I currently work as a library assistant in a public library, and I'm loving every minute of it. I'm interested in completing my undergraduate degree in library science since I never did, and then going on for the MLIS so that one day I can become a librarian. However, I'm getting conflicting information on the value of an undergraduate degree in library science. Some librarians and academics advise against it, saying that breadth of knowledge is more important, so I should complete the degree in a subject area I'm interested in, and adding that it might be frowned on to have an bachelor's in library science when it comes time to apply to ALA-accredited graduate-level library schools. Others think that it's fine to finish my degree in library science, and it seems to be, since there are undergraduate programs in library science out there. Which is it? For a bit of background, I'm a single mom from a minority background and I would be a non-traditional, adult student, so this seems like it would be a good, practical way to finally finish my undergraduate degree, as it's directly relevant and immediately applicable to my job. If I had to choose another major I'm interested in, it would be English/creative writing or a foreign language, but honestly, between work and my child, I think I would have a hard time focusing on coursework that is not relevant to me at this point in my life. Would having a minor in one of these subjects help me appear more well-rounded? Any advice?

infomaven,


I feel your pain, I'm in my late 30's(minority too) and i'm trying to decide if i should get my bachelor in library science and MLIS too.

I think I'm going to go for it. I don't think I'll be able to finish my degree otherwise. I would have too hard of a time focusing on a pure liberal arts BA with everything else I've got going on at this point in my life. I know it's a tough decision. Good luck with it.

This is not true in all states. Some states require their school librarians to have the education and certification of both a teacher and librarian.

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Brian C. Gray
Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian
Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University
http://blog.case.edu/bcg8
bcg8@case.edu

paralibrarian: I would definitely do BA in film studies rather than LS if I were you. I used to live in Maine which has one of the few BA in LS degrees around, and I heard from some people who did the BA & went on the MLS that a lot of the MLS curriculum was the same. The MLS level goes into more theory & management stuff, typically, but most of the practical information is roughly the same. I agree with others who have said that it makes more sense to do something different for undergrad. (For me it was an interdisciplinary degree in cultural studies & IT.) While the BA will prepare you well for library work, if you expect that you will work at a professional level, or really want to make a lifelong career of it, I think anyone would be well served to get the MLS. It also depends where you want to live & work. MLS is more likely to be required for librarian positions in urban areas, while the BA or certification might take you farther in rural areas, where it can be harder for libraries to attract staff with any amount of training or experience.

Thanks Librarybob, i've made my decision. I'm going for my BA in Film Study and get my MLIS so i can be a librarian not a library paraprofessional.

I left something out in my original post.
If you're not going into school librarianship, you can get a BS in LS with a liberal arts concentration and may not be required to take education classes. With a liberal arts concentration, you're more free in your class choices. However not all universities offer the LS program to undergrads. (At my library school, the undergrad LS majors had the option of school media or liberal arts concentration tracks)