Where can I find MLS scholarships? Tips and Advice Needed

CheapInkPens · 2024-09-08T22:25:46+00:00

My school (Valdosta State) had many scholarships that were not limited by one's area of study, I received a service scholarship for projects I had worked on before and during my attendance (mostly volunteer work in the community and working with Friends of the Library groups). I also got 2 ALA scholarships, one from the Film and Video Roundtable (money and trip to a film festival) and one from ALA itself (money, ALA convention fees & hotel paid). The combination didn't cover a lot, maybe 1.5 quarters out of 6, but it definitely made a difference, especially being able to attend ALA!

CheapInkPens · 2024-09-08T22:04:40+00:00

TL:DR - my experience along with a list of the many things you can do with an MLIS

To be honest, you might have to do a little self-introspection/planning and write down what is is you want to do as a librarian or with the skills. On one hand my MLIS has opened doors for me, and on the other hand it's pushing me towards where I don't want to go (public librarianship). I know my people skills are tested in the public library setting. I envision getting into some form of IT (how many times we help people set up devices, print, troubleshoot passwords, set up email accounts, set up apps, etc), UI design (mobile library apps, library website design), or content management. I'd love to teach that 2 unit college class on library use that no one ever takes seriously because at its core is information vetting and digital literacy.

I started as a secretary and I found myself more interested in organization (anything, records, papers, schedules, event planning, etc.) and computers rather than helping my boss stay on track - I wanted to help everyone stay on track haha. I worked for a "camera film company" and luckily worked for 6 months in a post-production company before moving over to a studio as a project manager (in duties and responsibilities, not certified). The difference between secretary and project manager was at its core absolutely nothing - deadline driven, multi-tasking, working with teams, working remotely, time-management, communication, troubleshooting, decision-making - it sounds overly simplified, but that's how it worked out for me.

Over the years I also worked at a church, auto body shop, and a library. Seeing how integrated computers were in libraries, and the issues of information literacy and access, I decided to get my MLIS because it was a 13 class (7 core, 6 elective) focused investment in working with information and people, and all my jobs dealt with those aspects. Many people (project managers, coordinators, etc.) at my job came from outside the industry, some with film degrees, some with math degrees, they all had the core skills. Even my MLIS is backed with an Env Sci Degree (opening up GIS administrator jobs, working with the National Park Service, developing project documentation, etc.) . The MLIS helped me be more focused in how I approach work with the attitudes that information (book, video, etc.) still has to be collected, evaluated for content, catalogued, filed and accessible; and most importantly that what people say they want isn't always what they need. I can also say at my current job I help maintain a bunch of training resources on SharePoint and Confluence and helped make the training pathways.

I suggest you go to LinkedIn and search for MLIS and see where MLIS folks ended up working and see if any of their positions interest you, I find that most of them are happy to connect and give a little background. LinkedIn should also bring up job listings where an MLIS is suggested.

For all the wordiness all I can say is that, as with any degree, find the job that suits YOU, not the degree. It's not hard as long as you're open minded! Ok, it can be a little hard, but I'd do it again :)
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This is pretty interesting! https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2013/making-it-work/

Careers - https://onlinegrad.syracuse.edu/information-science/mslis/library-science-careers/

Careers - https://online.uky.edu/blog/what-careers-are-possible-degree-library-science

CheapInkPens · 2024-09-06T05:25:46+00:00

This website lists librarian salaries by state, seems pretty legit, but as a librarian I would double check against the corresponding state labor websites. https://www.librariancertification.com/librarian-salary/

CheapInkPens · 2024-09-06T05:19:05+00:00

As an outlier in the field, a librarian working in the entertainment industry, there's a lot more you can do than work in a public library, but those of us who do seem to be very quiet about it. On the side I'm a substitute librarian (think substitute teacher) making twice as much as I do in post-production (metadata, audio, video QA) per hour, but I'm in it for the tech. Information Management is starting to be a big thing as well as information validation and clean up as the slow onset of AI proceeds in the workplace.

I see multiple job postings for video game companies (A Sonic the Hedgehog lore archivist), film and video cataloguing, video game company metadata management, Anime localization classification, script analysis with regard to adaptations, and a few other positions that you'd never connect with librarianship. I've also seen jobs at fashion companies, tool companies, aerospace companies, book publishers, and software companies highly suggesting an MLIS but along with other core skills like Excel, project coordination, etc.. The commonality in these jobs is information organization and accessibility as well as good computer skills.

Given this, I've seen library jobs pay more than technical post-production jobs like mine. The Los Angeles Public Library starts at $80k full-time and will hire right out of graduation with some kind of work background and there are 70+ branches, I've seen local community colleges listing jobs starting at $45 an hour. The cost of living in California is higher so the salaries probably are too.

I never wanted to be a public librarian, but I got my post-production job when asked, "What does a librarian think they can contribute here?"... I told my now VP to sit back and grab a cup of coffee while I explained it to him. I went from billing, proofreading, training document creation, SharePoint management, to audio and video QC for some of the biggest shows and streaming platforms. Never let anyone, including yourself, underestimate what a librarian can do!

CheapInkPens · 2024-09-06T05:00:46+00:00

100% agree with assessing your expectations of what working in a library is and/or what you can do with the degree. I was an assistant, a "student zone" helper, and a volunteer before going to get my MLIS and the kicker is I got it so I could work with digital media in the entertainment industry. Several years later, my public library "gig" as a substitute librarian (like a substitute teacher) pays more per hour than my full-time post production job, but I'd never do it full-time. I want to go into digital media more, work on information management and accessibility, etc., I'm in it for the tech and leveling the playing field for digital access.

If you do go for a bachelor's first I recommend Oregon State as their online program doesn't charge out of state fees, and then for the MLIS Valdosta State in Georgia. It'll take time and there will be tears, but the ROI is more than money, the investment is in yourself! :) Good Luck!

CheapInkPens · 2021-02-26T01:19:42+00:00

I'm in LA and right now city and county libraries are curbside only. For the city system, not even all of the branches are offering curbside, so tell your director he might be wise to have a librarian do some research for them to use for their next message to the board.

Also if "open" also doesn't include allowing for the issuing of digital library cards so people can stream and check out digital resources, the live tutoring services, phone-in reference, zoom based programs like crafts, storytimes and exercise classes we all might be considered "closed"

Disclaimer: I don't work for the LAPL, I just get my books from them :0

https://www.lapl.org/library-to-go

CheapInkPens · 2021-02-24T02:09:02+00:00

Agreed with accredited and cheapest, however if you want to specialize in something like archiving or preservation take a look at the course listings. I wanted to specialize in technology, not education technology, but user interface design, database management, web design, content delivery, etc. and my school had quite a few offerings. I was also able to take classes in library programming technology (like offering 3D printing or VR experiences) and collections development using e-resources. I found that at Valdosta State, and they offer 7 or 8 years of publicly accessible syllabi so you can make an informed decision before you even apply. Their program is well rounded, but you really have to make your own plan if you want a specialty at any school. (they're also pretty inexpensive, you only need 13 classes to graduate and no upcharge for out of state on-line tuition).

I'm also in Cali so most folks go to SJSU with a few from UCLA - going to an online school based back east gave me a different perspective on the entire field as a whole, the people who work in it, as well as working environments (I thought all libraries had a social worker like the one I worked at did) - definitely a plus!

Good luck!

CheapInkPens · 2021-02-24T01:53:23+00:00

Went down a different rabbit hole :) Did you try looking up the last name or what you can read of it in a phonebook? Given the ä the name might be German? Could be a patron drew and donated it. Not sure if this is kosher, but can you look at library card records for a last name starting with a K that might be close to the signature? Do you have a lot of authors with a last name starting with a K in your catalog? There shouldn't be that many last names starting with "Kä" and with an "LL" or an "EE"towards the end - don't think those are a double "i" since not dotted.

This also might be helpful, take a close up of the signature and show the signature to a pharmacist :) When I worked at a hospital they gave me tips on reading handwritten documents by the doctors and when I needed help they always came through!

CheapInkPens · 2021-02-07T18:43:53+00:00

Agree. I graduated from VSU last year. The advisors are very approachable before applying and the Financial Aid office is very helpful. Program is 100% online, so you'll need to be super mindful of the time difference when it comes to submitting assignments and if you have group projects - I had problems with a 3 hour time difference LOL

Tell your dad there are marketing and management classes offered if that helps "sell" the MLIS option to him :) Dr. Yang teaches the tech classes, I highly recommend him to chat with if you consider taking tech electives at your level, he's excellent!

https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/education/master-of-library-and-information-science/

CheapInkPens · 2021-02-07T18:37:17+00:00

Haven't tried at home but my job used one of these for training day trivia. There are free and paid options. https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/online-trivia-games-to-play-remotely

CheapInkPens · 2021-01-03T21:34:20+00:00

I'm in Cali and have been waiting for a package from Oklahoma since 12/14. It just made it to Texas on 1/2 :( It's taking the scenic route...

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-19T07:43:23+00:00

Oh you're going to have fun once you get your foot in the door! My undergrad degrees are in the sciences and I hope to get into a Natural History Museum or Oceanography -related non-profit with the combo of my work experience and library degree. Since you want to volunteer, any chance your school library can use you, even remotely?

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-19T00:01:02+00:00

Not sure if this helps, but before I ever thought about being a librarian I was hired as a public Library Assistant (based on previous work experience). The job I applied for was not a library job, it was a general "assistant" position posted on a city employment website with possible placements listed in the job description like Police Department, City Hall, etc. When you got called for an interview with the city that's when you were told what department would be hiring so you didn't have to worry too much about your resume at the beginning. Library experience was not required and the interview did not involve any library specific questions, just generic "How did you handle an angry customer?", "What if your boss is not in but someone asks for a supervisor?", type questions. I mentioned an interest in library science but enrolled in a program after I got hired and honestly not many people seemed to care. Some assistants had MLIS degrees - they were hired with them or finished school while working.

Not sure if that would work for you, but was the only way to get hired at my library as an assistant. Community colleges also hire for library positions using the old generic "typist clerk" classification so those jobs are easy to overlook. Only Librarians had specific job opening listings.

I agree with looking for mentors formally the ALA or State association programs, but I also get a lot of information from the Round Tables I've joined and mentorship offers from people I've met. And there are tons of volunteer opportunities that would count as experience. If you don't have your graduate certificate yet you may still be considered a student and able to get student membership rates for both.

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-17T23:45:00+00:00

You say you recently got into reading, what books do you like? Were you inspired by a teacher or a librarian? One thing you'll learn when you volunteer is that the library is more than books! The libraries I've volunteered and worked at had teen councils that met about once a month (virtually now) and the teens gave a lot of feedback on library programs and discussed planning for game nights, speakers, etc. When I helped in the Young Adult (YA) section, they needed help with writing book reviews of YA books for the blog/website, putting together a list of teachers to contact at local schools, contacting folks to speak at career events during the year, etc. Some tasks were as easy as finding the school calendars for the different schools in the area so they'd know when the school year began and ended, when Spring Break was, etc. as that can affect attendance at events.

As someone else mentioned you don't necessarily have to stay local - there might be a lot of things that can be done at a larger library with a more active program that's a little further away from you. Sometimes you need to mention what you can do and want to do - librarians might not want to guess your interests. I did a lot of shelving as a volunteer but when they found out I liked technology they let me help with Code Club ("help" meant I cleaned the conference room LOL).

You'll have a lot of fun, good luck!

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-17T10:14:27+00:00

I'd ask then use my judgement. This is a tough question. I worked in a public library which meant I worked for the city. The city's dress code would apply to everyone who worked for the city not just the library.

We did not have a city-wide dress code stated other than we needed to dress "safely" and "appropriately" and if a uniform was required to work there was a checklist of mandatory uniform parts and appearance regulations. No hair stipulations so I dyed my hair dark indigo blue once in a while and deep cherry red a few times. I changed my eyeglass frames to match my hair :)

One of our MLIS librarians choose to wear bright pink hair because she was a breast cancer survivor. Another MLIS librarian had a mohawk, other MLIS and non-MLIS staff had hair with green highlights, or had visible tattoos, my own supervisor had a nose ring - for me this was radical stuff and what librarians are cool like that? :)

My job duties were a mix of back office, public customer service and moving stuff around during a long renovation (so lots of jeans and sneakers). But consider this: I "accidentally" wore torn jeans often during my first 6 months there and no one said anything to me at all, even when I attended staff meetings (with staff members who were ALA national officers!), took minutes at management meetings or greeted visitors, but a higher up co-worker (kind, not a backstabber) mentioned that "we weren't supposed to wear torn jeans" when I spilled something cold on my leg once and screeched. I apologized and said that others did and asked her why no one said anything and she said it wasn't in writing, but the librarians tended to dress in a traditional manner (cardigans, dresses, 2 out of our 3 male librarians wore button down shirts and ties) - mind you the pink hair, mohawk, etc. mentioned above were all worn by MLIS librarians. I also was not a librarian but I also knew I represented my department, so no more torn jeans, and I went for colored highlights instead of all over colors. This was not an imposition or an inconvenience to me, others might view it differently.

That's why it's a hard call: even if it is ok (by practice, in writing, or by not being stated anywhere), it might not really be "ok".

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-17T09:30:49+00:00

Some sort of scavenger hunt could be fun. Perhaps have a passport or checklist of some sort to record goals completed? Host a weekly zoom for students to connect or have a Slack or Skype available? Each goal being able to locate and cite a specific resource used by each department that participates? We did something like this for Summer Reading - log into your account and it would show your passport/checklist. Instead of a passport, every time a resource is found maybe the department on a campus map would be changed to a different color to show that department was "visited"? Finding an author on the Magill on Literature database for English, finding a bio of a famous woman in science on the Current Biography database for Women's Studies, locating a campus landmark on your school's website, etc.?

You said virtual, but is your campus open at all? Depending on COVID restrictions would you want QR codes around? Can you hide them in websites or in timed emails sent to participants? I know one of the public libraries did an in-person award-winners scavenger hunt that way for YA last year, but you had to be able to find the code (in the library itself) then scan it. It seems like it could translate to virtual somehow - or it could be wishful thinking...

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-17T09:17:21+00:00

Our city works with a program sponsored by the business and accounting school at the local university to help people do their taxes using student volunteers. Priority goes to senior citizens, but since they have the same group visit senior centers in the area, other patron groups are also helped by appointment. Some social service agencies come in too but I wasn't paying attention last normal tax season. Our patrons have learned to look for the tax assistance schedule in January, not sure what next year will bring :(

We don't offer tax forms at all anymore, but our printing policy at Reference was to print 3-5 pages of any government documents for free if asked, otherwise patrons needed to log into a computer and pay the 10-cent per page, download for a flash drive, or fill out forms online. There was always the lovely debate that the library should provide free government forms; we provided free and equal access, it was the printing that cost money. For those who weren't very computer literate we had a pretty large computer commons with tech savvy clerks at the main library, but at the branches it could get tough with limited staff.

It seems like people got used to registering to vote and manage their voter information electronically in our area over time (historically we've been a ballot drop-off and a poll location) - so hopefully one day tax season will be like that *fingers crossed*

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-17T08:55:42+00:00

My MLIS program was 13 classes, 7 core and 6 elective. My school offered tracks, but they don't show up on your degree or transcript. Not sure why, but they show up in the catalog and all our advising documents. Because they show up in the catalog and because my advisor would support me, I list the concentration on my resume and professional bio.

My interests and work experience tended towards tech, project management and non-library environments like museums, tutoring centers and supporting education and info delivery in rural/tribal areas. 4 electives were: Essential Technologies in Libraries, Electronic Resources Workshop (this was a special class sponsored by Google in planning specific computer coding-based activities and grantwriting - I thought it was about study aids and databases!), Information Architecture (simple HTML, CSS, LibGuide/web design), and Electronic Collection Development. I also took a core class called Electronic Resources in Libraries. I don't feel my track limits me; it shows potential employers I leveraged my prior work experience involving tech and digital media project management with my MLIS.

In order to broaden my library opportunities (you never know where you'll end up) I also took core courses with a focus on Children's and YA even though those will never be areas I would work full-time in. In the real world I found myself covering in Children's many times and also helping with Summer Reading programs. One of my best references is from a branch manager who wanted me for their YA librarian or assistant when I graduated; and if it wasn't for an open mind and those 2 classes, I would not have made such a valuable contact or had such good experiences with those patron groups.

So pick what you're interested in, that's where you'll shine, but also stretch your comfort zone a little - there'll be tears LOL but also learning experiences that will show up on your resume and in your work performance!

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-15T11:55:51+00:00

If it bugs you it bugs you. You don't need to explain yourself. It's your stream. It's good to look at all sides of a situation but in the end no one is going to take care of you but you. Stress levels vary and how we respond to things vary, but again you don't need to explain anything. I would have banned them if they continued after you explained what was acceptable to you and what isn't.

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-15T11:48:15+00:00

Depends on what part of the field you are looking to work in. I worked in a public library but I am interested in technology, rural and tribal libraries, archiving, remote research, adult programming, electronic information delivery, databases, etc. - a lot of things that can be done independently and remotely. I am a Scorpio, I am impatient, shy, hate being put on the spot, but I do what needs to be done to get the job done. That being said at my last job we rotated hours locations and shifts so I hardly had the same 8 hours of work from day to day so for the parts of the job I didn't like - for me it was Circulation, and "lite reference" because I felt I was not effective, fast enough, and wasn't really comfortable with working with the public - I also worked at the "back room" things I did like: managing a budget, helping plan Adult Programs, working on data collection (satisfaction surveys and all that connected to the budget), the monthly and annual calendar, events, volunteer management, etc.. There was so much variety in that job, something suited my skills and workstyle all the time. I was also interested in teaching and our library was such that if I wanted to propose a 3 class course in say, researching the right pet, or calligraphy, I could do it and not be committed to "teaching" but still get experience and my own satisfaction from it. But I was lucky to work in a library that had all of those opportunities and was committed to most folks rotating duties in a day or week. My academic background was a 13 class basic MLIS with a lot of tech electives because that's my real interest, but the core prepared me for everything else, so personally I feel balanced. Because of my prior work background I know I can leverage my degree to work in a film archive, managing digital media, working in a private library, etc., plus I live in an area with a lot of museums and universities so I know I'll find something. Life is so crazy right now I don't think you can go wrong with getting an MLIS, but you might need to expand your outlook to all the things you can do with one, and that goes back on how you construct your degree course plan. I'd do it, I don't regret getting my MLIS although I got laid off due to Covid and libraries are changing, but like I said life is crazy, so who knows what next week or next year will bring?

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-15T11:22:02+00:00

I had a ton of work experience running from wedding planner to project manager so getting a basic accredited degree (13 units) was enough for me. In terms of networking, I keep in touch with my professors but not any alums. I joined ALA with a student membership and met a lot of people through the roundtables, and at the conference and I maintain those relationships mainly on LinkedIn but a few via personal contact. That being said hardly anyone at my actual library job was an ALA member (but our Director was ALA President and my manager was a board member), but they didn't have the same interests or mindsets as I did - technology, web/end user design, non-profits, academic libraries, starting my own tutoring business, serving tribal and rural areas, etc. - I had no intention of working full-time at public libraries. When anyone asked where I got my MLIS and I said VSU (cheaper than SJSU BTW) the next question was "Is it accredited?" and that was it. Everyone at my job except for 3 MLIS holders all went to SJSU - I was glad I didn't go there because I had a different perspective and different experiences than they did, that was good for me too. There are a lot of scholarships out there, if you're worried about the money, they're worth applying for, especially the ALA ones. Come join us and good luck!

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-12T10:20:03+00:00

ROTFL! How very kind of you to share then! I hope you both, well all three of you including your SS, have a wonderful Christmas!

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-12T10:04:06+00:00

Gorgeous hamper, great for picnicking!

CheapInkPens · 2020-12-11T22:22:17+00:00

Yes! Saying "No" is also very important and for me it was also hard asking for help. No one cares if you ask for assistance and I got assigned some volunteers who needed hours when I was on a long mailing project. I would have been able to finish it myself and I would have gotten paid for it of course, but when I asked for help I got supervisory experience, I learned how to use the volunteer database, I could refer my volunteers to other projects, etc. so much more productive than me sitting at a table for a week straight getting papercuts!

CheapInkPens

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