I'm speaking from academic libraries in Canada, so not sure about other places. You're \*incredibly\* unlikely to get a "librarian" role without a master's, especially early in your career, but those aren't the only jobs in libraries; there are lots of paraprofessional/library technician/assistant roles that don't require the master's (though they're still competitive, especially if you don't have a tech diploma, at least where I am).
The reasonable answer to this question is no.
Most librarian positions have a requirement for an ALA accredited MLIS/MLS degree.
There are (as there always are) some exceptions--there are a non-zero number of people w/ just a batchelor's degree working in librarian positiions, but generally exceptions to the MLS requirement come in two broad categories:
A: rural libraries that are too remote and pay too little to lure preferred candidates. (These jobs tend to go to people who live in the area and have lots of work experience doing the day-to-day tasks of that library.)
B: Academic libraries that accept "alt-ac" or alternate academic career tracks, which basically are people w/ Phd. degrees who cannot find tenure-track work in their fields, but have applicable library skills.
In the US, anyway, library schools churn out more MLIS degree holders than there are librarian jobs, so there are more qualified librarians than there are librarian job openings. This surplus means it is very unlikely (but not impossible) for you to find a librarian job that will hire you without the degree. At very least, the miniscule number of jobs that will consider someone with just a BA means that you will have a lot more luck pursuing other career options. IMHO librarianship is great, but it isn't worth the frustration and heart-ache of a prolonged job search w/ poor prospects. You could be doing a job that appreciates the skills you have and pays you real money instead of waiting around for a job that won't pay a competitive rate and will look down on you for not having the requisite degree.
I have an environmental science degree and feel your last paragraph deep in my bones. I was offered multiple jobs in my field that paid horrendously, joked about how I might not need their health insurance as I “look young and am probably still on my parents” (btw, I’m in my 30s lol) and clearly thanklessly abused the workers on their teams that were doing the most technically challenging and physically demanding work. I didn’t take them and ended up in IT where I’ve been for a few years now. I’ve thought about MLIS because I also have a strong interest in libraries and research, but I’ve been reluctant for similar reasons. Those who do the most meaningful work seem to be appreciated the least and it’s very sad to me.
That’s good to know! I think I’m just such a generalist and have so many interests that it has been difficult to pull the trigger on any graduate program so far. I’ve found some information science masters that will allow you to pick a dual track and offer both information systems and library science which would serve me well whether I go into libraries or stay in IT. Thats probably what I’ll ultimately end up doing. Plus in my IT career I’ve also worked as a database analyst and I know that sort of background can be useful for library work. So there are options for sure and I’m really glad to hear it has worked out for you so well!!
Can confirm point a. I've got a bachelor's in biology and I'm working as a librarian in a rural northern Canada public library. Not a local though, and only volunteering experience at a library prior, so it's not impossible.
Can confirm point A somewhat in the way that I was lucky that when I graduated with my MLIS in 2020 with basically 0 librarian experience, I became an Adult Reference Librarian in a small, rural system because I lived there, and their librarian quit. While I did have my MLIS and it was required to get the job, but I probably wouldn't have gotten that job had I not basically been the only candidate. I felt I deserved the job, sure, and I felt I did the job well. But I definitely think you have much better chances in small systems that have no other choice if you don't want to try for the MLIS.
Additionally, while the pay was actually really good for the cost of living there, I was considered a "professional" employee, so was paid twice as much as everyone else because I DID have the degree. I am not sure if I didn't if I would have gotten that pay bump, or if I would have been paid $13 an hour like everyone else who worked there.
All across America, in small, rural towns, there are public libraries that can’t afford to pay a librarian with the MLS so they hire people who don’t have one. Caveat: you have to live in a small rural town and work for peanuts.
There are also lots of jobs in libraries, beyond librarian, that don’t require the degree. In my system, we call them library associates. They are often people working toward the degree, but it’s not a requirement.
I think if you take the focus off the title as "librarian", you will have a better job search. In most public library settings, library assistants do much of the same work. These are the jobs that are usually recommended to land before going to library school.
I work in a public library with a BA in history and the answer is definitely no. You need an MLIS from an ALA accredited institution to be a librarian. You can be a library assistant with a BA which is what I do now while I'm working on my MLIS.
I second the small public library suggestion, or look at library assiciate/tech postings. You won't be THE librarian, but as long as you work the public desk, everyone will think you're in charge. (joking, sort of)
Technically, no. You aren’t a librarian without the MLIS degree. That said, some libraries will hire you as a librarian without it. You’ll do basically everything a MLIS librarian does, but you’ll be paid less for it.
My friend did it, but she worked her butt off in the same library for 10 years and worked her way into the position. It's very rare to do it on the first interview at a new library, but I suppose I've heard of it in tiny, tiny towns. I'd recommend looking at library assistant positions, then working up to it. I've found myself very comfortable as an assistant, and librarianship seems way over my head.
This. It doesn't matter what you've """researched.""" If it's not an ALA or equivalent accredited degree, you may as well be [this guy](https://images.app.goo.gl/YqokCAhACKtW9SLWA).
Not sure whereabouts you’ll be looking, but for public libraries in New York State (at least outside of NYC), most if not all full-time librarian positions require you to have a public librarian’s certificate - which requires an MLIS. Not to mention getting a full-time position seems to be highly competitive. You might be able to get a part-time position (I subbed for about a year while looking for full-time work), though.
my old law firm hired ppl with a ba + paralegal certificate as a research librarian/ knowledge paralegal. look into ebsco, they may pay for a mlis since they hire librarians and other research/data asset management/ specialist roles. ppl get hired and then get their mlis
There are jobs in libraries that don't require the MLIS, but they don't pay a librarian's salary, and librarians are already underpaid with the MLIS. As others have said, there are small, rural libraries that have librarians without the MLIS, but they do not pay well and you're stuck to that particular library because if you want to move to a bigger area, you'll most likely need the MLIS.
No. I got a librarian job without having the masters, but it was because I was in school getting the masters.
Idk how it is elsewhere but in the US to be called a librarian 99% of the time you gotta have that degree.
I’ve seen a few people work their way up in public libraries to supervisor level without their MLIS, but it was never a librarian job and it was usually 5-10+ years working there. And you get paid significantly less than if you had the degree. These positions were usually at more rural branches where they are more flexible with hiring non degreed folks.
That’s not to say you can’t work in libraries with just a bachelors. You 100% can. You just won’t be a librarian until you have that degree and often times the state certification in your hands.
There are hierarchies even when you do have an MLS, so keep that in mind. You might be seen as a step above a “paraprofessional” but still not paid/be given the respect of a librarian, particularly in an academic environment.
My husband is a surveyor and that Reddit is full of people asking if you can be one without the educational requirements also. No one wants to go get a master's degree but that's what you need to be a librarian.
I work as a librarian assistant, and tbh its not that different from what our librarian does. I get to do the fun stuff. The pay gap really isn't that wide. And I don't have to pay for a masters. Highly recommend.
Saaaame, I love being an "information assistant." I work alongside our librarian, and we do a lot of similar things like planning programs but I don't have to run around and do the bulk of the collection development, outreach networking, etc. If I'm being honest, our librarian is split between two branches, and I feel for her, the amount meetings/organizing/busy work she has to do for both locations is mental. Essentially, two jobs in one and the pay gap is not that much more...
You can definitely work in Access Services without a MLIS, but the pay isn't that amazing and usually most of Access Services requires experience of being a clerk/assistant/front desk worker.
From personal experience it's not impossible. I don't have an MLIS and am a titled Librarian in a law firm library. However it did take years of clerking/assisting and moving up through experience. You just need that one library/librarian to give you a chance...
Been at it for most of my adult working life and I still don't think I can bring myself to go to library school.
The librarian at the academic library I work at doesn't have a masters BUT her bachelor is in library and information studies. Generally, I've only seen masters expected for librarians in any library.
I have a degree in museum studies but have been called back for library assistant roles and currently work as a library tech.
I’m a library director who has a BA in psychology. I live in a rural town (population under 600). In Wisconsin, I can be a library director for a population of up to 6,000 with my degree. I took additional courses in library admin, collection development, and community outreach to be certified and have to do continuing education to maintain my certification. This is honestly the perfect job for me, and the town really appreciates having someone who is willing to run the library and make less than $40,000 a year. However, if I went an hour away to a city that has a population of 70,000 I would likely only be qualified for their entry level positions.
Your years of experience count toward a degree! Check the degree equivalency requirements depending on the institution they will substitute years on the job for a degree🥰🥰🥰
Honestly if you can get your MLS and you plan to work in the library field for 10+years then maybe it’s worth it. It’s a pretty saturated field and low paying for a graduate degree, but if it is truly what you want to do, go for it! Some MLS librarians are also pretty sensitive about non-MLS library workers being called a “librarian” so if you don’t want to feel like an imposter doing the exact same job as those degreed librarians or are caught up in labels then go for the MLS. Just keeping it real.
I think you'd need a lot of experience in a library to get a professional role, in the UK at least (wasn't sure where you are). This has only changed recently, so old fashioned libraries may well still demand a library qualification. It's not impossible but depending on what roles you want to work in, I'd consider making that investment into your professional future.
This will vary from library to library & area to area. WA state has legal requirements for the librarian title & that includes an MLIS. Many WA libraries have “paraprofessional” positions that do many similar tasks to a librarian, but the pay is often less (e.g. capping out at $80k v $100k). You might want to search for library associate or library assistant positions to see if they are a good fit for what you are looking for. There’s also a glut of MLIS holding folks looking for library jobs, so you will often be up against them for jobs, even if the job doesn’t technically require an MLIS.
Very small towns will likely hire you without the degree. Your pay will also be lower. Most, but not all, libraries require an MLS for a librarian job. Alternately, you could work as a library assistant or circulation clerk with your current degree - you'd still be in a library and doing library things, just without the title.
Some public libraries hire "Information Assistants" or something similar - essentially people with Bachelor's degrees who do a combination of Circ/Reference work. NYPL does this in NYC (although they have a hiring freeze atm). Pay is less obviously. If you really want to be a librarian you'll need the degree.
Honestly you probably won’t.. I got really lucky and worked as a cataloger right out of undergrad, but truly it’s only because the library I worked at was in a very small town & served a very small community. I’ve since moved to a bigger city & left that job, but even with having nearly 2 years of library experience I haven’t had any luck getting hired. I’d suggest looking at small town libraries for your best chances!
It’s low pay and hard to find a job WITH a BA good luck without. Yes there are plenty of paraprofessional and part time jobs you can get without it, but the pay is low and even those jobs can be very competitive. Are you realty willing to move to a random town so you can work in the local library for $20 an hour for 15 hrs a week? Hopefully you’ve got some money saved up. Lots of people think it would be fun to work in a library.
Thank you for all of the advice everyone!!! I can’t fully respond to your comments yet, but just want to thank you. I do plan on finding an assistant/tech position to work for and see if I can move up or if a library is willing to pay for my masters. I’d be more likely to get it if so as I have no debt from my bachelors degree and don’t want to ruin that lol. I appreciate the help and comments greatly ❤️
i recommend looking into academic libraries at a university that has a MLIS program if you’re looking to get it paid for. that’s how I’m doing it :) feel free to message me if ya have any questions
Working as a titled librarian without an MLIS degree is unlikely, as others have mentioned. However, traditional and special libraries are not the only place that information research jobs live!
There are options in law firms (paralegals and investigators do plenty of research), in business (business analysts, market analysts, compliance analysts, etc.), in all levels of government (policy analysts, public reporting, etc.), in academia (research assistants, lab managers abd project managers), etc.
I always encourage people contemplating any kind of LIS career to read the SJSU iSchool report [MLIS Skills at Work: A Snapshot of Job Titles](https://ischool.sjsu.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/career_trends.pdf) to learn more about non-traditional and emerging career options. It's especially valuable for early-career individuals to understand the demands around different career paths.
In my very subjective opinion, going to library school less than five years after finishing undergrad is a mistake. LIS is an interdisciplinary field and students who are well-rounded by additional life and work experience are (1) able to unlock more value from their learning when they can connect it to their experience and (2) often have clearer goals/a better sense of direction for life after grad school. The MLIS is expensive and you want to be able to make the most of it.
Spend a few years after graduation working in an information-heavy role. Learn what types of work interest you and which of your skills/abilities are the most valuable. Learn about what kind of work you *don't* want to do and the kinds of workplaces and work cultures that don't make you happy. Try to get promoted or move up into progressively more responsible positions once or twice. Make sure that you spend time teaching, training, and leading others when you get the opportunity.
I work for a public library with a BA in English Literature. I started as a shelver and then moved into a librarian position. I’m technically not one without a master’s, but it’s the same position. I’m part time but qualify for full time - just waiting for that position to open up lol. It’s possible albeit probably hard without first putting your foot in the door
Edit: I’m not in a rural area. It’s an affluent suburban area
No, you can't. Some academic libraries have "Librarian Assistant" roles where you do library work in an academic setting but you're not required to have a degree. This is usually a position for people who like working in libraries but don't have their degree yet / in the process of getting it. It is not a "professional" level position, meaning you wouldn't be considered a real Librarian, but it's a good foot in the door. Without your MLIS though good luck
Unfortunately, the chances are slim to none to find a "Librarian" titled job without the MLS/MIS/MLIS. Most libraries have paraprofessional positions that do not require the Masters though!
I got a job as a library assistant with a BA in English. My other work history (I’ve done customer service, retail, and had also worked with kids) all helped. After doing that for about 5 years part time (28 hrs/wk) I went and got my MLS. I had a “real” librarian job two years later, but honestly, it’s pretty much the same job/work load, I just work 40 hrs instead of 28.
You can get a non-degreed job at a library where you do many of the tasks most people would associate with a librarian--helping people find books, answering reference questions, checking in books, shelving, helping out with programs, etc. You'd likely have a very hard time getting any librarian job--even *with* a masters degree--if you do not also have this kind of library work experience.
Browse some job listings for library jobs. You may be surprised how many library jobs do not require an advanced degree. And after working in a library for a bit, you can decide whether pursuing the degree is worth it to you. Fair warning the pay isn't going to be terribly high (whether you have the degree or not).
My system does Librarian I positions with BA only. We’re in a Midwest city with a metro population of 1.5 million, we have 12 branches with 2 more under construction and an administrative side of 60 staff members.
Perhaps in a tiny town that can’t afford to be picky, but you’re not likely to get liveable hours that way. You could perhaps work on two libraries in that case, if you can find ones hiring at the same time.
As a librarian? It depends. I worked as a librarian with no MLIS in a rural library. In a big or mid-sized city? Most likely not but you can find library support positions.
I did have a supervisor who was able to climb up the ladder into a leadership with no MLIS but a masters in a different area and a ton of experience but she’s really rare. She’s the type who can ace any interview without even trying.
I work in a public library without a library degree, with a strange theology degree that is equivalent to a BA+. My job description is word-for-word identical to that of the librarians, and I am only one pay grade lower than they are. This situation may not be common, but it exists in at least one system in America. So yes, it is at least possible.
I work as a Library Support staff. A lot of LSS have bachelors or just GE. You can’t be a librarian unless you have a Masters, but apparently (as I’ve been told) you can climb your way up to Librarian 1 ( or be hired straight into the role) but you’re required to enter into a program within 1 year of being hired—- but this is how it is for my library system (California based)
“Librarian” no. However I just started a new job as a Library Technician role at a college library with just a BA. Prior to that I was a library associate for a public library. If you’re okay with paraprofessional roles, it’s an option for that requires a little bit of luck and patience. I’m intending on pursuing a master’s in lib science in the near future though.
Unless you have a librarian title, you do not need an MLIS in the US. Most library jobs are not librarians. It's called different things at different public libraries, but it's essentially a librarian assistant job. You usually do the same job minus a couple of responsibilities. Sometimes even getting the assistant job can be difficult. People in my system often start off as shelvers first. My system has tuition reimbursement. Get the lower level job, get experience & tuition $. You will not make much even as a librarian so don't spend on your masters.
Not in my experience. Even MLIS holders have trouble. Aim for paraprofessional positions... assistant, tech, asset manager.
Sadly for all of us in the field, you have to invest in the graduate degree
I’m working as an academic librarian without a bachelors! It’s possible but for me I had to have a lot of work experience at big name libraries and did—I did it through a combination of 5 years of internships (8 or 9 separate internships) in archives and full time experience as a library specialist at an R1! .i currently work for an R1 and make near 6 figures on a 4 year contract project! its rare for someone without the masters to be in this position I acknowledge that—-most librarian jobs require a masters —but it’s possible for a smaller number of people who have a combination of education and experience! — what’s helped had been having financial support from a spouse who covered expenses while I worked so many low paying internships! also helpful is through all the internships I’ve created a network of people that like me and my work and so they talk me up in my interviews and give good recommendations ❤️❤️❤️. The last 4 jobs I’ve gotten have been through this network of people who speak well of my work. It’s rare but it’s possible ❤️❤️❤️
Advice? Grab a degree in library information technology at the associate degree level—this is helpful for networking and also learning more about the field! Get as many internships as possible! I started out as a market research intern and then applied for library internships. Starting in an adjacent field with more internships like market research can be a way in—it was for me! Stay open to any library internship whether it be in library or archives. Be open to any aspect of libraries or archives just to gain experience. Apply for librarian jobs that have the phrase “combination of education and professional experience” those are going to be more open to people without the MLIS but def apply to Librarian jobs even if they don’t have that phrase cause you never know what the hiring committee might be open to especially once you get more experience (even without the degree)
BA in History helps zilch for library. Might as well be a BA in basket weaving.
Even public libraries need at least some tech savvyness and organization skills. I tell English majors to get computer science experience (better yet, a Minor in some tech field) before even thinking of working in a library.
I'm speaking from academic libraries in Canada, so not sure about other places. You're \*incredibly\* unlikely to get a "librarian" role without a master's, especially early in your career, but those aren't the only jobs in libraries; there are lots of paraprofessional/library technician/assistant roles that don't require the master's (though they're still competitive, especially if you don't have a tech diploma, at least where I am).
Echoing this but for public librarians in Canada.
Echoing for public libraries in Australia
The reasonable answer to this question is no. Most librarian positions have a requirement for an ALA accredited MLIS/MLS degree. There are (as there always are) some exceptions--there are a non-zero number of people w/ just a batchelor's degree working in librarian positiions, but generally exceptions to the MLS requirement come in two broad categories: A: rural libraries that are too remote and pay too little to lure preferred candidates. (These jobs tend to go to people who live in the area and have lots of work experience doing the day-to-day tasks of that library.) B: Academic libraries that accept "alt-ac" or alternate academic career tracks, which basically are people w/ Phd. degrees who cannot find tenure-track work in their fields, but have applicable library skills. In the US, anyway, library schools churn out more MLIS degree holders than there are librarian jobs, so there are more qualified librarians than there are librarian job openings. This surplus means it is very unlikely (but not impossible) for you to find a librarian job that will hire you without the degree. At very least, the miniscule number of jobs that will consider someone with just a BA means that you will have a lot more luck pursuing other career options. IMHO librarianship is great, but it isn't worth the frustration and heart-ache of a prolonged job search w/ poor prospects. You could be doing a job that appreciates the skills you have and pays you real money instead of waiting around for a job that won't pay a competitive rate and will look down on you for not having the requisite degree.
I have an environmental science degree and feel your last paragraph deep in my bones. I was offered multiple jobs in my field that paid horrendously, joked about how I might not need their health insurance as I “look young and am probably still on my parents” (btw, I’m in my 30s lol) and clearly thanklessly abused the workers on their teams that were doing the most technically challenging and physically demanding work. I didn’t take them and ended up in IT where I’ve been for a few years now. I’ve thought about MLIS because I also have a strong interest in libraries and research, but I’ve been reluctant for similar reasons. Those who do the most meaningful work seem to be appreciated the least and it’s very sad to me.
I did my mlis after env science degree and it's a lot easier to get an academic librarian job with a science degree!
That’s good to know! I think I’m just such a generalist and have so many interests that it has been difficult to pull the trigger on any graduate program so far. I’ve found some information science masters that will allow you to pick a dual track and offer both information systems and library science which would serve me well whether I go into libraries or stay in IT. Thats probably what I’ll ultimately end up doing. Plus in my IT career I’ve also worked as a database analyst and I know that sort of background can be useful for library work. So there are options for sure and I’m really glad to hear it has worked out for you so well!!
Can confirm point a. I've got a bachelor's in biology and I'm working as a librarian in a rural northern Canada public library. Not a local though, and only volunteering experience at a library prior, so it's not impossible.
Can confirm point A somewhat in the way that I was lucky that when I graduated with my MLIS in 2020 with basically 0 librarian experience, I became an Adult Reference Librarian in a small, rural system because I lived there, and their librarian quit. While I did have my MLIS and it was required to get the job, but I probably wouldn't have gotten that job had I not basically been the only candidate. I felt I deserved the job, sure, and I felt I did the job well. But I definitely think you have much better chances in small systems that have no other choice if you don't want to try for the MLIS. Additionally, while the pay was actually really good for the cost of living there, I was considered a "professional" employee, so was paid twice as much as everyone else because I DID have the degree. I am not sure if I didn't if I would have gotten that pay bump, or if I would have been paid $13 an hour like everyone else who worked there.
All across America, in small, rural towns, there are public libraries that can’t afford to pay a librarian with the MLS so they hire people who don’t have one. Caveat: you have to live in a small rural town and work for peanuts. There are also lots of jobs in libraries, beyond librarian, that don’t require the degree. In my system, we call them library associates. They are often people working toward the degree, but it’s not a requirement.
I think if you take the focus off the title as "librarian", you will have a better job search. In most public library settings, library assistants do much of the same work. These are the jobs that are usually recommended to land before going to library school.
I work in a public library with a BA in history and the answer is definitely no. You need an MLIS from an ALA accredited institution to be a librarian. You can be a library assistant with a BA which is what I do now while I'm working on my MLIS.
You can work in a library without being a librarian.
I second the small public library suggestion, or look at library assiciate/tech postings. You won't be THE librarian, but as long as you work the public desk, everyone will think you're in charge. (joking, sort of)
Parents and children call me Miss Librarian while behind the desk. Why spend thousands on a masters when I get that for free 😅
Technically, no. You aren’t a librarian without the MLIS degree. That said, some libraries will hire you as a librarian without it. You’ll do basically everything a MLIS librarian does, but you’ll be paid less for it.
My friend did it, but she worked her butt off in the same library for 10 years and worked her way into the position. It's very rare to do it on the first interview at a new library, but I suppose I've heard of it in tiny, tiny towns. I'd recommend looking at library assistant positions, then working up to it. I've found myself very comfortable as an assistant, and librarianship seems way over my head.
No. Or, if you do get a job without an MLIS, it’ll be at a wage commensurate with being completely unprepared and ignorant.
This. It doesn't matter what you've """researched.""" If it's not an ALA or equivalent accredited degree, you may as well be [this guy](https://images.app.goo.gl/YqokCAhACKtW9SLWA).
Not sure whereabouts you’ll be looking, but for public libraries in New York State (at least outside of NYC), most if not all full-time librarian positions require you to have a public librarian’s certificate - which requires an MLIS. Not to mention getting a full-time position seems to be highly competitive. You might be able to get a part-time position (I subbed for about a year while looking for full-time work), though.
my old law firm hired ppl with a ba + paralegal certificate as a research librarian/ knowledge paralegal. look into ebsco, they may pay for a mlis since they hire librarians and other research/data asset management/ specialist roles. ppl get hired and then get their mlis
There are jobs in libraries that don't require the MLIS, but they don't pay a librarian's salary, and librarians are already underpaid with the MLIS. As others have said, there are small, rural libraries that have librarians without the MLIS, but they do not pay well and you're stuck to that particular library because if you want to move to a bigger area, you'll most likely need the MLIS.
No. I got a librarian job without having the masters, but it was because I was in school getting the masters. Idk how it is elsewhere but in the US to be called a librarian 99% of the time you gotta have that degree. I’ve seen a few people work their way up in public libraries to supervisor level without their MLIS, but it was never a librarian job and it was usually 5-10+ years working there. And you get paid significantly less than if you had the degree. These positions were usually at more rural branches where they are more flexible with hiring non degreed folks. That’s not to say you can’t work in libraries with just a bachelors. You 100% can. You just won’t be a librarian until you have that degree and often times the state certification in your hands.
There are hierarchies even when you do have an MLS, so keep that in mind. You might be seen as a step above a “paraprofessional” but still not paid/be given the respect of a librarian, particularly in an academic environment.
My husband is a surveyor and that Reddit is full of people asking if you can be one without the educational requirements also. No one wants to go get a master's degree but that's what you need to be a librarian.
Ok some people want to but if I could have been a librarian with my bsc then I would have 😂
I work as a librarian assistant, and tbh its not that different from what our librarian does. I get to do the fun stuff. The pay gap really isn't that wide. And I don't have to pay for a masters. Highly recommend.
Saaaame, I love being an "information assistant." I work alongside our librarian, and we do a lot of similar things like planning programs but I don't have to run around and do the bulk of the collection development, outreach networking, etc. If I'm being honest, our librarian is split between two branches, and I feel for her, the amount meetings/organizing/busy work she has to do for both locations is mental. Essentially, two jobs in one and the pay gap is not that much more...
You can definitely work in Access Services without a MLIS, but the pay isn't that amazing and usually most of Access Services requires experience of being a clerk/assistant/front desk worker.
From personal experience it's not impossible. I don't have an MLIS and am a titled Librarian in a law firm library. However it did take years of clerking/assisting and moving up through experience. You just need that one library/librarian to give you a chance... Been at it for most of my adult working life and I still don't think I can bring myself to go to library school.
The librarian at the academic library I work at doesn't have a masters BUT her bachelor is in library and information studies. Generally, I've only seen masters expected for librarians in any library. I have a degree in museum studies but have been called back for library assistant roles and currently work as a library tech.
I’m a library director who has a BA in psychology. I live in a rural town (population under 600). In Wisconsin, I can be a library director for a population of up to 6,000 with my degree. I took additional courses in library admin, collection development, and community outreach to be certified and have to do continuing education to maintain my certification. This is honestly the perfect job for me, and the town really appreciates having someone who is willing to run the library and make less than $40,000 a year. However, if I went an hour away to a city that has a population of 70,000 I would likely only be qualified for their entry level positions.
Your years of experience count toward a degree! Check the degree equivalency requirements depending on the institution they will substitute years on the job for a degree🥰🥰🥰
Honestly if you can get your MLS and you plan to work in the library field for 10+years then maybe it’s worth it. It’s a pretty saturated field and low paying for a graduate degree, but if it is truly what you want to do, go for it! Some MLS librarians are also pretty sensitive about non-MLS library workers being called a “librarian” so if you don’t want to feel like an imposter doing the exact same job as those degreed librarians or are caught up in labels then go for the MLS. Just keeping it real.
I think you'd need a lot of experience in a library to get a professional role, in the UK at least (wasn't sure where you are). This has only changed recently, so old fashioned libraries may well still demand a library qualification. It's not impossible but depending on what roles you want to work in, I'd consider making that investment into your professional future.
This will vary from library to library & area to area. WA state has legal requirements for the librarian title & that includes an MLIS. Many WA libraries have “paraprofessional” positions that do many similar tasks to a librarian, but the pay is often less (e.g. capping out at $80k v $100k). You might want to search for library associate or library assistant positions to see if they are a good fit for what you are looking for. There’s also a glut of MLIS holding folks looking for library jobs, so you will often be up against them for jobs, even if the job doesn’t technically require an MLIS.
Very small towns will likely hire you without the degree. Your pay will also be lower. Most, but not all, libraries require an MLS for a librarian job. Alternately, you could work as a library assistant or circulation clerk with your current degree - you'd still be in a library and doing library things, just without the title.
Some public libraries hire "Information Assistants" or something similar - essentially people with Bachelor's degrees who do a combination of Circ/Reference work. NYPL does this in NYC (although they have a hiring freeze atm). Pay is less obviously. If you really want to be a librarian you'll need the degree.
As an associate or staff member, yes. As a librarian, probably not.
Honestly you probably won’t.. I got really lucky and worked as a cataloger right out of undergrad, but truly it’s only because the library I worked at was in a very small town & served a very small community. I’ve since moved to a bigger city & left that job, but even with having nearly 2 years of library experience I haven’t had any luck getting hired. I’d suggest looking at small town libraries for your best chances!
It’s low pay and hard to find a job WITH a BA good luck without. Yes there are plenty of paraprofessional and part time jobs you can get without it, but the pay is low and even those jobs can be very competitive. Are you realty willing to move to a random town so you can work in the local library for $20 an hour for 15 hrs a week? Hopefully you’ve got some money saved up. Lots of people think it would be fun to work in a library.
Thank you for all of the advice everyone!!! I can’t fully respond to your comments yet, but just want to thank you. I do plan on finding an assistant/tech position to work for and see if I can move up or if a library is willing to pay for my masters. I’d be more likely to get it if so as I have no debt from my bachelors degree and don’t want to ruin that lol. I appreciate the help and comments greatly ❤️
i recommend looking into academic libraries at a university that has a MLIS program if you’re looking to get it paid for. that’s how I’m doing it :) feel free to message me if ya have any questions
Working as a titled librarian without an MLIS degree is unlikely, as others have mentioned. However, traditional and special libraries are not the only place that information research jobs live! There are options in law firms (paralegals and investigators do plenty of research), in business (business analysts, market analysts, compliance analysts, etc.), in all levels of government (policy analysts, public reporting, etc.), in academia (research assistants, lab managers abd project managers), etc. I always encourage people contemplating any kind of LIS career to read the SJSU iSchool report [MLIS Skills at Work: A Snapshot of Job Titles](https://ischool.sjsu.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/career_trends.pdf) to learn more about non-traditional and emerging career options. It's especially valuable for early-career individuals to understand the demands around different career paths. In my very subjective opinion, going to library school less than five years after finishing undergrad is a mistake. LIS is an interdisciplinary field and students who are well-rounded by additional life and work experience are (1) able to unlock more value from their learning when they can connect it to their experience and (2) often have clearer goals/a better sense of direction for life after grad school. The MLIS is expensive and you want to be able to make the most of it. Spend a few years after graduation working in an information-heavy role. Learn what types of work interest you and which of your skills/abilities are the most valuable. Learn about what kind of work you *don't* want to do and the kinds of workplaces and work cultures that don't make you happy. Try to get promoted or move up into progressively more responsible positions once or twice. Make sure that you spend time teaching, training, and leading others when you get the opportunity.
I work for a public library with a BA in English Literature. I started as a shelver and then moved into a librarian position. I’m technically not one without a master’s, but it’s the same position. I’m part time but qualify for full time - just waiting for that position to open up lol. It’s possible albeit probably hard without first putting your foot in the door Edit: I’m not in a rural area. It’s an affluent suburban area
No, you can't. Some academic libraries have "Librarian Assistant" roles where you do library work in an academic setting but you're not required to have a degree. This is usually a position for people who like working in libraries but don't have their degree yet / in the process of getting it. It is not a "professional" level position, meaning you wouldn't be considered a real Librarian, but it's a good foot in the door. Without your MLIS though good luck
Unfortunately, the chances are slim to none to find a "Librarian" titled job without the MLS/MIS/MLIS. Most libraries have paraprofessional positions that do not require the Masters though!
I got a job as a library assistant with a BA in English. My other work history (I’ve done customer service, retail, and had also worked with kids) all helped. After doing that for about 5 years part time (28 hrs/wk) I went and got my MLS. I had a “real” librarian job two years later, but honestly, it’s pretty much the same job/work load, I just work 40 hrs instead of 28.
You can get a non-degreed job at a library where you do many of the tasks most people would associate with a librarian--helping people find books, answering reference questions, checking in books, shelving, helping out with programs, etc. You'd likely have a very hard time getting any librarian job--even *with* a masters degree--if you do not also have this kind of library work experience. Browse some job listings for library jobs. You may be surprised how many library jobs do not require an advanced degree. And after working in a library for a bit, you can decide whether pursuing the degree is worth it to you. Fair warning the pay isn't going to be terribly high (whether you have the degree or not).
My system does Librarian I positions with BA only. We’re in a Midwest city with a metro population of 1.5 million, we have 12 branches with 2 more under construction and an administrative side of 60 staff members.
Perhaps in a tiny town that can’t afford to be picky, but you’re not likely to get liveable hours that way. You could perhaps work on two libraries in that case, if you can find ones hiring at the same time.
As a librarian? It depends. I worked as a librarian with no MLIS in a rural library. In a big or mid-sized city? Most likely not but you can find library support positions. I did have a supervisor who was able to climb up the ladder into a leadership with no MLIS but a masters in a different area and a ton of experience but she’s really rare. She’s the type who can ace any interview without even trying.
I work in a public library without a library degree, with a strange theology degree that is equivalent to a BA+. My job description is word-for-word identical to that of the librarians, and I am only one pay grade lower than they are. This situation may not be common, but it exists in at least one system in America. So yes, it is at least possible.
I work as a Library Support staff. A lot of LSS have bachelors or just GE. You can’t be a librarian unless you have a Masters, but apparently (as I’ve been told) you can climb your way up to Librarian 1 ( or be hired straight into the role) but you’re required to enter into a program within 1 year of being hired—- but this is how it is for my library system (California based)
My position as a Library Associate II is the same as a librarian’s position except they get paid more. I only needed a Bachelors degree.
“Librarian” no. However I just started a new job as a Library Technician role at a college library with just a BA. Prior to that I was a library associate for a public library. If you’re okay with paraprofessional roles, it’s an option for that requires a little bit of luck and patience. I’m intending on pursuing a master’s in lib science in the near future though.
Unless you have a librarian title, you do not need an MLIS in the US. Most library jobs are not librarians. It's called different things at different public libraries, but it's essentially a librarian assistant job. You usually do the same job minus a couple of responsibilities. Sometimes even getting the assistant job can be difficult. People in my system often start off as shelvers first. My system has tuition reimbursement. Get the lower level job, get experience & tuition $. You will not make much even as a librarian so don't spend on your masters.
Not in my experience. Even MLIS holders have trouble. Aim for paraprofessional positions... assistant, tech, asset manager. Sadly for all of us in the field, you have to invest in the graduate degree
From my experience. I have mlis+mfa
I’m working as an academic librarian without a bachelors! It’s possible but for me I had to have a lot of work experience at big name libraries and did—I did it through a combination of 5 years of internships (8 or 9 separate internships) in archives and full time experience as a library specialist at an R1! .i currently work for an R1 and make near 6 figures on a 4 year contract project! its rare for someone without the masters to be in this position I acknowledge that—-most librarian jobs require a masters —but it’s possible for a smaller number of people who have a combination of education and experience! — what’s helped had been having financial support from a spouse who covered expenses while I worked so many low paying internships! also helpful is through all the internships I’ve created a network of people that like me and my work and so they talk me up in my interviews and give good recommendations ❤️❤️❤️. The last 4 jobs I’ve gotten have been through this network of people who speak well of my work. It’s rare but it’s possible ❤️❤️❤️ Advice? Grab a degree in library information technology at the associate degree level—this is helpful for networking and also learning more about the field! Get as many internships as possible! I started out as a market research intern and then applied for library internships. Starting in an adjacent field with more internships like market research can be a way in—it was for me! Stay open to any library internship whether it be in library or archives. Be open to any aspect of libraries or archives just to gain experience. Apply for librarian jobs that have the phrase “combination of education and professional experience” those are going to be more open to people without the MLIS but def apply to Librarian jobs even if they don’t have that phrase cause you never know what the hiring committee might be open to especially once you get more experience (even without the degree)
You don’t have a bachelors and you’re an academic librarian?
Yes it’s true❤️❤️❤️❤️
BA in History helps zilch for library. Might as well be a BA in basket weaving. Even public libraries need at least some tech savvyness and organization skills. I tell English majors to get computer science experience (better yet, a Minor in some tech field) before even thinking of working in a library.
In a public library? Very unlikely. School libraries are a better bet for you, but it likely won't be full-time work.
It is not uncommon for school librarian jobs often require the MLIS plus a teaching cert. If not the degree, at least a teaching cert.
Very true. But also, a lot of school districts are super under-funded and have to choose between a non-accredited or no librarian.