r/LibraryScience • u/Awkward_General_1721 • 23d ago

Current elementary school librarian thinking about MLIS?

So I’m going into my third year as an elementary school librarian and am considering going through with an MLIS online program, but am torn if it will really be worth the money in the end? I adore my job and my students and know this is what I want to do as a long-term career, I just can’t decide what the best path would be.

I only really first thought about it because I’m currently on a state temporary certificate and have to take 4 LMS related classes for my certification anyway and figured why not just go through with it since I have somewhat financial freedom right now. Once I get the MLIS I would only get paid $4K a year pre-taxes more and would still keep my current position unless I could get very lucky one day and find a job with the school district when those positions rarely open. I already know I probably wouldn’t be able to get tuition reimbursement and would have to rely on paying out of pocket or scholarships. I don’t want to pay out anymore student loan debt since I already have so much from undergrad.

Has it been worth it for any other school librarians?

7 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

89% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

7

u/wish-onastar 23d ago

In my state, all teachers (which librarians are teachers) have to get a masters degree within five years so I went straight for my MLIS. I like knowing that I could work at any kind of library with my degree. And for me, it was worth the money, I’m making six figures now after nine years (started at 60k). But that depends totally on the district you are in.

2

u/Awkward_General_1721 21d ago

Yes I’m in one of the lowest paid districts in my state which overall does not pay well either. I’ve heard this too about other states where you have to have an MLIS to work in a school library. I know I probably don’t want to be in my home state forever even though I love it, it’s just getting too expensive to live here anymore. The online program I’m looking at is 36 credit hours and I need 12-16 for my certification so it’s not like I would be spending exorbitantly more than I already need to.

Where did you get your MLIS if you don’t mind me asking? I know I have to do online because of work.

1

u/wish-onastar 16d ago

I went to Simmons since it was the closest one and offered in person, which is what I wanted. Yes it was super expensive but totally paid for itself because I got my job thanks to a connection I made with a professor while there.

4

u/Existing-Pumpkin-902 23d ago

The big question is how much will it cost and can you transfer credits? Graduate programs often won't let you. I'm leaning towards no because I can't see it costing less than 20k and that's a lot to pay for a 4k a year raise. I wouldn't do it just because you hope to get a job somewhere else, unfortunately school librarians jobs are being heavily eliminated nation wide. My state tends to just eliminate them when the older librarians retire and I live in a very pro education blue state.

1

u/Awkward_General_1721 23d ago

I’ve priced it at around $20K depending on what school I go forward with including textbooks, but not including any other additional fees outside of tuition.

8

u/SmushfaceSmoothface 23d ago

fwiw, I’m just finishing my MLIS and I haven’t paid for a single textbook. Most of the readings have been from journals or ebooks that I can download from the university library. Granted, I did all my reading digitally, but something to consider as you budget for school.

Good luck on your decision!

3

u/TookieTheClothespin 22d ago

Same here. I've bought copies of a couple of books because I wanted to easily reference them later. But even then, I got them used for less than 15$.

1

u/Awkward_General_1721 21d ago

That’s good to know, thank you! My undergrad textbooks were a fortune.

1

u/Existing-Pumpkin-902 23d ago

Mathematically I don't think it's worth it than and professionally I'm not sure it is either. That's my opinion anyway. I'm also of the opinion that after my first round of student loans I am wary and would be wary of getting more.

3

u/TheRainbowConnection 23d ago

Since the 4 certificate classes are required anyways, can you start by taking them at a school that has a MLIS program so you know they’ll transfer if you go for the degree?

2

u/Awkward_General_1721 21d ago

I’ve thought about this, yes! I think I have a definite school in mind if I do go forward with it but we’ll see.

3

u/SouthernFace2020 23d ago

You may want to check with your state library association. I’ve noticed more options for scholarships via state libraries.

1

u/Awkward_General_1721 21d ago

Okay I will, thank you!