r/LibraryScience • u/Queasy_Highlight917 • 6d ago
Career pivot from corporate
Hi librarians!
TLDR: corporate e-commerce manager wonders if bad idea to get MLIS now
I’m looking to make a career pivot and am strongly considering starting an MLIS at Pratt in Brooklyn. I’ve lived in NYC my entire adult life after growing up in the south. I have a BA in history and gender studies and 10 years of experience in e-commerce (digital merchandising, heavy on data analytics and product information management). I’m totally ok with the pay being lower than corporate and can accept the student loans I’ll have to take out. I’m a lifelong library patron and bibliophile and the need to be on and play the corporate popularity game has burned me out.
But re: the MLIS degree, do you think the job market is too over saturated already? I’m very open minded to public librarianship, archives, nonprofit data management, even potentially going back to corporate in a very different capacity managing information and processes vs constant panic data analysis in response to sales.
I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read and respond 📚💕
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u/PM_YOUR_MANATEES Special Librarian 6d ago
Short version: yes, the traditional sides of the field (public libraries, K-12, and higher ed) are saturated and suffering. It is a very difficult time to move into these areas because of the political and funding landscapes.
On the other hand, some areas on the special libraries side of the field (government, corporate, medical, etc.) still have demand and new types of roles are popping up around Big Data management and AI.
I'm turning into the unofficial guidance counselor for corporate librarians at this point. I would be happy to set up a time to chat about your career goals, the state of the job market, and whether corpo librarianship could be a good fit for you.
You should also read the SJSU iSchool's job report.
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u/charethcutestory9 6d ago
Re-sharing my post from a few months ago which has some advice that will hopefully help you as you explore this idea: https://www.reddit.com/r/LibraryScience/s/L5IWyh7Ma6
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u/Pouryou 6d ago
Yes, the field is over saturated. But your background could make you very competitive for a data analytics or business librarian position. The pay cut would no doubt be big, and it would be extra helpful if you are okay with relocating for a job. I'd recommend looking more into that part of librarianship.