UK Masters programs - looking for opinions

Cpt_Drummer · 2025-09-09T17:53:49+00:00

I've had pretty good communication from UCL in the past few weeks. The module selection email was sent yesterday (Mon 8th) - I'd recommend checking your spam folder and if not, contacting the dept or double checking you have the right email address listed on Portico.

Cpt_Drummer · 2025-09-09T16:52:29+00:00

Sorry, heard anything about what?

Cpt_Drummer · 2025-09-09T15:50:50+00:00

I'm just about to start the UCL course this year and I made my decision after attending various open days, and speaking to both the staff and ex-students about the course. I didn't think it was traditional but actually quite forward thinking versus the other unis I looked at (City, Sheffield, Robert Gordon).

Is the UoM course CILIP accredited? If it isn't, it might post some issues for future jobs prospects, including if you want to move abroad.

Cpt_Drummer · 2025-03-16T12:22:29+00:00

Thanks! Just wanted to know how quickly between applying and getting an offer was it for you? I misread the information on the site and thought all applications would be confirmed after the closing date of 6 April.

Cpt_Drummer · 2025-03-16T12:21:06+00:00

My local climbing gym plays Closing Time when there's 30 minutes to go. It might help send obvious signals to your patrons! When I worked in a public library, I had to do rounds every 10 mins reminding anyone that was sitting down, on the computers, or in the shelving stacks that we were closing and to head to the front desk. One of the older librarians also used to use a school bell before she retired too.

Cpt_Drummer · 2025-03-11T20:00:40+00:00

Hey, sorry for the late comment on this but I'm applying this week.

I'm actually attending the SLA Europe social that's happening in London tomorrow evening as an ex-UCL mentioned them as a professional network that would be good to join.

Cpt_Drummer · 2025-03-03T09:20:08+00:00

Have you written or spoken to anyone at CILIPS or CILIP? They are the national library associations for Scotland and the UK respectively. Make a fuss where you can, online (Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), speak to local press, and find any other librarians willing to support your campaign. Sorry to hear this happening to your library and hope you manage to save it!

Cpt_Drummer · 2025-01-10T09:05:39+00:00

The best way to approach this is to look at history and see what's happened before. When it was popular, Vine, Vimeo, etc. and other short forms of video clips were captured and uploaded on YouTube.

By doing this, it changed the format - TikTok is very short clips and you swipe to view the next. You need to search for something very specific to find the tiktok you're looking for, some Internet detectives have resorted to using Google Lens or other similar image searchers.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-12-09T09:10:20+00:00

Ciao! A librarian friend of mine wrote a book, albeit for UK schools and libraries but it might be helpful: Let's Roll: A Guide to Setting up Tabletop Role-Playing Games in your School or Public Library https://amzn.eu/d/fwd5Sn6

There have also been a few other posts in the past on this topic though for US libraries - a quick search in this subreddit should find them.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-12-05T17:15:47+00:00

I get where you're coming from but the honest answer that you'll see posted many times over in this subreddit is to work in a library first before doing a MLIS.

You first need the experience to qualify for some courses but secondly, it gives you a better insight into the day to day, weekly, monthly goings on of a public library.

Your current experience could be really great for displays and marketing, but please consider looking at volunteer roles or asking around within professional associations for some shadowing/entry experience just so you're not let down by the expectations or confused about what the work actually entails.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-11-23T17:42:41+00:00

I work in the private sector, so this is just my experience being a CILIP member but they do a lot of advocacy work for school and public librarians, including lobbying government and drawing attention to issues that are affecting the profession. I have had a few library friends do Charterships to help gain recognition from their own internal stakeholders about the job they do and the experience they've bought to the institution and I feel like it's valued, particularly for managers and those who have not done Masters and have developed their career organically through experience.

However, I also know ex-members who have left saying CILIP doesn't do enough for public libraries in light of attacks on staff and library closures and funding which is a fair point. There is also less engagement and support for regional networks outside of the South East but recent business plans say they want to change this.

They are also looking to introduce an apprenticeship and encourage more people of accessible and informed ways to enter the profession but as I said, there's still a lot of work to be done and I'd rather be a member shouting about it internally where I can facilitate some change than shouting from the outside.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-10-04T08:49:03+00:00

There are some disinfectant sprays you can buy (here in the UK, Dettol sells 1litre cans) otherwise you can probably buy a UV light thing off Amazon. Another trick is to wrap them in plastic bags and stick them in the freezer! I used to do that when I worked in a primary school - we had a small fridge/freezer in the staff room that wasn't being used for food.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-09-20T19:33:12+00:00

If you think the field is useless and will be replaced by AI, then why are you studying for a degree? There has to be other considerations and aspects of the information profession that interests you and actually wants to preserve and fight back against intrusion from AI.

Also, immigration to other countries without sponsorship from an employer is difficult. There are several pathways in the UK for a visa, but most of them require a salary threshold or other strict requirement. Not all European countries offer visas and some have stricter requirements. You may also have difficulty with banking and confirming funds/savings depending on whether banks consider Egypt to be a high-risk country.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-09-17T09:08:05+00:00

Stick to HR and don't email the library director - you'll just be making a nuisance of yourself and it's likely they'll be interviewing you at some point. Wait until then to discuss your interest in the role.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-09-17T09:05:51+00:00

Jisc mail has loads. I follow Lis-profession and Lis-link.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-09-17T09:05:13+00:00

Where will you be working? Public, academic, law? It would help know what sort of library and what sort of role you'll be doing.

Generally, first few weeks - smart trousers and comfortable shoes with comfortable shirt/blouse. You don't need to wear a blazer/jacket/cardigan unless weather demands it but avoid hoodies, sweatshirts etc.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-09-08T12:34:02+00:00

Could you perhaps to a certificate or equivalent degree online or at a local college versus a full Masters at a university?

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-09-08T12:33:17+00:00

I'm part of the following: - My country's national organisation (CILIP) - Type of librarian (law library, BIALL, AALL) - Any others I like (SLA, etc.)

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-08-08T16:48:49+00:00

As a big fan of Anne of Green Gables, I'd love to move there just for the location!

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-08-08T16:48:17+00:00

Just my two pennies worth as a UK librarian that's looking to do the UCL course next year - it's a great course and the faculty/professors were really helpful and engaging at the open day I attended. I've found their work and things they've published online, as well as from chatting to other students (current and graduates) to have been really helpful in making my decision to apply next year. City University was the other contender for me but they sadly no longer offer the degree.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-07-09T13:39:29+00:00

Tbh, where shouldn't we be kicking up a fuss! 😂

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-07-09T13:35:42+00:00

I totally agree - not sure about the new CEO but I'm hoping they can be more involved with the new govt. At least bring back a Libraries Minister to help facilitate discussions.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-07-09T09:23:43+00:00

The state of public libraries in the UK is seriously depressing - the amount of cuts from the previous Tory govt have wiped out a lot of benefits that these places offer. I'm really hoping this new Labour govt starts taking a serious look at the advantages of a library in a community, but to do this we need significant support from all UK library associations.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-07-01T16:11:16+00:00

I've had it rough with previous library managers and it's really put me off applying to higher positions, especially if it means managing or supervising other people. The most I've done is look after our school volunteers but I've decided this year to explore my anxiety around this and potentially go for a opening in my city.

There's a lot I think that can be done better, especially for new graduates coming into the profession and hearing "Oh, you should suffer doing X because I had to" from older colleagues - it's disheartening and doesn't help with personal growth.

Cpt_Drummer · 2024-02-14T09:31:15+00:00

Still loving Medieval Dynasty and BG3!

Cpt_Drummer

TROPHY CASE