This week's "thing" deals with routes to professional librarianship. Usually in the US that means a Masters degree in Library and Information Science. Degree programs accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) are specified by most hiring institutions. A few years ago I began a degree program while working as a library clerk.
At the time, there was a hiring freeze at our library. Vacant positions were not being filled, and few, if any, employees were being promoted. The coursework didn't seem to apply to my clerk's job, and I grew tired of the expense that was largely unsupported by scholarships. I must add that I had already earned a Masters and a Ph.D. in my first profession, Music.
At the same time, I have begun a public librarian certificate program sponsored by the Nebraska Library Commission. In fact, completing CPD 23 will earn me 15 credits toward the certificate.
I am also happy to say that library budgets were somewhat restored and lots of employees have been promoted, me included.
In the meantime, in 2009 I founded a semi-professional adult concert band, Omaha Symphonic Winds, and spend many hours weekly managing its business and studying scores in preparation of rehearsals and concerts. So, I decided to retain my part-time status with the library to allow me more time for OSW. With professional promotion off the table, due to lack of full time status, I see no need to complete the expensive library degree program.
I look forward, though, to completing the NLC public library certificate.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment