MLIS stands for Master of Library and Information Science. It is a graduate level degree required* for most professional library jobs in the United States. Programs may go by other names such as Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS), Master of Information (MI), etc., but they all have the same foundation.
Library science programs typically focus on both theoretical and practical knowledge. This includes understanding what information is and how it works, and learning how to organize, manage, and share information. Everything from cataloging and classification to research and reference to preservation and digitization. Many programs require a practicum or internship in a library, archive, or museum in order to graduate. Others may require a research project or thesis.
The average MLIS degree in the United States costs anywhere from $10,000 to $75,000, depending on in-state and out-of-state costs, and usually requires 24-36 credits over a 1-2 year period. Most programs have required coursework along with specialized electives in topics such as archival science, data science, informatics, records management, school librarianship, and more. Programs are typically offered online, in person, or hybrid. Some even offer dual graduate degrees, such as History and Library Science, Business and Library Science, and more.
*Is the MLIS Necessary?
This is one of the most debated questions in our field. Some will swear up and down that it is impossible to get a professional library position without the MLIS. Others will argue that entry into the field should require nothing more than a graduate certificate, which is often much less expensive than a degree. So, what’s the truth?
Well, it depends. I know that isn’t a great answer, but it really does depend on a myriad of factors. It’s true that the field is oversaturated. ALA reports more than 365,000 professionals working in libraries. And that’s just libraries! The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates more than 7,000 archivists in the United States. With graduate programs churning out thousands of new graduates each year, how could someone without a degree possibly have an edge over someone with the MLIS? Here’s my two cents.
Experience and Ancillary Skills
One of the best things you can do if you’re thinking about getting a MLIS or becoming a library professional is go work in a library, archive, or museum. This includes volunteering. Experience trumps almost everything else, especially early on in your career.
My very first professional experience in this field was volunteering at a natural history museum in Seattle during undergrad, where I spent 10 hours a week digitizing and cataloging ornithological field journals into a searchable database. Not only did this help me get my foot in the door and get experience on my resume, it gave me a sneak peek into what working in this field actually entails.
It’s a bit trite to assume that people who want to become a librarian are in it solely for the books and the false assumption that you get to read all day long. However, there is a common misconception about what working in this field looks like. Many public libraries are havens for the unhoused and operate more like a community center. Many academic libraries put the same tenure pressures on library staff, and you are expected to teach or publish or present at conferences. Preservation typically requires a highly specialized background in chemistry or studio arts. Almost every library professional winds up moving into a niche, whether that’s youth librarianship, museum collections, records management, research, data management, archival reference, archival processing, etc.
Reach out to your local public library to find out about volunteering, even if it means shelving books or helping with a summer reading sign-up table. Local museums are typically desperate for the assistance, so get in touch and ask how you can help. Volunteer with your college library or ask your counselor if there are student work opportunities. And don’t be afraid to connect with people working in areas you think you might like. Most are more than happy to give you an informational interview and answer your questions. I know I am!
Experience will not only help you figure out whether or not this field is really where you want to spend your career, it will give you something tangible to put on your resume, as well as references for your job hunt who can speak to your skills.
The second thing that gives you the best leg up in this profession is having ancillary skills. These are skills that are not directly related to library science but which are highly sought after. Fluency in another language is crucial in a public library that serves diverse communities. Familiarity with budgets or contracts is a huge plus. Being able to speak comfortably in front of groups is essential for conducting library programs, briefing your leadership, and even hosting story time. And in this day and age, technological prowess is critical. That includes anything from familiarity with social media and outreach to pivot tables and programming languages. Almost everyone coming out of MLIS programs will have the same foundational skills and experince. Ancillary skills will set you apart. Find a way to develop them and speak to them in your applications and interviews.
How do I know if the MLIS is right for me?
If you’ve read this far and are still questioning whether or not you should get a MLIS, ask yourself the following questions:
Have you worked or volunteered in a library, archive, or museum environment to get a sense of the realities of the job? What did you like about it? What did you dislike?
Are you able to cash flow your degree?
Note: I adamantly suggest not going into debt for the MLIS. A good rule of thumb is to never spend more on a degree than you will earn in yearly salary. The average salary for a full-time librarian is a little more than $60,000 per year.
Are you committed to living in a particular area? Are there library jobs in this area? Are you willing to move if necessary?
What kind of library, archive, or museum environment do you think you would like to work in? Are there active postings for these kinds of jobs?
Note: Research job postings. Pay attention their their required and desired hiring requirements. Remember, you don’t need to be 100% perfect for the role to apply, but the requirements will give you a solid benchmark.
What are your financial goals? Are you comfortable with earning an average salary of $60,000?
Conclusion
I have worked with individuals in every single one of my jobs who do not have a MLIS. Some have advanced degrees in history and museum studies. Others have only a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field. Every single one of them got to where they are through building up experience and leveraging their ancillary skills. Could it have been easier for them with the MLIS? Possibly, but none have ever expressed regrets to me about not having the degree. I think it’s more than possible to break into this field or enjoy a wonderful career without the MLIS. Your career is what you make it, and your tenacity and flexibility has a lot more impact on your trajectory than the letters that follow your name.
Additional Resources
Professional Associations:
Graduate Guidance:
Job Hunting:
USAJobs (search series 1000 - Information Arts or 1400 - Library and Archives)