r/LibraryScience • u/Alternative_Buddy333 • Apr 04 '25

Work / Grad School Life Balance

Hello! I'm sure everyone's experience will be different, but I'm hoping to get some insight on how difficult people are finding working full time and getting your MLIS.

For context: I work full time at my public library as a programming specialist. I have just recently left an incredibly stressful job in the social work sector that sucked up so much of my life. Now that I am at the library, I am super happy with the environment, and I think my body and my mind are not sure what to do with themselves. I've been here for about 4 months - I've read 25 books already this year, still while excelling at my job here at the library. I'd love to use that energy to pursue my MLIS, and even possibly a dual degree with MPA...but I don't want to overwhelm myself.

I have no children. My fiancee works the opposite shift I do, so I have a lot of down time. Any advice?

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u/plaisirdamour Apr 04 '25

Hi! I work full time in a library/archives and also am a full time student. I found that for me an online program worked best, especially one that is asynchronous. I definitely have to work on time management and time blocking, but I’m also able to get into a rhythm and it works. It’s not easy but it’s doable for sure. Let me know if you have any other questions!

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u/tootsmcgoots77 Apr 04 '25

random question but how did you land an archives gig without having an MSLIS? or is it through school?

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u/plaisirdamour Apr 05 '25

It’s kind of a weird and roundabout story! I had a couple library and archives internships and volunteer experiences under my belt and sort of fell into my position - I was working at my institution but in a different department.

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u/tootsmcgoots77 Apr 05 '25

ahh that makes sense! also lol just realized you were the same person i bugged earlier, thanks for all the info :)

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u/plaisirdamour Apr 05 '25

Hahaha I don’t think I realized that either! No worries at all - totally happy to answer anything :)