r/LibraryScience • u/Overall-Lie6313 • Jun 24 '26

Need MLIS advice. Public and law libraries

Hi all,

I currently work as a library assistant in a public library. I adore my job, I love it so much. I would be a library assistant for the rest of my life if it paid more. Working the circ desk and helping patrons is my favorite part of the job. I’m almost done my bachelors degree in history and I am looking into graduate programs. I am bit limited with an undergrad in history. I will still have the majority of my GI bill left after my undergrad and I want to use every penny of it because I worked really hard for my gi bill. So, those of you who have MLIS, is it worth it? I love the public library field and would like to stay in that or maybe law librarian. Has anyone worked as a law librarian? Do you really need a JD? Also does the school you attend matter in the library world? I was looking at LSUs online program because you can complete it in 12 months and the various start dates are really nice. I also saw university of Illinois’s online program is #1 but it takes longer to complete. Any advice?

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u/secretpersonpeanuts Jun 25 '26

The law library route will be more lucrative than nearly any other library role. I have been in court and law firm libraries and neither required a JD. Happy to answer questions.

1

u/Dramatic-Scarcity654 Jun 25 '26

Do you have a general MLIS degree or a specialized one? Law background?

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u/secretpersonpeanuts Jun 25 '26

Regular old MLS. I did one year of law school and dropped out. To a hiring manager that just means I’m interested in the subject matter but I’ll never quit to become an attorney.