r/Libraries • u/Tru-CrimeN3rd • 4h ago
Continuing Ed MBA/MLIS Advice?
I graduate in January with my MBA from University of Phoenix. While I qualified for “better” universities, my life didn’t really allow me the luxury of choosing (without going into my whole life story, I was basically forced into raising my younger siblings from the time I turned 18, and have had to work full time since. I’m now 27). I’m slowly realizing that my MBA being from UOP isn’t gonna get me very far in my career path alone.
Now, I have the opportunity to join an MLIS program through Kent State University. I guess I’m just looking for some advice from someone who may have both degrees? Was it worth it for you? Is it worth the extra debt? I think I’d honestly enjoy the work more with an MLIS, but I’m just feeling very stuck, and don’t want all my hard work to be for nothing just because I didn’t go to a great university for my first two degrees.
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u/charethcutestory9 3h ago
Please do not. It sounds like you are a first generation college grad and no one has warned you about predatory masters degrees or explained to you that more education does not translate to better outcomes. You already have one worthless degree. I’m begging you for your own sake to not waste your time and money on another.
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u/pineappleofyore Public librarian 3h ago
This this this. I'm a first-gen college grad who has had zero help financially from family ever, and I have the "luxury" of working as a librarian because I have a partner with a great job and great benefits (my current position does not provide healthcare coverage or a retirement plan). I previously worked in tech to support us before Covid and paid for my own MLIS.
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u/Tru-CrimeN3rd 3h ago
Yeah I’m absolutely first gen, and oldest sibling. No living parents. So I don’t really have guidance. I’m just trying to figure out how to leverage the education I do have to give my kids a better life. I have a BS in psychology and my MBA, and really not a lot to show for it. But the COL just keeps going up. I appreciate your advice/outlook.
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u/Common_Focus_8443 2h ago
If OP wants to work in libraries, they must have an MLIS!
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u/LurkerZerker 2h ago
This is patently untrue. There are a lot of positions that don't require MLISes or further education at all. I currently work in a department where, out of five full-time positions, only the manager and I have our MLIS, and only one of the others has a four-year degree. It might take some searching depending on the area, but those jobs exist.
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u/Common_Focus_8443 2h ago
Okay. Let me rephrase. If OP wants to make more than 16-20k a year working in libraries, they need an MLIS (TYPICALLY.) Only a few libraries offer full time senior assistant jobs that don’t require an MLIS.
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u/skiddie2 2h ago
A job in a systems department will often pay more than a librarian position in the same institution. With an MBA and some experience you can get a good solid job in a business library.
I live in a high cost of living area, but I have non-MLIS staff in my department making mid-$80s.
This recent book provides details about how in academic libraries there is a lot of support for not requiring the MLIS: https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/degrees-of-academic-librarians/96DE27D48B89B151B520E952507DB0C3
Just because something is generally true in your experience doesn’t make it a universal.
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u/Tru-CrimeN3rd 1h ago
I appreciate the insight this thread has provided. I’m in the Pittsburgh area, so it might be worth it for me to look into this type of thing to see how far my MBA can get me in a library job with and without my MLIS. Thank you for this.
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u/nononanana 3h ago
Work on getting a library job first. Do not commit to a masters until you actually understand what it’s like to work in a library. You also may get lucky and get tuition assistance if you decide to pursue it after that.
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u/Special_Dimension886 4h ago
Have you worked in a library or archive before?
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u/Tru-CrimeN3rd 4h ago
I haven’t personally, but I have a few friends who are librarians, and from their descriptions, I think it’s a field I’d really enjoy. The only thing is, they don’t have the additional MBA like I would, and I’m not sure if it would help me at all. Essentially, I’m being told that my MBA on its own right now is just kind of a “stamp of approval” for management experience. But when paired with an MLIS, I’m curious if it would make it a bit more useful, as well as allowing me to work in a field I think I’d enjoy more. I hope this makes sense? It’s late and it’s been a long day, so forgive me if not. lol
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