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

[Jennifer K. Nelson]

Hi everyone,

I am not a hiring manager where I work, but I wanted to second what 
Larry said, and the consensus that seems to be building in the 
responses: I think the trend is more and more towards online degree 
programs. The important thing is that the program is accredited. There 
are, of course, some particularly well-respected full-time "physical" 
programs that someone may choose to attend, but in general, I don't 
think anyone looks down on an online program - at least not anymore. I 
actually think that it is eminently sensible to do an online degree 
program while continuing to work full-time (you don't accrue student 
loan debt, you continue to do practical, professional work while in 
school, if you happen to be working for a library or cultural 
institution, etc.). I think online programs are great.

Jenny


On 5/9/14 2:01 PM, Laurence S. Creider wrote:
> 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

-- 
Jennifer K. Nelson
Reference Librarian
The Robbins Collection
UC Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall)
Berkeley, CA 94720
jnelson at law.berkeley.edu
Tel: 510.643.9709
Fax: 510.642.8325
www.law.berkeley.edu/library/robbins/