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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/18/2009
Posts: 4
Points: 12
Location: Long Island, New York
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Hello everyone! I received my Bachelor Degree in American Studies and was awarded a certificate of Academic Achievement way back in 1993. Then marriage and kids came along and my career was sidelined. Since 2006, I have been teaching myself web design, and am now familiar with XHTML, CSS, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Flash. ASP.net and php and mysql are next on my list to conquer. I have created my own website using all of this knowledge and designed websites for a few local businesses. I really enjoy working on my website, and spend countless hours searching for content to post on it and to create my e-newsletters. I have been searching for ways to use my knowledge of web design as a career and stumbled upon a site which mentioned a Library and Information Science career. My question is: Is there a need for someone with my knowledge in the LIS world? I stopped by Long Island University's CW Post (an ALA accredited institution) during their open-enrollment day last week and spoke with both an LIS and Computer Science advisor and they both feel there will be a need, but the electives for their graduate program don't reflect that. Their graduate program requires 15 credits in LIS and 21 credits in electives, but only three of their electives focus on web-related topics. The Computer Science advisor requested that I email the Dean and inquire about creating more classes that focus more on internet technology. So, is a Masters in LIS right for me? Is my focus correct? I have some time...if I decided this route, then I would enroll this fall. Thank you so much for any advice!! 
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
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Joined: 1/31/2008
Posts: 61
Points: 189
Location: Oregon
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Short answer is, yes, there definitely is a need in the LIS world for people with a background in web design & an interest in computer science. However, without looking too much into the LIU program, it sounds like maybe their program is not the best match for your interests. There are other LIS programs out there, including online/distance programs, that have more of a focus on information technology. If I were you, I would take a look at other programs to see what options are available with more IT-related classes. Good luck.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
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Joined: 1/2/2008
Posts: 348
Points: 922
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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I would suggest you need to look at other programs. Many offer much more in web and technology than the program you describe. Also, we are seeing schools go further an role at programs like my local school. IAKM - information architecture and knowledge management. You also may have more options than you realize. Your electives do not need to be limited to the LIS program. For example, I tool two from the business school because I thought that was a clear weakness in my program requirements. Also, the LIS program is designed for people that want to be librarians, and as a result it has much classwork that will always be required by these programs.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/18/2009
Posts: 4
Points: 12
Location: Long Island, New York
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Yes, that's why I am unsure if a career in LIS is right for me. I guess my interests should be summed up as someone who enjoys writing code for web pages and seeing them come to life. I enjoy spending hours searching online for information to include on my site. But with so many web designers out there, I want a more reliable career that would allow me to use my web knowledge and was hoping that LIS was the perfect fit. My research on this subject has only just begun!! Does anyone have any suggestions about online degrees that may fill my needs?....thanks again everyone..... 
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
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Joined: 1/31/2008
Posts: 61
Points: 189
Location: Oregon
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Go to the primary source: http://www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/education/accreditedprograms/index.cfmIt sounds like you're interested in east coast program primarily, and I don't know much about those, other than that Drexel (http://www.ischool.drexel.edu/) has an online program, including some MS degrees that are more techie than the traditional MLS. Actually, you might be wells served by checking out other "ischools" (http://www.ischools.org/index.php/site/about/) which focus more on "information science" than "librarianship."
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
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Joined: 1/2/2008
Posts: 348
Points: 922
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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My understanding is that the Syracuse program is also more tech oriented.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/18/2009
Posts: 4
Points: 12
Location: Long Island, New York
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Thank you everyone for your replies...I will look into them and let you know what I think!!:d/
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/18/2009
Posts: 4
Points: 12
Location: Long Island, New York
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Thank you everyone for your replies...I will look into your suggestions and let you know what I found out!!
:d/
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