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Fellow librarians, I have an issue that I have recently dealt with and for which I would like some input.? I received my Library Science Masters from an excellent university with a great library science program that doesn't happen to be ALA accredited.? As I planned to work in schools in Kentucky, this lack of accreditation was not a problem.? The professors, all so knowledgeable and sharp, advised that it could be a problem in public library work, although in my region where the university was especially well-known for its excellence, even public library work could probably be pursued.? Well, there was an opening in my local public library for a youth services librarian.? When I inquired about it to the library director, I was pretty much told that since I wasn't ALA accredited, I wasn't acceptable (or good enough is the impression I got).? What is so upsetting is that the program of library science I went through was an intense, challenging program in which I maintained a ! 4.0 through much hard work and study.? I am very well-versed in young adult literature and enjoy working with teens, able to establish a good rapport with them.? I feel that I am as knowledgeable and passionate about this work as anyone who applied, but I was unable to convince the director that the lack of ALA accreditation was not a detriment.? What is even more frustrating is that there are employees at this library who don't even have a library science degree that are "managers" of departments.? It seems that she is just beginning to apply this ALA only rule.? I guess what I would like to know from my esteemed colleagues on this listserv is just what is the difference between an ALA accredited degree and a non-ALA one besides the paperwork?? I checked the courses I took against the ones that an ALA institution offers, and I took the same preparatory courses.? All I've been able to find is that the ALA programs lean more towards public library service.? Any experience or! knowledge with this issue would be appreciated.? Oh, I am a member of ALA, which at this point makes me feel rather like the unwanted relative of an affluent family.? Thanks. Kathy Reel Librarian in Search of a Library Owensboro, KY? ? ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------