Best Careers 2009: Librarian

Needing masters

I feel it is awfully silly to complain about not being able to get the same pay or title as someone with a masters degree, though. Librarianship is a field that requires a specialized advanced degree and specialized study. Paralegals don't complain they can't be lawyers because they don't have J.D.'s. An MLS is a degree that requires two years of varied study. It is interesting and often affordable as there are many great library science programs at public schools. If you are a paraprofessional looking for advancement, you should certainly look into getting an MLS.

M.L.I.S of RI @ Dec 13, 2008 00:50:50 AM

I work in a library

The pay stated above is accurate ONLY if you have your Masters degree in Library Science. Only about one fifth of the staff positions have or need that degree. The rest of the staff are paid around the same or $2 per hour more than retail positions.

It is a good profession and pretty stable in a bad economy but not a goldmine and you MUST like working with the public.

There is bias between those who do and those who don't have the masters degree. If you don't have your degree (I do not) you will be doing pretty much the same job as those who do and getting paid less. Deal with it or do something about it. Most systems have at least partial tuition help. If you want to advance you will need the degree.

It is by no means perfect but it is a good job.

Jane Doe of FL @ Dec 12, 2008 20:48:50 PM

working in a library

I worked in a library for 9 years starting out at the circulation desk, Interlibrary load dept. then became supervisor of the circulation desk, technical services and Interlibrary loan dept. My last director (there were 4 in the nine years) was such a snob. Very intimidated by me because the staff came to me rather than her but she looked down at me because of all her degrees etc. I left a job I loved, because she was constantly after me, trying to humiliate me etc. It's a shame there are people like her, but recently she was fired and asked to leave immediatly. Can't say I feel bad.

Loretta of NJ @ Dec 12, 2008 19:59:16 PM

wow this is so kewed

being a librarian is very rarely as rosy as portrayed here - it's a profession with lousy pay, low morale and many damaged people

exlibrarian of NJ @ Dec 12, 2008 19:34:56 PM

UNT

Online degrees from UNT are easily available, with 2 weekend classes f2f. Can be done in 1.5 years, whilst working fulltime.

Poom of TX @ Dec 12, 2008 18:42:46 PM

Online MLS possible

There are a number of schools that offer the Master of Library Science degree online. At least one is conducted completely online. So there is no need to worry about not being located near a school.

Sue of CT @ Dec 12, 2008 18:24:56 PM

Exactly right about the masters degree, and it's hard to find college's that offer degrees librarians use. I looked into this career myself but changed my mind after finding all this out.

of TX @ Dec 12, 2008 18:21:01 PM

Re: What was left out

Some libraries offer tuition reimbursement for paraprofessionals to attend library school. Other libraries, like Miami-Dade County Library, offer fulltime paid librarian intern positions for people who want to work on their degree parttime. And some library schools are less expensive than others. On the other hand, the low pay of librarian positions does makes some people question if the degree is worth the cost.

anonymous of FL @ Dec 12, 2008 18:12:46 PM