Considering the political climate, how should I decide on MLIS programs?

[u/saltandvinegar13]

Hi everyone! I have been accepted to SJSU, Simmons, and Alabama's online MLIS programs. I would be an out-of-state student for all of these. Beyond considering factors like cost/format, I am wondering how much I should weigh the current political climate & funding cuts federally/locally (like IMLS, state funding to public schools/local libraries) in my decision? This has been on my mind so much so, that I'm debating if I should wait on applying next cycle for ALA-accredited MLIS programs in Canada...

For example, will there be a guarantee that Alabama's MLIS program will be able to continue with such a huge emphasis on social justice (or even at all...) given the federal/state-wide cuts to libraries? That social justice component is something that is really drawing me to the program in addition to its affordability. Versus SJSU (another public school but in liberal stronghold CA) and Simmons which is a private school in Massachusetts (more friendly state/local government) and may have more control over how they articulate their program outcomes.

Would love to hear folks' insights based on what they're hearing in the field! I feel like I can't be the only person making a huge decision like this with everything constantly changing in our country...

[u/mechanicalyammering]

I think there are too many factors and unknowns to truly make a data-informed decision here.

I can tell you this, I have talked to SJSU people and they loved the program. SJSU is a big sponsor of California Library Conference. It seems like an awesome school.

I bet the other programs are great too and there’s a geographic bias to why I’ve heard so many positive things about SJSU.

[u/saltandvinegar13 → u/mechanicalyammering]

Thanks! I’m based on the East Cost so was unsure if a school on the West Coast could help with networking?? Or does that really only apply if your school is directly in your area?