First masters MLIS or specialty specific?

[lydibird]

I'm a biochemistry major (with minors in psychology and sociology, but I'm not sure how relevant that is) about to start on my graduate school applications. This past school year, after a lot of thinking, soul searching, and research I've come to the conclusion that I want to become a librarian at a university library, preferably specializing in biological sciences. I've researched MLIS programs and have a good idea of where I want to apply. Recently, I began looking at job listings in the field I want to work in. I've found that most all of the listings either require or desire a secondary masters in a science related field.

I've enjoyed my undergraduate studies in biochemistry and will have have participated in laboratory research since I was a freshman. However, the major factor that led me to realizing that I want to become a librarian and not a "scientist" was that while I enjoy learning and reading about science, lab work isn't something that I particularly like doing. I've worked in several different labs, so I'm confident that it is lab work in general that I'm ambivalent about, not merely the topic or PI. However, if a masters in a science subject is required for the type of job I want, I'm willing to do that.

I guess my question is, would it be better to first go for a masters in biology, genetics, or a related program, or head straight to my MLIS and try my luck at landing a job without the secondary masters before working on an MS? And would it be unheard of to get the MS from a university where I was working as a librarian? To me that would be the best scenario, but I have no idea if that would even be a possibility!

[AwkwardPants]

I'm a biochemistry major (with minors in psychology and sociology, but I'm not sure how relevant that is) about to start on my graduate school applications. This past school year, after a lot of thinking, soul searching, and research I've come to the conclusion that I want to become a librarian at a university library, preferably specializing in biological sciences. I've researched MLIS programs and have a good idea of where I want to apply. Recently, I began looking at job listings in the field I want to work in. I've found that most all of the listings either require or desire a secondary masters in a science related field.

I've enjoyed my undergraduate studies in biochemistry and will have have participated in laboratory research since I was a freshman. However, the major factor that led me to realizing that I want to become a librarian and not a "scientist" was that while I enjoy learning and reading about science, lab work isn't something that I particularly like doing. I've worked in several different labs, so I'm confident that it is lab work in general that I'm ambivalent about, not merely the topic or PI. However, if a masters in a science subject is required for the type of job I want, I'm willing to do that.

I guess my question is, would it be better to first go for a masters in biology, genetics, or a related program, or head straight to my MLIS and try my luck at landing a job without the secondary masters before working on an MS? And would it be unheard of to get the MS from a university where I was working as a librarian? To me that would be the best scenario, but I have no idea if that would even be a possibility!

Your idea of getting an MLIS and letting your employer pay for your subject master's degree is not only feasible but also highly recommended. Nearly all universities offer free tuition to employees, and librarians (even at the university level) do not make enough to justify taking out huge loans for either an MLIS or a subject degree. Although it's a little different for the sciences, I still think it's prudent to get your MLIS and start making some money while you work on an MS. If this is what you decide to do, you'll want to inquire about the possibility of doing another degree when you interview for jobs. Most libraries will tell you whether this is something they would support and whether others have already done it.

Yes, a lot of job ads do mention an additional master's degree, but it's rare that this is required (usually it's listed as preferred). I'm currently working as a science librarian (biological sciences and chemistry) at a mid-sized state university, and I can only think of a handful of my forty or so colleagues who have additional master's degrees. (This is also true of the librarians I worked with as an undergrad.) Science librarians are also generally in very short supply, so having an undergrad background in the sciences and some research experience will take you quite far already.

Getting experience doing the types of things you see in those job ads is definitely more important than additional formal education. While you're working on your MLIS, you'll want to find ways to teach library instruction sessions, do reference work, get involved with outreach, etc. You'll probably also want to get involved with student chapters of ALA or SLA, particularly if you plan to apply for tenure-track librarian jobs. I worked on a research project involving library instruction when I was in library school, and the publication that came out of it definitely helped me get hired. Library school is also a good time to find mentors and build contacts who can support you. I'm leaving the profession next month to start a PhD, but I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about library school or science librarianship.

Edited July 12, 2010 by AwkwardPants

[Phyl]

I had this conversation with my academic library internship supervisor and two other librarians in the office today. All three of them did the MLS first and then schools they've worked for have paid for the second masters.

I've been browsing job postings the second masters is usually just preferred, there isn't much consistency in type schools that require it.

The downside that they mentioned was that a second masters can make you look like a more expensive hire or look like you are using librarianship as a stepping stone to a professor position in your subject. (AwkwardPants if you had any thoughts on that I'd love to hear it)

The biggest thing to landing a library job is getting experience in a variety of areas in the library. Don't rule out other types of libraries for experience, my academic library internship is covering cataloging, weeding, and reference and I also intern in a public library where I shelve books and do basic computer skills instruction.

[AwkwardPants]

I had this conversation with my academic library internship supervisor and two other librarians in the office today. All three of them did the MLS first and then schools they've worked for have paid for the second masters.

I've been browsing job postings the second masters is usually just preferred, there isn't much consistency in type schools that require it.

The downside that they mentioned was that a second masters can make you look like a more expensive hire or look like you are using librarianship as a stepping stone to a professor position in your subject. (AwkwardPants if you had any thoughts on that I'd love to hear it)

The biggest thing to landing a library job is getting experience in a variety of areas in the library. Don't rule out other types of libraries for experience, my academic library internship is covering cataloging, weeding, and reference and I also intern in a public library where I shelve books and do basic computer skills instruction.

That's interesting -- I'd never thought about employers potentially seeing a second master's degree as a sign that you're using librarianship as a stepping stone to a teaching faculty position. I don't think I'd be overly worried about that since everybody in the library field knows that a second master's degree has advantages, particularly for a subject specialist librarian. There's also a long history of "accidental librarians" who end up in the field by some strange twist of fate and come with previous graduate degrees. (I believe entire journal articles have been written on this subject.) I also think most people would assume that you wouldn't go to the trouble of getting an MLIS if you were planning to become a different type of academic in the very near future.

In our library, we like to see subject knowledge and we look favorably on advanced degrees in the hiring process, but I don't think they necessarily make the person a more expensive hire. (Of course extra education might factor into any negotiations the candidate engages in, but in this budget climate I doubt it'd matter.) This might vary from place to place, but in general it seems unlikely that another degree will work against you. It's mostly just a matter of deciding when/if it's feasible for you to get one (financially, mentally, emotionally, etc.).

[lydibird]

Thanks for your replies. They've put my mind at rest, at least for the time being. There aren't any MLIS/MLS programs in my state and the thought of having to pay out of state tuition for the MLIS and then go on to get another masters was a very scary thought considering a librarian's salary.

AwkwardPants, it was great to hear from someone already working the type of job I'm hoping to have.

Phyl, I do plan on looking into other types of library jobs, too. I hate the feeling of putting all my eggs in one basket, especially since I am fairly young. In addition to watching for positions at my university library, I'm already all set to volunteer at the public library near my university. And I know that once I'm in library school there will be ample opportunity for me to explore.