One of my kids, headed toward college in 2 years, is interested in an undergraduate degree in library science/information science. It's going to need to be a distance degree, at least for the beginning, as he is severely physically disabled, in the sense of extremely bright and high achieving mind-wise but mobility/getting around is extremely difficult, if not impossible. So we are checking out distance degrees. Have any of you graduated from or know the quality of: University of Maine at Augusta-Library Science global distance University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee-Information Studies-starting distance classes Southern Connecticut State College- Library Science-School Librarian/Media Specialist I have read that the new term for the career is "Information Specialist" or "information professional". This interests him since he is fully computer literate and already learning programming on his own this year. Also, I have heard that an MLS is necessary for professional jobs, so any suggestions for distance MLS degrees. is welcome. Unfortuinately, once he gets into such programs, I can't help with the content, as I am barely computer functional, although excel at breaking computers! LOL Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
One of my kids, headed toward college in 2 years, is interested in an undergraduate degree in library science/information science. Good for him; it's a honorable field. (I'm not one, but appreciate them so much my daughter's middle name is Hypatia after the last Librarian of Alexandria.) I have read that the new term for the career is "Information Specialist" or "information professional". This interests him since he is fully computer literate and already learning programming on his own this year. Also, I have heard that an MLS is necessary for professional jobs, so any suggestions for distance MLS degrees. is welcome. I hadn't heard they're called that now, but that doesn't mean they aren't. I do know that some degree programs have gone from MLS (Master of Library Science) to MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) to emphasize the technical aspect the discpline has acquired. Either way, yes, your son will need an MLS for most librarian positions, but importantly those spots almost always require an MLS accredited by the American Library Assocation. He has a while on this, but when the time comes, urge him not to get one that isn't! Unfortuinately, once he gets into such programs, I can't help with the content, as I am barely computer functional, although excel at breaking computers! LOL That's okay. When your kid's in college you're not supposed to still be helping him with his homework anyway. -=Steve=-
As Steve mentioned, make sure your son goes with a M.S.L.I.S. (new title of the old M.L.S.) from a school that is accredited by the American Library Association. One of the best (rated Top 5) can be earned through DL at Syracuse University.
Thanks for responses! Thank you both for responding; it was very helpful. We will certainly make sure the MLS is ALA accredited. I guess ALA does not certify undergrad programs, but I wonder if MLS programs evaluate candidates' library science undergrad degree programs, that is, do they consider some better than others for preparation?
Re: Thanks for responses! I don't think an undergraduate degree in library science is necessary for admission to an MLS program. In fact, I think it's pretty rare. -=Steve=-
Re: Thanks for responses! From what I've heard, the bachelor's in library science is rare indeed, and some librarians on this and other boards have indicated that it is the old-timers who would have a bachelor's in library science. By the way, here's a few old library science threads for you. http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23491 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19763 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17647 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10296 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9488 http://forums.degreeboard.com/showthread.php?t=10800 http://forums.degreeboard.com/showthread.php?t=8776
I have an MLS, and my undergraduate degree is in French. At my library, there are librarians with every conceivable undergraduate major, from Agricultural Economy to Church Music to Political Science to Art. I've never come across any MLS program that required a bachelor's in library science; there are very few programs at the undergraduate level, and none of them are ALA-accredited (the Master's is the only degree ALA will accredit). I do happen to know that my alma mater, the University of South Carolina (the first USC), is planning to offer a Bachelor's in Information (or some such) sometime in the near future. For a list of ALA-accredited Master's degree programs, please see http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=lisdirb&Template=/cfapps/lisdir/index.cfm. On this page, you can search for programs in the U.S. and Canada, and you can also limit your search to degrees offered at a distance. Best of luck to your son. It's gratifying to see young people wanting to enter the profession. Despite its low pay relative to other professions that require the same amount of education, it can be immensely satisfying.
This may just be rumors and considered irrelevant, but I live very close to the University of Maine (Augusta) and it is very much riddiculed around here. That does not go to say that the distance program is not good, just that it's viewed in the same perception by the public as a Community college.
re: USM-Augusta Just curious, who wa ridiculing USM and what about it were they ridiculing? I grew up in Maine, and I know the majority of my high school college prep classmates chose out of state schools, seeing Maine as a lesser opportunity, but also that could have been part of the natural leaving home process at age 18. I love Maine but could never find jobs there after my professional training, so gave up. I miss the beauty of Maine and its slower pace but not the poverty!
Most of the ridiculing is just about the quality of the professors and the students who go there. Of course, most don't go there. Those that I have talked to that do, have said it's not great, but not as bad as people say. I'm in an opposite situation as you. I just moved up to Maine from Massachusetts, and am enjoying all the things that you miss. Like you said though, jobs are extremely hard to find around here, though. Especially if you're younger (I'm 21) Well, they're hard to find if you want to make over $7 an hour that is...
