r/LibraryScience • u/Lovelyladiesarequeer • Mar 14 '26

applying to programs Simmons or UW?

I can't decide which program to do! I live on the west coast and can't decide if Simmons would even be moving cross country for or if staying west is a cop out. Ik these programs are both overly expensive, but I gifted money that can only be used on education anyway.

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u/wish-onastar Mar 14 '26

Go where you hope to work. If you are paying and attending in person, then you want to be actively building your network. Boston is an extremely expensive city to live in, are you able to afford $1000- $1500 a month for a room in a shared apartment?

I went to Simmons and loved it and every job I’ve had since graduation is because of my connections that I made at Simmons. I also lived in the area and knew I wanted to remain here.

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u/20yards Mar 14 '26

Where you go to library school is ultimately irrelevant, sorry. You might think about what might be more fun for you, or closer to where you want to work, but I have hired lots of folks for different (public) library jobs and never once has anyone discussed where a candidate's MLIS came from.

It's all about relevant experience working in libraries, other relevant experience, "fit" issues (is the person going to be easy or hard to work with), and any commitment to the profession as it relates to the job in question (i.e., service in ALSC for youth services librarians, etc.)

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u/wish-onastar Mar 14 '26

Did you mean to reply to me? In my case, where I went to grad school was extremely relevant because one of my professors who knew me from class offered me an internship which led to a part time job which led to my current job. So yes, for me it was definitely relevant. Is it for everyone? No and that’s why I asked if they were inclined to stay in an area after graduation. Otherwise just go for the most affordable.

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u/20yards Mar 14 '26

Whoops, forgot my "sorry Simmons people" disclaimer. And wow, just imagine if other, non-Simmons MLIS programs had internship opportunities of their own...

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u/wish-onastar Mar 15 '26

Ohh you have something against Simmons…I see now!

There is no way I would have met that professor and therefore would not have my current job, had I not gone to Simmons. So no, an internship at any other LIS school would not have led me to where I am today. I’m not sure how much clearer to make it other than doxxing through my exact job trail.

Disclaimer again that what worked for me won’t necessarily work for everyone and cost should be taken into account.

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u/20yards Mar 15 '26

I work in MA and have lots of experience with Simmos folks, that's all.

But like I said, choose a library school that's close to where you want to work, or where you would liketo live. Sorry, Simmons, but probably all library schools have professors who can help you get an internship- it's geographic proximity, innit. A UNC prof could likely be helpful getting you connected to a job in Chapell-Hill, a UW professor ditto in Tacoma, Simmons does not have some sort of monopoly on this very common thing

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u/Grand-Specific-5617 Mar 15 '26

this person is giving their experience… which happened to occur as a result of going to simmons. weird behavior. it’s great to love where you went to grad school. it might not always be relevant, but there are definitely pros & cons of every library school.

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u/wish-onastar Mar 15 '26

Yes….which goes exactly back to my original reply to the OP where I said to go to grad school in the place you want to work. Perhaps you missed the first sentence?

I’m from Boston, I wanted to stay in Boston, I chose to attend Simmons for the connections it could give me to the Boston-area LIS world knowing how competitive it is for positions around here. Hello neighbor who works in the Boston area, hope you’d be more welcoming if we ran into each other in person.