WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN MLS DEGREE?

        What is an MLS (Master of Library Science) degree?


        A Master's degree in Library Science (MLS), also known by other designations such as the Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MSLIS or MS) is the main degree required for anyone who wants to be a professional librarian or information specialist. The degree itself covers practical and theoretical aspects of working in libraries of all types, whether they are school libraries, college or university libraries (academic libraries), corporate, medical or other types of specialized libraries (special libraries). Requirements and electives vary among the graduate schools, although most schools offer courses in cataloging, management, research, reference, and technology-related courses (such as automation systems in libraries, general technology, programming, etc.). Usually, a student would take more than one class in a particular area (cataloging or reference) in which they might be working as a professional. The student may also want to take courses in the type of library in which he or she wants to work, such as college libraries or special libraries. Those who want to work in school libraries may find they have additional requirements, such as education courses, to get their degree. At my alma mater, Southern Connecticut State University, the course requirements are more detailed for the school library specialist than for librarians in other areas. You will also have to take specialized "literature courses" covering areas related to the department or type of library in which you are interested, such as legal or medical bibliography, children's literature.

        What sort of courses should I take in college to prepare for library school?


        Take plenty of liberal arts courses, foreign languages, and history. Liberal arts courses will keep you well-rounded, which is good for anyone, but especially if you work in a reference department and need to figure out the patron's question and how to answer it. Foreign languages are particularly good if you are going to work in a research library or as a cataloger, because you will need to deal with foreign language materials in those areas. History is particularly useful for those who might want to work as an archivist, and at least some history departments offer courses and programs for prospective archivists. You should also try to take some courses dealing with computers, programming or technology, to get used to computers and automation and how networks and individual computers function. I would also suggest that you take courses in statistics, social science research methods, or both (preferably both). In many cases in library school, you may have to take research methods in library school anyway, but it's good to learn these things now because you will have to work with statistics in reference, management, circulation, interlibrary loan, and other areas of the library. At least, the courses will help you be able to understand the research that is conducted and published in library science journals. You may want to or have to conduct your own research and/or get published yourself, so you'd might as well learn these skills early.

        Does accreditation matter?


        Yes. Most professional jobs in the United States and Canada require the applicant to have an MLS degree from a school accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). If the ad says ALA-accredited MLS or just ALA/MLS, that means the employer wants the degree to come from an ALA accredited school. The ALA accredits schools based upon a variety of factors, and types of courses offered. The accreditation standards are just broad enough to allow some creativity in course offerings and approaches, while keeping into account the need for professional librarians to have certain skills.

        How long will it take to get the degree?


        It depends on whether you have a tight schedule (due to work or personal matters), the number of credits required, and whether the school has the course(s) you want or need at that time. Credit requirements can range between 36 and 72 credits in some schools in the U.S. and Canada, and it may be shorter or longer elsewhere.

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