by the way.
Second on my list of additional considerations, I'd also do a lot more research into the "potential financial aid and scholarships" question. (See previous post about Online MLS Decision.) I'm paying for my education with student loans and hope at the moment. It's a bit daunting. Especially since I keep hearing about all the great scholarship opportunities available for library students today. If you've found these great opportunities, please SHARE THE INFORMATION with the rest of us by adding a comment to the blog here! I'm sure we'd all really like to know this isn't just another urban legend floating around.
It's a very good thing for me that Texas Womans University IS so affordable. I also really lucked out in finding a great online program that does not (currently) require ANY campus visits. This is rare. Read the fine print, people. Some of those "distance learning opportunities" require a visit to campus (or two or three) each semester. I don't know about you, but buying a $2-500 ticket three times a year, plus food, time off from work, etc... that just ain't happenin' even if they DO let you stay in a dorm room during that visit. Yay. Do any of us really WANT to relive our dorm room experiences?
The other thing that has really hit home over the past year is that the best way to learn what kind of librarian you want to be is to job-shadow and to interview folks who hold the position you think you want. I'd try to interview people who haven't been librarians for very long, too. The realities of being new to library world are fresh in their minds, and are also probably still relevant to what it's like to be new today. Unlike that incredibly knowledgeable Librarian you knew when you were 12 years old, who originally inspired your interest in becoming a librarian, and who is now about 2 years from retirement. She's got a great job and a great understanding of her role in the library and in the community she serves because she's been doing it for a very VERY long time. That won't be you-- or me-- for several years, and probably several job-changes. Ahh... the things we have to look forward to!
Posted by Staci B Elliott on May 19, 2007 | Comments (6)
