Kathy, I have taught at both an ALA-accredited and a school library
(NCATE-recognized) program. An ALA-accredited Master of Library Science
degree is considered the entry-level certification for a position as a
librarian in all types of libraries except for school libraries. In other
words, a school library teaching certificate will not get you a job in a
public (or academic, or special) library, but neither will an ALA-MLS
without the state teaching certificate (I know, each state has specific
rules, but basically....this is true) get you a job as a school librarian
in most public schools. I always try to explain to my students the
differences so that they will know exactly what they are qualified for with
our degree, and what they are not qualified for. It sounds to me like your
professors did the same.
The difference between the two degrees is not a matter of rigor, it's a
matter of content. Even though the titles of the core courses probably
are the same, in an ALA-accredited program, Reference, Collection
Development, Cataloging, etc., will be much broader and will encompass the
entire range of librarianship, which includes all types of libraries, not
just school and public. It will also include the wide range of technical
specialities that exist in the librarianship profession but outside of
libraries. Sometimes school librarians who are enrolled in
ALA-accredited programs complain that much of what they learn is not
directly applicable to school libraries. That's true, and it's the way
that it should be. The degree qualifies the holder for a professional job
in any type of library. That ALA has so successfully placed this
professional bar so high that it is universally acknowledged is a very good
thing.
You are also right, I suspect, that many of the jobs in public libraries
are held by non-librarians. I also point that out to my students that even
the manager of a branch library may not be a degreed librarian. The same
is true for those staffing college reference desks. Whether to attend an
ALA-accredited library science school or an NCATE-recognized school library
program is a choice that must be faced at the beginning of the process.
Once the learning kayak has made it down the river, you can't decide to
change to a canoe. If you want to run the river in a canoe, you have to go
back to the beginning and restart. It's a choice that you have to make in
the early stages while still standing in ankle-deep water. I always make
sure my students at least hear me explain their choice.
It's a little-known fact that ALA's Office for Accreditation manages both
the ALA-accreditation and the NCATE recognition process. This is not AASL
(although they care as well), but part of the larger blanket of ALA and is
what our dues pay for (in a small way). The staff in the office are
committed to school library education and have been in there pitching when
there is any question of misunderstanding of the rigor of the school
library programs. So, to sum up a very long message --- your professors
were right. Your school library teaching certificate and degree do not
qualify you for a position in another type of library. It does not have
the content (and is not intended to) of an ALA-degree. That has nothing to
do with rigor.
gail
Gail K. Dickinson, PhD
249-6 Dept of Educational Curriculum and Instruction
Darden College of Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
gdickins@odu.edu
757-683-6683
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2007 10:53:52 -0400
From: Kathy Reel <kathy502@AOL.COM>
Subject: ALA accreditation
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? ?
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