Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with mls

Should I retake the GREs?

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:23:26 -0800

I'm applying to grad school for a Masters in Library Science, and I'm unsure if I should re-take the GREs. I did very well on the Verbal and Quantitative sections - both scores were above the averages of accepted students for the MLS programs I'm looking at. But I only got a 4 on the writing section (putting me in the 41st percentile). The average for admitted students is around a 5. Will my admittedly poor showing on the writing section hurt me enough that I should take the GREs again? Other info that may affect this: I'm applying to some of the top ranked MLS programs (at least according to US News & World Report). I graduated from undergrad in '08 with a 3.7 GPA and a BA in History and English from a generally well-regarded liberal arts college, so I'm a capable writer - just not so much on the GREs. This should be more important than my GRE writing score, right?

Sorry for being a flipped out grad school applicant - I've over-thought the whole thing and need some outside input. Email at icanhazmls@yahoo.com

Recommended library computer skillz?

wowbobwow — Thu, 28 May 2009 07:13:26 -0800

Seeking recommendations on what software/programs I should learn to be the wiz-kiddiest library science student ever. About to start an MLIS program this Fall. Have the opportunity to take some free or nearly free technology courses through my job. What programs are commonly used by librarians for database work or general cataloging and archiving work? I love databases but am only really familiar with FileMaker Pro and Excel. Please help me get a leg up in this area! Many thanks.

(n.b.: this would be excluding the basic MS Office and text editing programs. Think more along the lines of Oracle or library-specific cataloging/circulation programs like Millennium.)

Records Management speciality - good idea for an MLS student?

onell — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:47:24 -0800

How's the field of records management / archives looking, for a new MLS? I'm a younger librarian with a job in public services, and someone working on her MLS recently asked me about records management as a specialty. I don't know much about it -- my library school didn't really focus on it, and it wasn't something I pursued. I think she's surveying her options and wondering if it would be an in-demand avenue for her new degree. I would guess so but don't really know. I confirmed that she's not interested in the special collections side of archives, and I know those jobs are hard to find and get. Thoughts?

Chicago library job help?

tinyfolk — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:53:37 -0800

Does anyone have advice for a graduating MLS student looking for a job, any job at all? Help specific to finding jobs in the Chicago metro area would be especially useful. I'm graduating from Indiana University SLIS this summer and am looking for jobs. I've checked just about every site I can find (ala joblist, lisjobs, careerbuilder, craigslist, etc.) and have applied for pretty much anything i'm even remotely qualified for. I don't have much experience other than two years at a student library job that paid $7.40/hr.

A call to the Chicago Public Library headquarters confirmed that there's a hiring freeze for all city public libraries (though some of the suburbs are still hiring). I realize it's just a hard time to get a job, but I'm being about as unpicky as it's possible to be. Next step is to start applying to Borders and Barnes & Noble.

MLS program for an aspiring science librarian

a22lamia — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:17:47 -0800

I want to be a science librarian. Help me find the right MLS/MLIS program. My main criteria are: many opportunities for practical experience and networking, a track record of gainfully employed alums and, probably the most important, funding. I've read all of the MLS related posts in the archives, but I'm wondering if my interest in science librarianship and my hopes for funding would elicit some different responses.

Information that may or may not be relevant: I have a B.A. and an M.A. in Biology (3.9 or so GPA). I scored very high on the math and verbal sections of the GRE, but literally bombed on the analytical section - I'll be retaking it in December. Notwithstanding my performance on the GREs, I am actually a decent writer. I have won writing awards as an undergraduate and have two articles in the process of being published in professional science journals. I live in Massachusetts, but, my husband and I are growing weary of the Northeast so having to move is fine. I am also open to online programs.

Best way for a lawyer to become a law librarian?

GPF — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:02:18 -0800

After practicing law for six years, I'm very interested in becoming a law librarian. I'm struggling with the jump; especially the decision to go back to school. All the good advice about library schools on the green encourages me.

I worked in the law library throughout law school as a research assistant and loved it. After the ups and downs of small-firm and solo practice, I think I'd like to get back into the library. Going back to school for a library degree seems like a good next step.

Is an MLS or other library degree, in fact, a good next step?

If so, how will my choice of school and program affect my prospects? I'm close enough to the University of North Texas that it is my first choice out of pure convenience. Should I consider other schools based on the specialty concentration of law librarianship?

I would also appreciate your thoughts on part-time vs. full-time and distance vs. classroom programs, especially as they relate to what I perceive (and correct me if I'm wrong) as a specialized interest in library school.

At the risk of being too open-ended, I would also love to hear success stories or cautionary tales from anyone who has made the transition from law practice to law librarianship.

How can I get out of a listed house in order to sell it For Sale By Owner?

twistedmetal — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:10:51 -0800

I have a rental house that I am selling. It has been listed with a Real Estate agent since Nov 07. Not one offer on it. Some people from my parent's church are interested in buying it, but they want to do it For Sale By Owner -no Real Estate Agents involved. My listing expires on Oct. 11. How long after the listing expires can I sell it on my own? Is there a grace period? Any ideas of how to cancel the listing beforehand? I don't want to lie, but I would rather sell to the church people for obvious reasons (more money for me, better deal for them, etc.). I am in GA.

MLS overqualifies for Assistants or Technicians?

codswallop — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:09:05 -0800

I'm a Library Assistant who will not leave the Pacific Northwest - if the only jobs I can get are non-MLS, will having an MLS hurt my chances? I'm thinking about going on and getting my MLS even though I know how strong the competition is for jobs in this field. I'm not leaving the area. If I need to leave my current Assistant job and can't nail a proper Librarian position, would I be dismissed as over-qualified for other Assistant/Technician jobs?

I know librarians are *ahem* touchy about the value of an MLS and could see them not hiring one as a tech because it might seem to devalue the degree. Am I wrong?

What computer science classes I should take before Graduate Schools?

LilSoulBrother85 — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:18:49 -0800

My question is that I want to know what computer science classes at a community college I should take before enrolling in a MLS graduate school? Hello everyone. I am one year out of college and graduated with a major in anthropology and minor in music. I graduated from a liberal arts college in the northeastern part of the U.S. After graduation I was an intern at the National Museum of American History for six months where I did research and administrative duties.I just recently obtained a job as a program support assistant at the National Institute of Health which I basically assist the teachers at the NIH to organize their classes in their Training Center.

I want to get in Library & Information Science specifically in the academic spectrum and/or music special library. I want to get the technical tools before heading into a MLS graduate program because first I want to get work experience (I don't want to be a student in awhile), and I always wanted to learn these tools.

First Shot at Full-Time Librarianship

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:08:51 -0800

Attention Librarians (preferably of the public variety): PLEASE help me not blow my best shot at my first full-time Adult Services gig! Long explanation inside, sorry... I love my current job as a reference librarian at a small public library (my first job out of library skool, been there two years now). Trouble is, it's only half time, and the job market in this town is super-tight. After searching for supplementary work elsewhere in vain, I reluctantly began to apply for full-time positions that would require me to relocate.

So I recently got a phone interview for a great opportunity in a much less-saturated job market few states over. The phone interview went swell, from my perspective, and I got a call back the next day for a second interview. They're paying my way to have me out, putting me up in a room, etc. The position sounds great-- it's right up my alley, I'm experienced in the right ways, pay is good and benefits are great, and the system, its director, and my prospective boss seem awesome. It's also much closer to my family. In short, I'd love to take the job.

I really want to shine in this face-to-face interview. I know the second interview tends to be more about demonstrating how you'd fit in with your prospective colleagues (right?), but as a half-timer I'm a little intimidated. While I'm confident in my abilities and my experience as far as they go right now, I want to show that I'm ready and able to hit the ground running full-time.

Also-- in addition to launching a full-time career, I'd also be moving into a differently-structured system. Current library system: about 25 small branches, with one big main library and a separate administrative entity. My branch is funded almost completely by our small town, is autonomously run by our branch's director, and our focus is on just the community our branch serves. Prospective library system: much smaller-- only three branches of roughly equal size, county funded, all three branch managers under the direct control of the system director, and the focus is on MLS librarians from each branch forming inter-library committees to get most of the system stuff done.

While I like the prospect of the different setup, I want to make sure I'm up to par on best practices, preparatory readings, etc. I do all the typical stuff now: read the literature, go to professional development workshops, go to conferences, etc.; I guess I just want to stand the best chance against the other two candidates, about whom I know nothing.

Finally, I'm not worried about the collegiality piece during the interview; I consistently get praise from employers that I'm engaging, respectful, and diplomatic in my relations at work. I'm really looking for the rest of the puzzle, some "read this!" or "here's what helped me!" tidbits.

So career public librarians: what can you tell me? I have about a week to put my best foot forward, so thanks for any advice in advance!

The 'brary mystique re: MARC, etc.

10ch — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:57:36 -0800

Dear AskMeFi Librarians and Librarian-Wannabes, can you please explain-slash-distinguish between MARCXML, MODS, METS and EAD in terms of why one is better (or even different) than the other? I've never worked in a library and I'm only familiar enough with MARC records to know what they stand for and that they presumably need something like MARCXML, MODS, METS or EAD to make them more system-shareable and human-readable.

There internet is in no short supply of definitions and discussions about these standards, but I need someone to explain it to me (or point me to an explanation) that is in layman's terms and without presuming I have an MLS.

You folks are as bad as us webbies with the acronyms, sheesh!

Thanks.

Where can I get 2007 MLS lettering for a Chicago Fire home jersey?

EasilyOdd — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:01:12 -0800

Where can I get 2007 MLS lettering for a Chicago Fire home jersey? I was given a 2007 Chicago Fire, home, replica jersey as a gift. Many places that still have the lettering refuse to sell me the MLS lettering without buying it already on a jersey. Many places also refuse to customize it due to the fact that it's not an official jersey. The lettering has changed for the 2008 season so it's getting hard to find. I'm willing to make my own if I know the font.

Trying to decide on MLS school

n2linux — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:46:02 -0800

MLSFilter: Recommendations for a completely online MLS program? First and foremost, let me explain my reasoning. I am in the Army (currently deployed but heading home soonish), and the Army covers tuition 100% while I am still active duty. Obviously, I can't just up and move to attend grad school, but I want/need the Army to cover my tuition. I have GI Bill benefits, but those are best used after I have exited the Army.

That said, does anyone have experience (or know of someone with experience) with an online Library Science program? I'm leaning towards Drexel, but am open to any suggestions. I would prefer to not have to travel at all, but a trip or two for exams or briefings isn't necessarily a deal breaker.

For what it's worth, I've done quite a bit of online degree work, so I am ok with the concept of not being in a "real" classroom environment.

Also, any MLS tips in general are much appreciated. Email is in the profile if you feel a need to pontificate. :-)

How to Get an MLS Map for the Wall

rush — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:07:49 -0800

Where can I get an on-dead-trees map of MLS areas and zip codes? We're looking for a home in Austin, TX, and we're trying to get a deeper understanding of location, location, location. I'm more than happy with the numerous online resources, but my wife wants a big on-dead-trees map of MLS areas and zip codes to put on the wall. Where can we get one?

MLS needed for entry?

neurodoc — Tue, 08 May 2007 08:53:37 -0800

Librarians: Is the library the right place for me, and do I need an MLS to get there? In my ongoing search for the right job, I've been thinking more and more about library work. Specifically, a position that combines:

1) Science background (PhD in neuroscience)

2) 12+ years pharma/biotech industry experience (running clinical trials)

3) A true skill and passion for using online research tools (Pubmed, Ovid, Google, etc.) for compiling information and answering questions.

From what I've read, this seems to be pointing me towards working in a special library. Unfortunatly, these positions usually require an MLS (or equivalent), and I have no library experience - except as a user!

While I'm not excited about the thought of going back to school at 42, I would if I had to. However, I'm wondering if real-world experience could be enough (or would I never get past HR)? Alternatively, anyplace else I might look?

What's so bad about being a librarian?

Rock Steady — Mon, 07 May 2007 09:06:09 -0800

Librarians -- rain on my parade! What didn't they tell you in school? What are the worst parts of your job? What do you regret about your schooling/early career? So I have decided to go back to school to get an MLIS degree (at Simmons), and while I am completely excited about it and I am committed to going, I suspect that the large group of librarians here on AskMe can open my eyes to some of the pitfalls of the profession, with an eye towards avoiding them, if possible. I have seen the obvious questions here about careers in Library Science, but if you know of any that elude the site's search function, I'd be happy for pointers to them.

EPL < Bundesliga < Serie A < SuperLiga < MLS?

ibmcginty — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:48:03 -0800

How do the world's professional soccer leagues rank, generally, and where does MLS stand? I've been unable to find a ranking of leagues, or even a discussion, via the Google except a few highly opinionated and unsubstantiated discussion board threads.

Is MLS thought to rank alongside, say, Turkey's league? Israel's?

Are any attempts at comparison futile?

yet another wannabe-librarian query

scratch — Fri, 18 Feb 2005 08:36:32 -0800

I know there're a lot of MeFi librarians, since I've searched on this topic, but my specific questions don't seem to have been addressed yet. First, do you think there are a decent amount of entry-level public library jobs out there? The gubmint says so, various librarian blogs say no. Also--this would be a career change for me, so by the time I get the MLS I'd be around 40. Is it laughable to think anyone would hire a 40-year-old entry-level librarian? I've been in publishing for a while and am burned out but good. As a callow youth I worked quite happily in bookstores, and now as a grown-up I think a library job would provide similar psychic gratification but with better benefits and pay. Someone set me straight. TIA.

Becoming a Librarian

dicaxpuella — Wed, 05 Jan 2005 19:19:48 -0800

Calling the MeFi Librarian Posse... I want to join! Questions about getting an MLS and job inside. After doing some serious "what do I want to do with my life" questioning, I've decided that becoming a law librarian would be right up my alley. The basic question is, what's the best way to go about doing this?

A little background to start - I got my JD a couple of years ago, and while I like the law, I don't want to practice it. Since graduating, I've been working for one of the major legal database companies (take a guess) offering research assistance for customers. I like what I do, but I think a law librarian position could be more challenging and rewarding. I'm seriously considering pursuing an MLS part time, likely via distance-ed. Relating to the MLS - is it worth trying to get into a highly ranked program? What's are some of the things library school admissions are looking for? If its going to be a year or so before I apply, what sort of things can I do in the meantime to educate myself and/or beef up my application? Lastly, does anyone know what the job market is like for law librarians? Thanks!

What scripting languages and/or CMSes are most important to learn in a library environment?

stonerose — Thu, 22 Jan 2004 14:48:37 -0800

Library/information science question(s): My code-fearful friend succeeded in getting through library school without exposure to more than basic HTML. I now have him on a diet of Dreamweaver and XHTML, with a sprinkling of GoLive. He's wondering about next steps: for someone who wants to be well-equipped to work in an academic, medical, legal, or similar library or archive (with web development as part of his job, rather than the focus of it), what scripting language(s) and/or content-management systems are most important to learn? Is the library world fragmented in this regard, or is there a dominant technology? What would be a logical entry vector into this world for someone without a comp-sci bone in his body (in terms of languages/systems, and specific learning resources)?[no more inside]

Library Science

fishfucker — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 17:21:01 -0800

I am preparing to choose a course of graduate study for Fall 2005 and have recently become very interested in the job possibilities available to those with a Masters Of Library Science degree. But I have several questions about the particulars [more inside]: Currently, I hold a BFA in Art from Berkeley and have what basically amounts to two years of sysadmin assistant experience (i was a sysadmin for a *really* small company, basically just managed win2k servers and have some done some undergraduate computer science work).

Firstly, I'm wondering what exactly MLS coursework is like -- I've looked over some sample degree plans, but can't really divine from the course titles what exactly is being taught.

I'm also curious what sort of work someone with an MLS degree would do in a library itself (to be honest, I know zero about tasks at libraries that aren't visible to your average library patron). Along these lines, what sort of additional certification or licensing is necessary to work in a public library? What kind of salary can I expect? (I've noticed that the San Francisco Public Library seems to start at around 60-70k for jobs that require an MLS, but I'm not sure what kind of experience the candidates that would be considered for this position might have, and I'm sure cities with lower costs of living offer a far smaller starting salary).

What other sorts of positions hire people with an MLS?

I'd like to hear opinions about what MLS schools to attend. Right now, I'm really only looking at schools in NYC and SF, although I realize this greatly reduces my chances of getting into what might be the best program (but I'll take that tradeoff). At the present I'm really interested in the dual master program in Art History/MLS that is offered by the Pratt Institute; I haven't been able to get a good grasp on the relative graduate reputation of Pratt for these particular majors, though I did read a lot of undergraduate reviews (from art students) that basically denounced Pratt as being a school whose admissions are mostly based on a credit check. I'd also be interested in other schools where I might be able to do a similar program.

If any of you have pursued an art librarianship/curatorship with an MLS degree, I'd be really interested in hearing about it, as I think this would be my ideal position post-graduation. (This is why I'm interested in the dual Art History/MLS, because while it seems some positions only require a BFA and the MLS, there is a greater demand for individuals with Art History masters as well).

I don't have constant internet access right now, so I might not be able to check back in for awhile, but I appreciate any help you folks might be able to give. Thanks!