MLS Survey Results Posted

The Northern New York Library Network recently surveyed the library community to determine interest in MLS opportunities among library support staff. The results are now posted on the Network’s website.

Overall, the 48 respondents stated cost and travel were among the most important factors in considering their pursuit of an MLS degree. There was a significant range of course interest among those contemplating or currently pursuing their degree, with 15% interested in public libraries, 21% in academic/specialized libraries, 29% in school libraries, and 35% were undecided. In addition, there was a very significant interest in availability of on-line coursework to earn graduate credits.

Four schools are of particular notice, in that almost all coursework can be completed with no, or quite limited, on-campus class attendance. They are:
Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (MLS and School Library Media)
Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA (School Library Media)
Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN (MLS and School Library Media)
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (MLS and School Library Media)

Those interested in taking courses in the traditional classroom setting are encouraged to check out the SUNY at Albany, and McGill University, Montreal, Que.

In reviewing the information provided by each library school, it can be noted that some schools have a few on-site requirements, some offer an MLS degree as well as a School Library Media Specialist certificate, and others offer only one of the two.

The cost of courses and the availability of tuition assistance varies among library schools.

For complete information on the survey results, go to the NNYLN’s website at www.nnyln.org and click on "Services and Programs."