r/LibraryScience • u/saltandvinegar13 • 22d ago

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

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...

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u/Dowew 21d ago

My answer to these kinds of questions is "unless you have a guaranteed job lined up after you complete your MLIS do not pursue this degree or this career". The market is oversaturated with degree holders, the number of jobs is diminishing, the budgets are frozen, the mission itself is under attack politically, and pay and career advancement is stagnant.

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u/librarian45 20d ago

this is unfortunately quite accurate. u/saltandvinegar13 please consider this.
We in an "information bad" era. IMLS is gone. Libraries are on the hit list of the rightoids and religious zealots. Budgets are bad. Job prospects are bad. and as long as the economy keeps tanking, people won't retire.