”The revolution is no longer theoretical. I believe libraries should be at its center.” | Seth M. Porter via Katina Magazine https://katinamagazine.org/content/article/future-of-work/2025/can-libraries-lead-the-quantum-revolution #QuantumComputing #informationscience #MLIS #libraries
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So You’ve Earned Your MLIS: Now What? Advice and Reflections for New Library Professionals – Public Libraries Online
So You’ve Earned Your MLIS: Now What? Advice and Reflections for New Library Professionals
by Kathleen Hughes on September 29, 2025
Student loans, tuition reimbursement policies, internships, research papers, and marketing classes are just a few of the many steps library school students navigate to earn a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or Master of Library Science (MLS). Some programs also require comprehensive exams or portfolios demonstrating mastery of theory and practice.
Once the degree is in hand, the next step is applying for library jobs. Many students already have public library experience or are currently working in public libraries while finishing their degrees. No matter where you’re starting from–congratulations! Let’s talk about what comes next and how to navigate the job search with confidence and realism.
Understanding the Landscape
In the library world, there’s an unspoken belief that one isn’t truly a “librarian” until one earns a master’s degree. While this mindset can be motivating, it isn’t always accurate. Many current students are already competent and effective library workers and, in some cases, hiring managers.
Terminology also varies. Many public libraries prefer to use the term “library workers,” recognizing that patrons often see every staff member, regardless of title, as a librarian. What patrons care about most is service: getting their holds, a friendly smile, solid reader’s advisory, and a welcoming environment. Most are unconcerned with the internal distinctions about who attended library school and who did not. That said, patrons are often aware of who’s in management, who receives promotions, and who gets raises. Board meeting minutes are public, and community members read them. In a public library, visibility is part of the job. Being mindful of that can help prevent small missteps from turning into lasting challenges.
The Job Search
The first step is to carefully read the job posting. Know the difference between required qualifications (which often include the MLIS itself) and preferred qualifications (which might include experience in youth services, circulation, or supervision). Be realistic about the role. Some applicants apply “just to get their foot in the door,” hoping for a quick promotion. But what’s posted is what the library’s board approved. While advancement may be possible, there are no guarantees. An MLIS alone doesn’t guarantee an edge in future internal or external hiring.
Ask yourself: Will this position meet my needs in terms of salary, hours, and responsibilities? A well-fed, financially secure library worker is a happier and more effective library worker. Taking one for the team is admirable—but not if it leaves you with an empty refrigerator.
Do Your Homework
Before you interview, take time to research the library and its surrounding community. Visit the library as a patron. Read reviews, explore the website, and look at the calendar of events. Consider the commute, parking situation, nearby food options, and other logistical realities.
Also, consider whether the setting will be a good fit for your personality and needs. For example, if you’re neurodivergent, would a high-volume programming schedule be overwhelming? If you need quiet time during the day, will the layout and staffing model support that? Asking these questions now can help prevent burnout later.
What Hiring Managers Are Looking For
From a hiring manager’s perspective, one of the top priorities is availability, especially on weekends, and sometimes Sundays. Teamwork is another key focus. Most public libraries don’t have private offices for every employee, and the ability to collaborate and function well in shared spaces is essential.
Continue/Read Original Article Here: So You’ve Earned Your MLIS: Now What? Advice and Reflections for New Library Professionals – Public Libraries Online
#2025 #America #Books #Career #Education #Employment #History #Jobs #KathleenHughes #Libraries #Library #MasterOfLibraryAndInformationScience #MasterOfLibraryScience #MLIS #MLS #NewLibraryProfessionals #Practice #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOnline #Theory #UnitedStates
Our new books address such urgent professional issues as AI management, student volunteer empowerment, and trauma-informed service. You’ll also find resources to strengthen digital literacy, improve workplace well-being, and explore critical approaches to information literacy. https://alastore.ala.org/FW26catalog
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Creating a library leadership program is within reach! Complete with a plethora of customizable forms, templates, and tools that you can modify to suit your own needs, this book offers a roadmap: https://alastore.ala.org/fromLtoL
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Should You Get an MLIS? A First‑Gen Perspective
In this honest reflection, I share what I gained from my MLIS in library and information science—from personal knowledge management to identity transformation.
Welcome to a new term! We hope it's your best semester yet! Now accepting submissions for Vol. 15 Iss. 2: https://ischoolgroups.sjsu.edu/srj/ #MLIS #StudentResearch #OpenAccess #SJSU
Should You Get an MLIS? A First‑Gen Perspective
In this honest reflection, I share what I gained from my MLIS in library and information science—from personal knowledge management to identity transformation.
In a new podcast, Dr. Nicole A. Cooke talks about the important legacy of black women in #librarianship and how the profession can become ever more diverse and community centered: https://circulatingideas.com/2025/09/02/296-the-legacy-of-black-women-in-librarianship-when-they-dared-to-be-powerful-by-nicole-a-cooke/
#ALA #AmericanLibraryAssociation #LIS #MLIS #libraries #InformationScience #history #library #LibraryWork
Should You Get an MLIS? A First‑Gen Perspective
In this honest reflection, I share what I gained from my MLIS in library and information science—from personal knowledge management to identity transformation.
Circulating Ideas chats with Michael Hanegan and Chris Rosser about why librarians should play a central role in shaping an ethical future of AI. https://circulatingideas.com/2025/08/20/295-generative-ai-and-libraries-by-michael-hanegan-and-chris-rosser/
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Now shipping! A must-have resource for every school librarian’s shelf, this guidebook offers practical advice in a friendly, conversational tone on an incredible breadth of topics rooted in AASL best practices. Both new and experienced school librarians will feel like they’re getting guidance from a trusted friend or mentor. https://alastore.ala.org/slgtae
#ALA #AmericanLibraryAssociation #LIS #MLIS #libraries #librarianship #InformationScience #schoollibraries #schoollibrarians
Should You Get an MLIS? A First‑Gen Perspective
In this honest reflection, I share what I gained from my MLIS in library and information science—from personal knowledge management to identity transformation.
Should You Get an MLIS? A First‑Gen Perspective
In this honest reflection, I share what I gained from my MLIS in library and information science—from personal knowledge management to identity transformation.
Should You Get an MLIS? A First‑Gen Perspective
In this honest reflection, I share what I gained from my MLIS in library and information science—from personal knowledge management to identity transformation.
Our author Rebecca Hass leads a conversation with librarian and literary ambassador Mychal Threets at #ARSL2025 in Albuquerque. In a time when life (and library work) can feel especially heavy, Mychal and Rebecca will explore how we can intentionally center joy, care, and mental health in our professional lives. Register now! https://www.arsl.org/2025-conference
#ALA #AmericanLibraryAssociation #LIS #MLIS #libraries #librarianship #InformationScience #librarywork
Should You Get an MLIS? A First‑Gen Perspective
In this honest reflection, I share what I gained from my MLIS in library and information science—from personal knowledge management to identity transformation.
Now shipping! Speaking directly to library workers, this book demonstrates the power and fulfillment that comes from actively participating in shaping both the conditions under which they labor and the conditions that govern the library itself. https://alastore.ala.org/oryrlib
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Libraries are more than just book depositories—they are vibrant community hubs, one of the last free public places where anyone is welcome. "Psychology Today" looks at how librarians play a role in addressing trauma, mental health and more. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/well-read/202507/the-role-of-libraries-in-mental-health
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Six ALA Editions | Neal-Schuman authors - who are among the world's leading experts in information and evidence literacy - answer commonly asked and new questions for scholars and working librarians in this webinar. Check it out!
https://youtu.be/xbshBHTxY-4?si=rplWMLvfy628t0WW
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Check out our cool July #playlist along with all our latest news!
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