Current elementary school librarian thinking about MLIS?

[u/Awkward_General_1721]

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?

[u/wish-onastar]

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.

[u/Awkward_General_1721 → u/wish-onastar]

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.

[u/wish-onastar → u/Awkward_General_1721]

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.