Another take on the MLS
I was reading LJ the other day and came across this article on “Diversity and the MLS,” which states in part that:
One possible solution to the diversity problem in libraries would be to put the entry-level library degree at its proper level: the bachelor’s. Removing the MLS requirement could not only ease the financial burden that contributes to racial imbalance but many of the profession’s other problems as well, such as proper training given at the proper level, salaries commensurate with education, and greater accessibility to the profession for the population at large. The MLS would still be available for people interested in management or advanced study.
As the author notes, this doesn’t seem likely anytime soon, but the article’s worth a read.
Micah:
I think this would be an excellent solution to get more people interesting in librarianship as a profession. I certainly didn’t consider it right away when I was looking for a concentration for my bachelor’s so I settled for Philosophy. Which was a choice I was happy with anyway. I very much agree with the point made about proper training at the proper level. And if I had received my bachelor’s for an entry level library degree, from there I would have definitely perused and would would be well prepared for a MLS. But, as of right now I am happy to be starting at UIUC’s GSLIS program. I would like to see in the future the MLS program opened up and will continue to consider this as I complete my degree.
17 May 2008, 8:28 pmlibrarybob:
I wouldn’t want entry level to be at the bachelor’s level … to organize knowledge one must first have some. That’s what a non-library bachelor’s should provide.
19 May 2008, 9:49 amCari:
I think the article makes a lot of sense; I’ve never really understood why we needed a master’s degree to begin with. Library school could serve many of the same functions it currently does at a bachelor’s level. As the author said, an entire paradigm shift would have to happen for this to occur. I wonder how many librarians have to be unhappy being paid less-than-master’s level wages before this happens. Not to be depressing or anything.
19 May 2008, 10:55 amamy:
Whoa, what an awful terrible idea. Maybe I attended a really phenomenal masters program, but this statement appears to be the opposite of professionalism in the field: that we should drop the MLS and make it entry level… I couldn’t disagree more wholeheartedly! I quote the article, “Unfortunately, there has been too little research on the reasons librarianship lacks diversity,” which MEANS that she is making an ASSUMPTION – and a real crap assumption! That people who are not white have no money, no education and don’t pursue advanced degrees.
I wish I could say you’re catching me on a bad day, but this idea really blows, and speaking as having a mixed race background, and have an MLIS, and love education, and make very little money… I would say it’s worth it. I don’t care. I’m a professional and I know how to do my job. ugh. I wish I didn’t feel so strongly about this, but I do. Librarians need the degree and libraries, for the most part, without credentialed librarians really suffer! Some of those people are truly exceptional, but that’s not the majority!
20 May 2008, 5:47 pm