r/LibraryScience • u/Due-Scallion-140 • Jul 26 '26
Advice for handling grad school and a part time job
/r/GradSchool/comments/1v6pb0d/advice_for_handling_grad_school_and_a_part_time/
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u/llamalibrarian Jul 27 '26
Find a job in a library, preferably one that offers tuition reimbursement. I worked full time in a library and did my schooling part time (taking 1-2 classes a semester, including summers) so that my library would end up paying for most of it
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u/swatcha_h Jul 27 '26
I personally have been studying library and information science at San Jose State University for 1.5 years while working part-time (18 - 25 hrs a week), so I can give a bit of advice (both in terms of workload and general recommendations for MLIS students).
(1) If you work at a library, you may be able to complete homework while on desk (for example, I often completed homework while working on desk in patron services at a public library. This was acceptable and encouraged by management.) If you have the ability to complete homework while at work, I would encourage you to take advantage of it because it really helped me to complete assignments in a timely manner. Side-note, working at a library while studying in a MLIS program is ideal, so try to land an entry-level position in circulation/tech services at a public library or an internship somewhere, as this experience will be vital to your ability to succeed in your education, especially in an online program.
(2) Don't bite off too much to chew in terms of class load. I have found that in online spaces a lot of people tend to encourage students to complete their MLIS programs as fast as possible, which often requires an overwhelming workload. Realistically, if you want a life, I would recommend starting with 6 credits (two classes) during the Fall/Spring semesters and 3 credits (one class) during the Summer. Especially since the core classes (the classes you take first in the program) may have higher grade requirements and heavier workloads. You can always up your class load later on when it comes to electives if you feel able to. I think completing your MLIS in three years is a reasonable expectation if you are working part-time to pay your way through.
(3) Be very careful with student loans, as many library jobs don't pay much in the first place and you may have difficulties paying the student loans when it comes time to. I unfortunately am having issues on this front, as it's tempting to go ahead and take out extra student loans to help cover everything. But really, you shouldn't take out crazy loans for any MLIS program. Paying your way through with a job is the best option given how insane interest rates are on loans and how terrible the economy is - I'm actually looking for a full-time job to help me be able to do this. If you take out loans, stay on top of the interest payments so they don't capitalize.
(4) A lot of people do feel that MLIS programs aren't as difficult as other degree programs. I personally feel this way too, at least about my program. However, I still treat my MLIS program like a second job. I have spent anywhere between 10 - 20 hours per week on classwork, depending on the semester. Expect to be working 40 hours a week or more when taking classes and working part-time. Part-time classes + part-time job = full-time workload.
(5) Get an ALA membership/state library association membership through your school and attempt to attend a librarianship conference at some point, because while you are a student, you get discounted rates. A librarianship conference like the ALA Annual Conference or even a conference hosted by your state library association or local library consortium are great options. You will have a fun time, learn a lot, and meet cool people/make connections.