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Lot of questions! I've had great success in the past from the expertise in this forum, so I'm posting more questions. Is anyone familiar with one year MLIS ALA-Accredited Programs? I've attempted to looked at them all, and only come across one, it is campus-based, and it is in Canada: http://www.fims.uwo.ca/mlis/index.htmCan anyone speak to the quality of this program? Although this program is ALA-Accredited, do U.S. hiring institutions prefer American over Canadian MLIS degrees? Or as long as they are ALA-Accredited, are they considered equivalent for all intents and purposes? Lastly, to complete the Canadian program recommended above, I would need to take a one year leave of absence from my current position. What would future employers think of someone who chose to take a year off to complete an MLIS degree? I know there are many online ALA-Accredited MLIS programs, which provide flexibility to get your degree while working fulltime, but that is not my preference. My end goal is a strategic leadership position involving a merged IT/Library organization, and the MLIS degree would be an opportunity to learn more about the library side of affairs. My academic background and management experience are in IT. Thanks for reading.
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It's possible to finish any standard (i.e. not extra certifications) ALA accredited MLS in a year. I've known many people who've done it. It's a lot of work, but definitely possible. The potential problem is that it doesn't leave a lot of time for a job or internship on the side for extra experience, but it doesn't sound like that's your biggest concern.
I can't imagine that a library would have a problem with you taking time off to get the MLS degree. It would be clear from your resume what you were doing during that time.
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I agree with nessie1030. I have known people that did the degree in one year. The only problem is it may limit the availability of some of the classes you may want to take as you are stuck with what works into your schedule. Gaps in employment to get education are not that negative. Experience and skills you bring to a job are much more important.
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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Have you considered an on-line program? Texas Woman's University offers such a program. http://www.twu.edu/library-studies/ALyssa
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Their post said they do not want online as it is not their preference.
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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Thank you for the posts.
Although my preference is face-to-face, I would consider an online program that allows one to complete the program in one year. But I have been unsuccessful in finding any. It doesn't appear the online program at Texas Women's University can be completed in a year.
Does anyone know of any online ALA-Accredited MLIS program that can be completed in one year or at least less than a full two years?
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If an online program would allow you to remain at your current job, would it be necessary to complete it so quickly? But again, an online program could also be completed in a year.
It would vary by school, but for instance, here's how it would work at the University of Illinois, where I went (http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/ms/). Whether in person or online, you would need to take 40 credit hours. Most courses are offered at 4 credit hours. So at minimum, you need to take 10 classes. I do know of one person who did it in two semesters, i.e. took 5 classes each semester. A more normal course load might be to take 4 classes each regular semester, and 2 over the summer term. Another option might be to take 1 or 2 classes online the summer before, and then finish all your coursework on campus in the following two semesters, or vice versa. It's all very flexible.
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Thanks, Nessie. Good information!
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Most library degrees can be finished in a year if you take classes full time, and many people do go back to school full time. This isn't viewed in any negative way by employers. You could also probably complete one of these degrees working part-time and studying full time, though it would be challenging.
I really can't think of a way to cover the material adequately while working fulltime, though, fi that is your question. Perhaps with an online program.
Elisabeth Shields
Enterprise Innovation Institute
Georgia Institute of Technology
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The program at Western Ontario is one for which I applied and researched. Like you, I wanted to finish in a year if possible so I could be in the job market asap. But from what I've read online (from former or current students), though the program is marketed as one that can be completed in a year, once accepted and enrolled the student is advised to complete the program in two years, as it's very hard for most to actually finish the program in just one year.
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Thanks for your responses, Elizabeth and Woof*.
Woof*, other than the challenging possibility of completing the MLIS there in one year, do you know how the quality of the program stacks up to other ALA-accredited MLS programs? I've been unable to get a sense of that.
Are you starting there in the fall?
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OC,
UWO doesn't seem to have as higher a ranking/name recognition as other institution's programs, but the quality of its program seems to be good--though I prefer UT for academic lib. If you're looking for Canadian institutions with bigger/better names, consider McGill, UToronto and UBC.
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