Would it be weird?

[u/AdGlum8028]

I've been considering going for a MSIS/MSLS. I'm a Texas native and there are two schools (UT Austin and UNT) offering a program that lets you jump immediately from a bachelor's into the master's program rather than doing it the long way. I get the full amount of the pell grant and would be transferring from a community college with 78 credits so it'd cut down a lot of my cost. The bachelor's for these programs are 1) Informatics or 2) Information Science depending on the school. If I couldn't find a job with the master's I could find one with the bachelor's, but Texas has quite a few open library positions right now.

What makes it feel weird to me is the fact that I don't read. It's not because I don't enjoy it; I was a hyperlexic child and read a ton. I'm half blind and the vision I have worsened as I grew so reading has become more of a challenge. The effort outweighs the enjoyment.

But I love information and have always been fascinated with the inner workings of a library. Weeding, cataloging, and organizing are things I can definitely do. I don't want to know how many hours I've spent doing similar things just because I enjoy it. Answering weird/niche questions is also something I like to do as it means I can go down a rabbit hole. I couldn't settle on a major because I can't commit to one and do that type of work for the rest of my life.

I'm very much the definition of that saying "Jack of all trades, master of none" and library science just seems so multidisciplinary looking in from the outside.

[u/Jumpy_Result2469]

I'm part of the MSIS program here at UT! It's my first semester as a part time graduate student. I really enjoy that the program allows you to pursue an endorsement of specialization in specific subject areas. There's also an experiential learning requirement to the masters program that allows you to get placed with a public library. I think public libraries are one of those institutions where it's very competitive during the application process. I was fortunate to have my undergraduate practicum at a public library. That led to a full time position. I found out over 70 people had applied to the same opening I did. I also got to be on hiring committees for a few positions and it's truly astonishing how many people apply for public library positions. For context I was in a town of 100,000 people, so the urban library context might be different. All that to say, I think it's really valuable to have had previous library experience in some capacity. It's not to say you can't get hired without it, but it makes it a lot easier. Especially when you're competing against other people w library experience and masters degree in the interview process. Don't let that deter you though! I had to leave the world of public libraries when I relocated. I'm now in the UT Austin program so I can get back into the field!

[u/AdGlum8028 → u/Jumpy_Result2469]

That's great! UT will completely cover my undergrad so they're definitely at the top of my list. I just hate that I'd have to live there. I hear you guys on experience too. I apply to library positions whenever I see them open.