Reconsidering the MSIS

Many times in the past, it has occurred to me that a graduate degree in Library Science or Information Systems might be a positive career move, but I’ve always groaned when I read some of the course requirements.  I mean, we are talking dry stuff here, at least from my perspective.  I know from experience that working in a library is not dry – it’s quite challenging and interesting, actually, so what’s with these achingly dull curricula I keep running into?

My “ah-ha” moment here was when I finally realized I was looking at the wrong kinds of programs!  What I need is a MSLIS or MLS program with a focus in administration or leadership.  Taking a more typical course of study in reference librarianship may help me land a reference job, but that’s not what I’m doing now or looking to do in the future, so of course the curriculum seems out of sync with my interests!

Luckily, with a little bit of hunting, I’ve been able to turn up a few fully-online MSIS programs with that area of specialization.  Cool!  I’ll get a background in reference and other important library concepts, but I’ll also be studying finances, management, human resources, project management, etc.  This type of coursework will directly and positively impact my performance in my current job, so that’s pretty exciting.  An MSIS wouldn’t hurt my resume as a web-designer either.

Now, to get cracking on studying for the dreaded and unfortunately required GRE test (ugh).