I'm currently working in a public library, but I've always been interested in getting into an academic setting. I completed my MLIS in 2005 and have been working in a public library since 2003. I'm frustrated with the fact that the MLIS doesn't seem to be enough to get an academic job.

I have thought about getting a second master's degree in English or Sociology. I've also thought about getting a specialist degree in library science concentrating on classes that would be applicable to an academic setting. I'm afraid, though, of spending time and money on something that might not help me. I'm already frustrated that the time and money I spent on my MLIS feels like a waste.

Does anyone have any ideas or tips for getting my foot in the academic door? Would it be worthwhile to pursue another degree? Any ideas are welcome

If you are working in a library now, which you said you were, the degree is not a waste. Without it, you cannot be a librarian.

If you are going to work on a 2nd Masters, you should consider the degrees required by the jobs you interested. It may be listed as optional, recommended, or preferred. The ads may give specifics or just say any 2nd Masters is OK.

I suspect that an English Masters will not make you stand out in a candidate pool, considering a lot of English degreed students are found throughout the profession already.

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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

I do have an interest in science, but my undergrad degree is in English. Would it be worthwhile to get another Bachelor's degree?

I don't have any experience in academic libraries and that seems to be part of the problem. How do I get experience? That's why I've thought about getting a Specialist in LIS so that I could possibly work as a grad assistant in the university library.

Thanks for the advice so far. :-)