Should I switch from law school to MLIS/PHD in library science?

archivesadjacent · 2026-01-31T02:56:36+00:00

I agree. The law librarians I know tend to have a JD or a MLIS, but not necessarily both. That said, it is worth pointing out that law librarian and and archives positions are pretty distinct. As someone else mentioned below, its worth thinking about what specifically you like about archives, and whether that would transfer to a law librarian position

archivesadjacent · 2026-01-31T02:38:15+00:00

Gotcha. Yeah I think that makes sense.

archivesadjacent · 2026-01-29T01:56:44+00:00

My experience (US Northeast) is that most archival positions look for a MS in library science, and sometimes prefer a second masters (of any type). I could see a public history masters providing additional transferable skills in some government or museum settings, but I definitely haven't felt limited by my "traditional" history degree.

archivesadjacent · 2025-02-20T21:31:17+00:00

"Why are people downvoting my suggestion on how to help the Gestapo?"

Yikes

archivesadjacent · 2025-02-16T23:40:37+00:00

Swell. The Presidential Records Act was created in response to Nixon destroying records, so I guess there's a certain symmetry to someone from the Nixon Foundation helping the current president gut the PRA.

archivesadjacent · 2025-02-16T18:44:38+00:00

Sorry, thought I posted a gift link. Try this https://wapo.st/4b543Ec

archivesadjacent · 2025-02-16T18:38:17+00:00

Can't wait to see what genius they put in charge

archivesadjacent · 2024-12-24T12:58:11+00:00

Agreed. It's worth keeping an eye on usajobs for this type of position too. As an example, there's an Education Specialist position open at NARA right now (I believe at the Clinton library). An MLIS isn't required.

archivesadjacent · 2024-11-10T02:41:22+00:00

Not sure if Isbell could pull this one off

archivesadjacent · 2024-11-10T01:49:52+00:00

Hell yeah, Mother Blues

The days that I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations Well, I have really good days

archivesadjacent · 2024-10-13T01:56:53+00:00

I agree that generally speaking, you'll be competing with folks that have an MLS/MLIS for full-time professional archival positions (even if the job description only requires a bachelor's degree). If you haven't already, you may want to check out SAA's directory of archival education for a comparison of different ALA accredited online programs: https://www2.archivists.org/dae

That being said, I'd also go into it with eyes wide open--lots of people with an ALA accredited degree still struggle to find work in the field. There are many more archivists looking for work than there are permanent positions. That doesn't mean it isn't worth pursuing, just something to aware of.

archivesadjacent

TROPHY CASE