I have been reading with interest the postings regarding this topic.
In NC, you DO need an MLS/MLIS to be a school media specialist, but
it does not have to be from an ALA-accredited institution. To work as
a librarian in a public library (especially to get public library
licensure), you pretty much DO need the degree from an ALA-accredited
program.
When I first decided to get my MLIS, I looked at an in-state college
with an online program, but it was not ALA-accredited. Even with my
little knowledge of the field at that time, I knew that this might be
a hindrance in some ways.
Never say never when deciding on a program--you might believe that
you will only ever want to work in a school setting, but things may
not end up that way. I have lived in several states with different
requirements for teachers and for school media specialists--and I
didn't plan to live in North Carolina, but here I am! Knowing that my
degree has that ALA accreditation means that I can feel sure that I
could get hired in any state and could work in any type of library
(yes, I know I might not be the best choice for certain special
libraries, but it could still be a possibility!). It could happen
that someday my position would be cut and I might have trouble
finding a school in which to work--but I would still be able to be a
public librarian.
One person commented that ALA requires that the program be its own
"school." That is not true--my program is a part of the university's
School of Education, and is still ALA-accredited.
To me, it seems that ALA accreditation means that programs were
willing and able to jump through the hoops required by the ALA to
show worthiness. My university was undergoing reaccreditation while I
was a student there, and I know that ALA accreditation is not just a
"rubber stamp" procedure but is quite involved. I believe that not
all programs want to deal with that hassle. Also, if a program is
only for school media, that narrow focus might possibly be a reason
for it not to get ALA accredited (maybe? I don't know.) Most programs
in library studies are broader and give a feel for all of the
different types of libraries.
Janis Fox, Media Specialist
Triangle Lake Montessori School
High Point, NC 27260
jnsyr@infionline.net
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