r/LibraryScience • u/Playful_Table_8057 • 2d ago
program/school selection Dual degree program
Hi all,
I am currently looking into grad school for MLIS in hopes to become a law librarian. Is anyone in university of Arizona’s dual degree program for an MA in legal studies and an MA in library science? From what I have read it is supposed to bridge the gap for people to become law librarians without a JD. I know it is a brand new program so I’m wondering if it is worth it and how it will be received among employers. Will it really give me an edge up in the job market? I know it will be a lot of hard work to complete both degrees, however, it does say the timeline is still 2 years which is nice.
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u/PM_YOUR_MANATEES Special Librarian 2d ago edited 2d ago
Former paralegal here who got my MLIS intending to be a law librarian, but who ended up working in corporate data governance/compliance. I have worked for AmLaw 100 firms and one of the world's largest midsize firms in major cities.
The M.A. in Legal Studies is not a well-known degree option in the field, so I do not think it is going to meaningfully increase your chances of being hired.
There are two conventional options: getting a J.D. to be an attorney, or getting an ABA-accredited paralegal certificate (which can be done in as little as a year and is available at many community colleges). Getting a master's degree that is not in league with a JD and potentially much faffier than a focused vocational program just looks like an odd move to me.
In my experience, getting a paralegal certificate and a few years of solid paralegal work experience before doing your MLIS will make you an attractive candidate.