T is for Training Episode 55: If It works, It Counts is now available for download here from our host Talkshoe. You can listen to this or any of our other shows using the TalkShoe panel in our sidebar.
The opinions expressed by call participants are those of the participants and not necessarily those of any institution or group they represent or are associated with. And thanks to those who participated by chat. We would love to hear your voice next time.
It is our SECOND ANNIVERSARY SHOW!
Thank you to EVERYONE who has participated, talked about, thrown confetti and otherwise supported this little enterprise over the last two years.
Today’s Guests:
Maurice Coleman, Harford County (MD) Public Library
Marianne Lenox, Huntsville Madison County (AL) Public Library
Chester Mealer, Rapides Parish Library (LA)
Richard Mott Jacksonville (FL) Public Library (Welcome T is for Training new caller!)
Kate Kosturski, Middlesex (NJ) Public Library (Welcome T is for Training new caller!)
The agenda:
Favorite Training and Management Books
What do you call staff that is not classified as Professional?
2nd Anniversary Backslapping
New Employee Orientation
T is for Training is supported by you the audience and our usual supporters LISHost, the library friendly hosting service ,the Library Society of the World and the ALA Learning Round Table, LearnRT, of the American Library Association (ALA).
Keep on Your Radar: Two Podcasts : LibPunk and Heels and Tiaras. Both feature adult language used properly.
Upcoming Conferences with Requests for Proposals for Presentations: Computers In Libraries 2011 (March)
Keep up with us: Our blog, Podcast Feed, ITunes Home, Friendfeed, our Google Group, (pretty please join the google group!) and our Diigo Group.
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Link Love: Go to the delicious page : http://delicious.com/tag/tisfortraining to see relevant links. Or Use Diigo and join the T is for Training Group there.
And join us on September 24h, 2010 at 2 pm Eastern Time for the next T is for Training call in taping.
See you then!
T is for Training 
I just listened to half of this show (I am SO behind) and wish that I had been on the call. The question of whether a librarian needs an MLS is an interesting one. Several SU iSchool students tackled the question in these videos, http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=8CE4047770DCEFFC
In New York State, the libraries in certain sized municipalities are required by law to have librarians with ALA accredited degrees. Rural libraries are often run by people who are willing to learn on the job and do the best that they can. Some libraries may be run by volunteers.
In my personal opinion – which may not be the opinion of others – some library positions should not require an MLS (e.g., circulation). Reference is one where an MLS should be very helpful, but I’ve known of people that were excellent at it and who did not have an MLS. (I actually trained my corporate library staff to do business research and none of them had an MLS.)
So why get an MLS? (BTW this has been a long discuss in the ALA LinkedIn group.) The coursework provides theoretical and practical training that will help a librarian work in any type of institution that values information….and not just libraries. Because the MLS valued by accrediting organizations, governments, etc., it can open doors for a person. Finally, it gives the person a perspective on a variety of library “stuff” that they likely would not sit still to get otherwise.
I do know of people who have done well in libraryland without an MLS, but then have found that not having one inhibited their further advancement. :-(
Why should someone not get an MLS? As I said, there are many library positions that don’t require one, or where a different degree is more appropriate. I think any person who is weighing the options should think about what s/he wants to do long-term and whether the MLS will be helpful.
No, I don’t think this “argument” has gotten louder due to the economy. In fact, we’ve had an increase in enrollment in our MLS program over the last two years. From the organization’s side, it could be that combining jobs has allowed them to do more with paraprofessionals, but if the job description is written for an MLS, then that’s who should be hired.
Oh…I do think we’ve not been good in the U.S. of making the MLS revered like a JD or medical degree, which is why this all so muddled.
Finally, those who know me should know that I don’t care if you do or don’t. I rarely, rarely ask anyone. And neither of my business cards state that I have an MLS. Since being faculty, I have tried to get into a habit of mentioning it when appropriate (generally in academic settings).