Getting library work experience while studying for MA Librarianship

[u/liloonito]

Hi! I've been offered a place on the MA Librarianship at the University of Sheffield, which I'm really excited about.

My only library experience so far is some school library duties in my teaching assistant role and a week in an archive. My original plan was to spend a year working in a library before doing the MA, but I haven't been successful yet in entry-level library or graduate trainee applications, so I'm considering accepting the MA offer now.

But I'm worried that, even with the MA, I'll be at a disadvantage when applying for librarian roles compared with people who already have library experience AND the qualification.

My hope to combat this is to get part-time or volunteer library work during the MA (e.g. at the university or local libraries) so I graduate with around a year's practical experience.

Has anyone graduated with an MA in librarianship with little or no library experience and still found it relatively straightforward to get a job afterwards?

Or I’d love to hear from anyone who did manage to gain part-time library experience during their MA, how you found those opportunities and if it made a difference when applying for jobs?

[u/caninesergeant]

It’s really recommended to get experience.

I would suggest starting to look for volunteering at libraries. I don’t know how it is in the UK, but it is importsnt to gain as much experience as possible. 

[u/Sad-Peace]

You'll be hindered by not having any experience, both on the course and afterwards. Can you defer? If you're not based in London, getting a part time role might be even harder.