Hello everyone! I don’t usually post stuff like this, but I just wanted to get this information out there for anyone interested. Before I started this blog I had no idea how exactly one goes about becoming a librarian. Honestly, I didn’t even know that I might want to be one! After joining the book blogging community, I noticed a few bloggers mentioning MLS degrees and classes. I thought to myself, “What is this mysterious degree?” It turns out MLS stands for Masters of Library Science which is a degree that you need if you want to become a librarian. I know! I had NO IDEA that librarians had to get a specific Masters degree!
Anyway, after finding out about this glorious degree and feeling that it was the right path for me, I looked into and applied to a few different programs across the country. I started school last fall and will be done this December (fingers crossed!). One awesome thing about the MLS is that a lot of schools have this degree 100% online! That meant that I could keep the job I already had plus I could start school. I’m currently working part time (28 hours a week) and going to school technically full-time (3 classes per semester, 2 classes per term). So far I’ve been loving it! It’s been hard for sure to find the balance between work, school, and personal life, but I’m excited with how quickly my progress has been towards getting this degree.
So here’s a little advice that I would give to anyone who is possibly interested in this degree.
- It doesn’t matter what your undergraduate was in. My undergrad was Economics with a minor in Math–definitely unrelated. As long as you like books and feel passionate about the library’s role in society, you should be good.
- Different schools require different things when applying. Some want you to have an interview, some have you take the GRE or GMAT, some require you to come to campus for an orientation, and they’re all different prices as well. So just pick the one that works for you! I personally went for one that didn’t require an interview, test (as long as your undergrad GPA was high enough), or on-campus orientation. In the end I think I had to send in transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a cover letter, and the online application.
- Different schools have different classes and offer different specializations. Since I read a lot of YA, I decided to look into a Teen Services Specialization. Some schools didn’t have that and some did–so that’s something to think about. A lot of times you can find a list of the courses a school offers online. Find the one that has classes or a specialization you’re interested in!
- If you don’t feel confident in your ability to be a self-starter or if you have a lot of other obligations on your time, online may not be the best route for you. You really do have to be on top of assignments and making sure you’re getting the readings done. With no face-to-face class time, there’s less accountability throughout the semester.
With all that being said, it’s been a really great experience for me. This is an email I was sent today and was asked to forward it to anyone who was interested:
What's She Reading? 
I’ve also looked into this and I was surprised how much schooling is needed to become a librarian Since I’ve still working towards my first year of college I have a long way to go before I can decide if I’m going to continue to pursue a degree in that direction. I’d be interested to hear what your classes are like if you don’t mind sharing that kind of information.
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For sure! So far I’ve taken a few classes within my specialization, a few core classes, and a few other electives. Overall, the core classes have been a bit…boring to be honest. So far I’ve learned about information and how to organize it, basic computer skills, and how to write research papers. My electives have been a little more fun. I took a Readers’ Advisory course (which I LOVED) and this term I’m taking a Marketing for Libraries class which has also been enjoyable. For my specialization I’ve taken an intro class to lit for youth (we basically just read and talked about MG and YA books which was AWESOME) and then a class on developing programming for youth. That class definitely stretched me as a person and made me question whether or not I should be doing this specialization, but I made it through and am sticking with it.
Sorry for the long response! This is probably more info than you were bargaining for. A couple of my classes had me do some blog posts so you can go to my menu and click on the categories menu to find “Homework Assignments” and look through some of those if you’d like.
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Thank you for the info! I didn’t think the response was too long 🙂 The lit for Youth Class sounds pretty awesome. I think its also really cool that you’re able to do this online, I took a semster of online classes and I didn’t care for it at all, I am going to be switching to a physical campus. But this is definitely something that Ill continue to works towards 🙂
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I definitely encourage that! I didn’t look into this much for myself, but I’m pretty sure there are campuses that offer face-to-face MLS degrees (not exclusively online). So if you’re worried about the online aspect, you don’t have to do it that way!
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This is so cool! I had no idea about studying to be a librarian! I don’t have the chance to work as one where I am from, but it’s nice hearing about the possibility elsewhere.
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You have my attention and curiosity. I’ve been wondering what to do for work now that my daughter is in school full time. I might have to look into this degree! Thanks for sharing!
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No problem! That’s something that I’ve thought about myself as well. My husband and I don’t have kids yet, but when we do I plan on staying home with them. I think becoming a librarian is a great option for when kids are in school. If you can get a gig as a librarian at their school you’d be all set!
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That’s exactly what I was thinking!
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Ah, congratulations for being almost done with your degree! I had no idea that there was a separate degree either. I might look into doing it once I’m done with undergrad and am taking a break before pursuing a Master’s in my main field!
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Thank you! It really has gone by so fast–just six more months!
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