[DCRM-L] Off-topic: online library school program

[Laurence S. Creider]

Deborah,
We tend to advertise entry-level positions in our department.  Our recent
experience has been that from 1/4-1/2 of the applications in any group are
from candidates with an online MLIS or equivalent.  If the decree is
ALA-accredited we don't make any particular distinction between online and
on-campus degrees.  From my point of view, someone who is holding down a
full-time position while doing a degree, online or on-campus, has my full
respect and gets good marks for commitment to the profession.

What can be more important is whether the individual has pre-professional
experience in archival and/or special collections.  Someone with
pre-professional experience with special collections knows what the field
requires and has a track record of performance.

We also pay attention to the internships of archivists.  Some schools have
excellent programs.  Internships or independent studies are not required,
but they often provide experience in reconciling education with practical
needs.


Larry
-- 
Laurence S. Creider
Head, Archives and Special Collections Dept.
University Library
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM  88003
Work: 575-646-4756
Fax: 575-646-7477
lcreider at lib.nmsu.edu

On Fri, May 9, 2014 2:00 pm, Deborah J. Leslie wrote:
> Dear colleagues,
>
> I apologize in advance for sending something off-topic to this list, but
> I'd get scolded for sending it to rbms-l and don't want to send it to
> ExLibris because you never know what firebomb is going to come out of left
> field.
>
> A talented, promising young man who works at the Folger has decided to go
> to Library School and has applied to online programs. He's interested in
> working in cultural heritage institutions, and wants to make sure he's
> getting good value for his money before committing himself. Specifically,
> he wonders whether an degree from an online program could actually hurt
> his application. Given what he wants to do and where he's been working
> (and flourishing!), I don't think it would, as long as its accreditation
> status is solid.
>
> But I'm just one person, and I know he would like to talk to others who
> could give him good advice. Thoughts?
>
> Thanks for indulging me,
> Deborah
>
> Deborah J. Leslie | Folger Shakespeare Library | djleslie at folger.edu |
> 202.675-0369 | 201 East Capitol St., SE, Washington, DC 20003 | www.
> folger.edu
>
>