Arlyn Danielson wrote:
>
> Librarians are certified- in order to get a professional librarian
> position, one must have an MLS degree.  What were
> librarians making before the MLS requirement vs. after?

I asked my husband, who just earned his MLIS [an MLS with an extra
initial ;) ], and he didn't know, but made the point that, much like
museums, you don't have to have an advanced degree for every position,
it just helps you get a better position.  In addition, not all libraries
require and MLS from an American Library Association accredited program,
but for the best jobs. . . And of course, like any other field, some
institutions are more prestigous than others, and those graduates have
better opportunities than others.

At any rate, I've been reading this discussion with some interest,
because at almost 30, I'm about to decide that I might like to be an
over-worked, under-paid museum professional so that I can feel the joy
and pride in my work that it is so obvious some of you feel.  As someone
who has been miserable in retail sales most of my adult life, I think I
have a different view than some of these folks that are a few years
ahead of me (ie have a master's already) on the career path, and that is
simply this:  if this is not something you want with all your heart, get
out of my way, 'cause I'm right behind you, and I do want this with all
my heart.  You all say you aren't whining, and some of you aren't, but
many of you, well, read your e-mail as if someone else wrote it about
another career, and see what it sounds like.  For years, my Dad has
harumphed that my generation doesn't want things badly enough to work
for them, and that we expected to step into the real world and have the
things that had always been given to us.  I'm beginning to see what he
means.  A graduate degree alone doesn't mean you deserve a job.  Now I
don't mean to hurt your feelings, but if I can be a sleazy furniture
salesperson in order to eat, I imagine that most of you can find
something not too repugnant to pay the bills while volunteering,
interning, and networking.  And, yes, I am married, and yes he has an
advanced degree, but keep in mind that we've been married for 8 years,
and he just got that degree (guess how many bologna sandwiches we've
eaten) and that libraries aren't known for their high salaries either.
Simply said, do you want this, or would you rather go work for a bank?

Anyway, I've said my piece, except to say that I apologize if I offend.

Katherine Stocker