the Internet Public Library
the Internet Public LibraryThis guide is designed for people who are seeking an MLS (Master's in Library Science), or even an MSI (Masters of Science in Information). Either way, the school that is being sought is traditionally called "Library School", where a person learns the tricks of the librarianship trade. Both Web- and print-based sources are included in this pathfinder.
Choosing a library school is a bit like choosing a job--there are many different criteria that need to be evaluated before a definitive choice is made. The first place to look on the Web is the ALA Guidelines for Choosing a Master's Program in Library and Information Studies (http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oa/guide.html). These guidelines will help the potential library school student determine what is most important to them in a school, and then be able to more effectively evaluate the school's literature.
ALA stands for the American Library Association (http://www.ala.org/). The ALA's mission is to promote libraries in general and help create an evironment for learning, both in libraries themselves and about them. The important thing to note is that the ALA is the organization which grants accreditation to library degree granting institutions. The majority of the job advertisements for library-oriented positions require an ALA accredited master's degree. The criteria that ALA uses for this process can be located at ALA Office for Accreditation Home Page (http://www.ala.org/accreditation.html).
When looking for information on the Internet about library schools, it is important to think about looking up the web page of the specific schools. ALA has put together an easy to use list entitled Directory of Accredited LIS Master's Programs(http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oa/lisdir.html), which provides all address and contact information, as well as links to the web sites of the schools.
While there is no single category on library schools in Yahoo(http://www.yahoo.com/), there is a site link to the LIS Schools on the Internet (http://www.itcs.com/topten/libschools.html) web directory, which lists the individual pages of accredited and unaccredited programs, as well as international schools.
In general, the web site of a school will provide the most up-to-date information on current courses that are offered, the latest projects that are being developed, and sometimes even the latest information about current graduates and what kind of work they are doing and where the work is being done. This last part is important, because you want to know that other people who have similar interests to yours have successfully completed the school's program and have found a position to utilize certain skills.
These are a few of the reference sources which focus on providing information about graduate education, although they are not specific to library and information science programs. These can probably be found in your local public or college library:
Peterson's Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health, Information Studies, Law & Social Work -- 1998 (Book 6)
Many consider the Peterson's volumes the bible to finding the right school. This 1998 edition provides only in-depth descriptions of both accredited and non-accredited programs, as well as sections on the application process and finances.
The Gourman Report: A Rating of Graduate and Professional Programs in American & International Universities
This guide provides a "precise, numerical score in assessing the strenths and shortcomings of each school and program." There are 18 different criteria upon which a score based on a 1 to 5 scale is given to graduate programs from all disciplines. There is no commentary on any of the tables, so it is important to read over the information about scoring at the front of the book, to get a better idea of what the numbers mean.
The Real Guide to Grad School: What You Better Know Before You Choose, Humanities and Social Sciences,
from the editors of Linguafranca.
While this guide doesn't specifically discuss library and information science, the beginning chapters contain practical information about graduate education in general. There are also useful tips concerning the application process and thinking about the financial aspect of a graduate education.
Graduate school is incredibly expensive, especially if you choose to attend an out-of-state school, and library school is no exception. It is important to be fully aware of your financial limitations. However, also know that there is money to be found to fund your education, but it will take a lot of time and effort to find and apply for what is available, so it's good to plan way in advance.
The Financial Aid Information Page is an extremely comprehensive collection of Web-based financial aid resources that was established in 1994. This site discusses both Federal and privately-based sources of funding for students.
fastWEB! (Financial Aid Search Through the Web)
(http://www.fastweb.com/)
FastWEB is very similar to the FinAid site in that it contains very comprehensive information about many different sources of funding. The added bonus to FastWEB is that the user is asked to fill out a profile, allowing FastWEB to send relevant new funding sources or funding information through email, making it more of a personalized service.
The Financial Aid Book, researched and compiled by Student Financial Services.
Not only does this book list thousands of sources of financial aid, but it also identifies potential grants, fellowships and a number of internship possibilities.
If you wish to locate similar books on either library schools or funding for education in a public library, take a look under these Dewey Decimal classification numbers:
| 378.155 3 | Graduate departments and schools |
| 378.33 | Fellowships and grants |
| 378.34 | Scholarships |
| 378.362 | Loans |
The Library of Congress classification system is used in most university libraries. The following are some subject headings that can be used to search for items about library schools or funding in an online catalog:
Library education--United States--directories
Library education (Continuing education)
Library schools
Library schools--United States--directories
This pathfinder created by Kim Wobick
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