Re: [LM_NET] ALA accreditation

[Anne Oelke <anne@OELKE.COM>]

As others have commented, there are many of us who have gone the 
route of being ALA accredited grads as well as having the 
teacher/school certification.  In my case my undergraduate degree was 
in secondary education (mathematics) with a Library minor.  This 
allowed certification as a school librarian at that time (shh, it was 
a looong time ago).  When I went back I did a Masters from 
UW-Madison, a ALA accredited institution.  There were quite a few 
teachers who were receiving their masters through this program.  As 
Gail and Shonda pointed out, there were things that were not very 
pertinent to school librarianship and other that were very 
useful.  There were professors who were very aware that they were 
working with students going into a variety of different types of 
libraries (kudos to Dr. Diane Hopkins), and others who were very 
oriented to just public libraries.  I purposely chose the UW-Madison 
program because it was ALA accredited and would allow me freedom to 
move to a public library if I so chose at a later date.  Now, nearing 
retirement, I know that my spot is in the school library 
area.  However, post-retirement I can pursue part time work in 
another library sector if I choose to do so.

I also know that not having an ALA degree may not make much 
difference in many public libraries other than perhaps for the 
director.  I also know that attitudes change as the personnel in 
charge of screening candidates for positions change.  Not having that 
ALA degree does not mean all the public library doors are locked to 
you.  Some may be closed, but others may be open.

Anne
Anne Oelke
mailto:anne@oelke.com
Pfaff 2140/44/70, Singer 221 (Featherweight), Singer 237, 
Singer  72W19 Hemstitcher, & Serger
Sew Happy in Wisconsin

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