Library Science

<p>Anyone interested in getting a MSLS? Can anyone recommend a good Master's program in Library Science?</p>

<p>I've applied to MLS programs for Fall 2006, so I might have some good advice. First, you want to be sure to apply to accredited programs. You can find these on the American Library Association web site - <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/accreditation/lisdirb/lisdirectory.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.ala.org/ala/accreditation/lisdirb/lisdirectory.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>As far as rankings go, you can find Library Science rankings on the US News Best Graduate Schools site, but you will have to fork over money to see a complete list and the list has not been updated since 1999. An easier way to see this list is to go to the Rutgers Library and Information Science department page. They show the rankings for both general Library Science as well as more specialized categories -
<a href="http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/programs/lis/rankings.jsp%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/programs/lis/rankings.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>tcrr1869 are you going to SCILS?</p>

<p>Nope, I just found it when I was looking for free rankings. I've applied to the University of Texas at Austin, San Jose State, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.</p>

<p>UNC-Chapel Hill is the top rated program at the moment on your list according to USNWR. I am doing my undergrad at Rutgers, but I wanted a change of scenery.</p>

<p>I did UNC's program.
The trick is to try to figure out what type of librarianship interests you and then choose schools based on that specialty. Check out the course catalog of each school to get an idea, also doesn't hurt to send a few Qs via email.</p>

<p>UIUC also has a top program, they excel in virtually all specialties.</p>

<p>What is the preferred undergrad degree to get in to an MLS program?</p>

<p>Are you interested in doing an on-site or a distance education program?</p>

<p>You can use the ALA's site to show you both options.</p>

<p>I'm currently doing my MLIS through Drexel's distance education program and it's working out pretty well. </p>

<p>And here's something to consider--think about joining the ALA and your state library association. Both have student member rates and can offer you important opportunities to get involved in professional development activities. Both the ALA and most state library associations offer scholarship money for MLS/MLIS students. Some state library organizations have agreements that can save you money on your tuition bill. (I got a 15% discount on my tuition by joining my state library association. Student membership = $25/year-- definitely worth it...)</p>

<p>As for UG degree--it really doesn't matter. In my classes I've people from all sorts of diverse backgrounds--English, science, business, publishing, law, computer science, education. I suspect that English/literature and education are the most common, but there is real demand for librarians with science and technical backgrounds--especially in academia</p>

<p>tcrr1869...
<<i've applied="" to="" mls="" programs="" for="" fall="" 2006="">>
Do you mean 2008?
If so, have you heard from your schools yet?</i've></p>

<p>I applied to the University of Illinois for their masters in library science. I was rejected :( But I got into Washington University's masters in education program with 100% tuition remission, so I'm happy :)</p>

<p>ProudMary,
There really isn't a prefered undergrad major. I just graduated with my MLIS and everyone in my program had a different background.</p>