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Sorry, the answer to eliminating the MLIS is not an undergrad degree in library science either.
The point is to assess how the professional education apparatus works or doesn't work for the field.
The point is to assess how the professional education apparatus works or doesn't work for the field.
the existence of the MLIS is an historically complicated apparatus for "giving women jobs" during the Gilded era. Once we start by addressing the structural reasons for why the degree was created then we can more thoroughly examine what works and doesn't work about programs.
If you read Roma Harris' 1993 book on the subject you'd gain some valuable insights about how and why the master's was the degree for Librarianship, and that largely has to do with classism and outdated concepts of professionalism.
The field has greatly evolved since its gilded era inception and degree programs offer varying outcomes for hopeful library workers. depending on what work one ends up doing or is able to get into, that value will vary greatly.
we need to thoroughly look at what the promise of the MLIS is and what that means for the field of library work in general--is it only the ticket to a salaried position? Because right now that's how it is marketed and worthy for most entering the field.
Personally, my take is that a continuing education-based model for anyone entering the field with a general bachelor's degree would be the strongest model to adopt. one need only have interest to commit to learning.
the conference and webinar based professional development apparatus we currently have in place for folks post-MLIS is thoroughly inadequate for delivering needed information to workers throughout their careers.
also, i'm not super interested in personal anecdotes about why your program did or didn't work or why you're proud or whatever.
Please instead consider the systems in place and what their legacy is--particularly that of white supremacy and classist gatekeeping.
Please instead consider the systems in place and what their legacy is--particularly that of white supremacy and classist gatekeeping.
