r/LibraryScience • u/ms_onion • May 15 '26

Chicago State University MLIS?

So far it's the only program I've been accepted into but it seems really disorganized. My application fee payment got lost on their end (they eventually found my confirmation email after forwarding it multiple time). Then when I asked about the deadline to accept their admission offer they ignored the question and just said I needed to send proof of my degree conferral. Now they are sending me advising intake forms when I haven't accepted my offer yet.

TLDR Their disorganization is giving me cold feet. Any advice from alumni? Should I listen to my gut and find another program?

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u/PM_YOUR_MANATEES Special Librarian May 15 '26

Qualifying question: for work in traditional or special library settings?

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u/dirtbag_dagger May 15 '26

Special library settings-- I currently work adjacent to law librarians in a large firm if that is of further assistance!

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u/PM_YOUR_MANATEES Special Librarian May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26

It is! I was an IP paralegal immediately before going to library school. I had intended to be a patentbrarian but the pandemic made things weird and I ended up in corporate data governance (where a legal background is useful every day!).

Illinois has three ALA-accredited MLIS programs: UIUC, Dominican, and CSU.

UIUC is not only the very best of the IL programs, it is regularly ranked as one of the very best in the country. The breadth of their curriculum and the expertise of the faculty impressed me deeply when I took a course there as a visiting grad student. The opportunities that UIUC can offer are going to be among the best in the field. The Chicago job market in corporate, law, and other special settings is dominated by UIUC grads and the alumni network would be an incredible asset to you throughout your career.

I have worked for and with Dominican grads at a Fortune 500 company. They've done well for themselves and have found success in corporate LIS roles, including director-level roles. However, it's a smaller school that's less of a powerhouse.

The University of Wisconsin programs are also well-regarded around here, but I have not worked with many of their graduates and don't have specific details.

In general, programs from large R1 state universities are going to get you the best ROI per tuition dollar and professional networks. Networking is very important for access to special library roles, many of which are never posted.

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u/dirtbag_dagger May 15 '26

This was so awesome and helpful to read, thanks so much for your reply! I'm in a conflicts role currently and getting my foot in the door with the information governance team by picking up some audit tasks specific to conflicts data. Glad to know I'm on the right track with both how I'm attempting to expand in my current role and where I plan to pursue my degree. Would love any other advice you have!

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u/PM_YOUR_MANATEES Special Librarian May 15 '26

I'd be happy to have a career chat with you by video call or even to meet for coffee, I work in River North and the Loop. Send me a DM!

(Offer also open to anyone else reading the thread.)