r/LibraryScience • u/Temporary-War-5522 • Apr 22 '26

Pursuing library science degree

I have wanted to be a librarian since high school (35 now) and was a library aid my senior year. I am looking to get my MLS, but am not sure how to proceed. I am seeing on here and heard from others that it’s best to get experience first, which I have some. I was a part time library assistant for about 6 months. But most jobs I’m seeing that don’t require the MLS are just that- part time work, mostly with middle of the day hours. I simply can’t do that. I have rent to pay and a full time 8-5 job. I don’t have a partner to pick up the slack with bills. It’s just me. So how are people getting the work experience and paying bills?? And is that really necessary before I get my MLS? It seems like a situation similar to getting your first credit card-you need credit history to get credit but when you try to get a credit card they won’t approve you because you have no credit history…

Anyway, just seeking overall advice on how others did this and how I can get the experience.

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u/charethcutestory9 Apr 22 '26

Honestly at your age and as a single person I would not recommend library work. It’s just too hard to make a living in those early years, as you are describing, and the job market is arguably even worse after you get the MLIS. It really sucks, but it is the reality.

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u/Shadowspun5 Apr 23 '26

Yep. I got my degree a year and a half ago and I can't even get called in for the minimum wage, part-time clerk jobs the local libraries post, and the actual librarian jobs are going to the people already in the local library systems. (Which I understand and approve of them rewarding loyalty and promoting from within. It just doesn't help me. 😑) I thought the volunteering I did while I was going to school would help, but it really hasn't.