Comments on: Distance Education, or Distance From Education?

By: NotMarianTheLibrarian

NotMarianTheLibrarian — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:43:22 +0000

Having met with my little mentee from Online MLS U a couple weeks ago, I can see how it could be loads of work trying to get that degree. Turns out a fair bit is based on interacting with Real Librarians in a Real Library – don’t know about ya’ll, but my calendar is pretty dang full these days. Not nearly enough staff to get all the work done (but if we outsource TechServices and bring those folks out into the Public Service light … but that’s another posting) and this sort of “mentoring” falls to the very back of my oven. I only met with this student because they were willing to come at what was a terrifically awkward time. But they really
want the degree and, having met, I wouldn’t mind working with the youngster. One of the brightest lights I’ve seen in Liberry Edukashun lately.

By: Depressed and Discouraged

Depressed and Discouraged — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:40:29 +0000

Yeah, just try to get in the U of I GSLIS program. Good luck. They only want the top of the heap, the creme de la creme. If I sound bitter, it’s only because I am!

By: budding info ninja

budding info ninja — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:23:21 +0000

“suckers” who is paying a great deal for the privilege, there really is no other alternative for me if I want to pursue a library career.

By: budding info ninja

budding info ninja — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:22:19 +0000

however, the online electives have been far more time- and labor-intensive than the day elective courses. While I’m not impressed with the quality of the education I’m getting, and I’m one of those ”

By: budding info ninja

budding info ninja — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:18:58 +0000

I’m currently in an online/distance MLIS program. While I would love the option of pursuing my degree in a full-time classroom setting, I have this pesky need to actually support myself while going to school. I’ve taken both day and online courses, and I personally prefer the interaction of an in-person class (particularly getting to know the instructor). In my experience, however, the day courses were much easier and less rigorous than the online courses. This may be partly because I haven’t taken any of the core courses in a day format, only electives

By: Mr. Kat

Mr. Kat — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:44:21 +0000

Wondering, it all comes down to Business and the fact that library schools are now run with capitalist mentality – whether that is good or bad, we have yet to see.

In short, a high price diminishes the field of potential applicants – while getting library schools the maximum return on a farce degree.

By: Wondering

Wondering — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:49:06 +0000

Given that “Librarians” are clerks these days anyway, why make obtaining the “Union card” any more difficult or expensive than it has to be?

By: SpellWell

SpellWell — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:03:21 +0000

Hmmm … I was working on a BA when I worked as a paraprofessional in one of the best university library systems in the U.S. A college degree was not a requirement. The willingness to work for slave wages was …

By: Techserving You

Techserving You — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:27:09 +0000

What kind of jobs require or even prefer a library tech diploma… especially for someone who already works in a library? Prior to becoming a full-fledged librarian, I worked in several paraprofessional positions at top colleges and universities, including at two Ivy League schools. All they required was a BA. It sounds like library tech programs are just money-making scams.

By: Mr. Kat

Mr. Kat — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:48:15 +0000

You might seriously consider getting the MLS doorkey if for no other reason because it does open more doors thent he library tech degree…if you acn find one that is not that much more expensive. My mom has the tech degree; she gripes about how so many minimum requirements are…sigh…an MLS. The work between the two is really not that much different. The price is a real matter to consider.