I’ve Got My MLIS, Now What? Further Educational Opportunities for LIS Professionals

Abstract

After five plus years of post-secondary study, most MLIS/MSLIS graduates are happy to wave goodbye to their student days but may find that more education is needed to land that all-important first professional position. Mid- and near-end career library and information science professionals realize that continuing education is an effective way to move forward on the career track and to stay relevant in the field but may see a return to school as frightening, time-consuming and expensive. With time, location and cost in mind, the authors explore degree, college, workshop, volunteer and international opportunities for further education in information science and related fields. Their personal experience informs their research, as one has held a CEO position in a multi-branch public library for over twenty years, and the other, with over a decade of public library experience, has just completed her MSLIS. This article will discuss specific programs available for professional development as well as provide resources with which to explore additional opportunities.

Keywords

• continuing education
• professional development
• career development
• distance education
• online education
• librarians