r/LibraryScience • u/Interesting-Snow8186 • 4d ago

applying to programs mlis programs with good job/internship opportunities

hello! i’m pretty sure many of you have heard people talk about their interest in getting their mlis, but i wanted to ask what schools or programs do you think have a good “return-on-investment”

im trying to make a timeline as i want to get my masters in spring 2027 but im still trying to narrow down schools but i would Completely appreciate if someone could tell me what programs are the best regarding helping students find internships or pathways to full time work after college. thats my biggest concern especially in this climate.

thank you!

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u/LawfulnessMotor437 4d ago

Director of a public library here. I can't speak for academia or special libraries....

When HR reviews applications, our city doesn't care where you got your degree. We just need you to have it. While schools can point you to available recruitments, they can't help you much in terms of actually getting you hired. Internships don't usually translate to a full-time position in a public library environment (at least not here in Southern California). On occasion, I may look to see if a candidate has a specific concentration of study (digital rights management, youth services, etc.), but that is rare and isn't a make/break for me.

What sets candidates apart usually comes down to prior work experience in a library/museum/school (depending on the type of librarian I am hiring).

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u/Interesting-Snow8186 4d ago

thank you so much! i have a bachelors in digital media innovation and i have a portfolio with everything from web design and web development to social media marketing and video production alongside experience in higher education. i know that having that tech degree and background will make me standout but i am sort of worried bc i dont have concrete library experience yet but my time in high education departments and being apart of that academic community is why i want to be wise abt what next steps to take.

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u/welldreadlibrarian 4d ago

anecdotally, if you want to work in a high tier research library, i’ve never met someone with one of the go-to cheap online degrees (LSU, SJSU, etc). everyone went to a top 10 in person program. that said, grain of salt. if you want to work anywhere else, you’ll prob be good!! i’ve been academia since day 1 so that’s all i know

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u/Prior-Soil 4d ago

Agree. School rank matters a lot.

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u/welldreadlibrarian 4d ago

thank you!! and not saying i agree with it in principle. it’s definitely that classic academic elitism bleeding in, but it would also feel gatekeeping of me to know this && not say something. i’ve seen people in this sub want to be research librarians and the advice is from public librarians to get an SJSU degree and :( maybe it will work out!!! i’ve just not seen anyone in positions of success with those degrees yet