How do hiring managers in libraries view online Master's of Library Science degrees (MLS, MLIS, etc.)?

Taking a master's degree online for library an information science is being utilized by many academic librarians and I'm certain public librarians as well. A couple of things to keep in mind:

Your degree should be from an ALA accredited school.
Your should augment your education by working in the Library you plan on focusing on such as academic, public, special etc.

Shop around and discover for yourself how many great Library degree-granting institutions are offering online programs. For example the University of Illinois Leep program is incredibly well respected online and I personally have worked with many great Librarians who graduated from that program. Take a look at general program rankings then go to the sites of interested an explore the programs in detail. http://www.thebestschools.org/rankings/20-best-online-master-library-information-science-degree-programs/

Becoming a Librarian is a professional decision and any experience you have helps put program coursework into context (although I had little actual experience when I began my master's, I acquired it as I matriculated). Go to the ALA website and explore their wealth of information, talk to Librarians and you will be amazed at how helpful and cool we can be.
Good luck,
Kent

It is perfectly fine to get your MLS online, as long as it is from an accredited program. I have worked with several people who began their library careers as support staff and then earned their MLS online. Most of them ended up working for the same library system where they had been clerks, etc. It is not only appropriate, it is rare these days to hear about someone actually getting their degree any other way. If you don't have previous public library experience I highly recommend taking advantage of an internship opportunity before you graduate so you have a better idea of what the work entails. The field has changed significantly over the past decade and you want to be well prepared.

According to the American Library Association: "The vast majority of employers require an ALA-accredited master’s degree for professional positions in the field of library and information science.... Many ALA-accredited programs provide distance-learning opportunities for students through a variety of delivery methods (e.g. online courses). In some cases, students can complete the entire program at a distance; in other cases, some on-campus courses or regional residency may be required. For more information: http://www.ala.org/accreditedprograms/guidelines-choosing-masters-program-library-and-information-studies

At the Searchable Database of ALA Accredited Programs, you can search by a number of criteria, such as "Public Libraries" and "100% Online Program Available."
http://www.ala.org/CFApps/lisdir/index.cfm

Good news for you Cierra! Many, many people get their Master's degrees either partially or entirely on line these days. I got mine entirely on line from the University of North Texas. It is far more important that the program you enroll in be accredited by the American Library Association. That would also be true if you change course and decide you want to be a school librarian rather than a public librarian. (BTW, most school district require that you be a certified teacher, as well, and have experience as a classroom teacher.)

Hi Cierra:
I am not a hiring manager but I am on my 2nd day on the job as a Librarian I at a public library. I can talk about my experience.

I got my degree online from Texas Woman's
From my experience, an online MLS or MLIS from an ALA accredited school is just fine.
Before I started my job I worked as a Library Assistant at the Library. My advice, get a job in a library any way you can. Get any job. For example, you can start out shelving the books, Or you can volunteer until a job comes open.

Some fields of public librarianship are easier to find jobs in than others. I would say that it is easier to find a job working with teens and kids. You might want to specialize on one of those fields if that is what you are interested in.
Some useful skills to have while working in a public library: customer service skills, conflict resolution skills, technology trouble shooting skills, and event planning experience. We plan a lot of educational programs for the public such as book readings, documentary showings, folk dance recitals ,etc.

I hope my answer helps. In some ways I am just repeating what others have said.
Just keep in mind that Librarianship is a very competitive field , so don't go too far into debt for that degree.
And above all, make sure that degree is ALA accredited.

Best Wishes,
Cynthia

My experience was mixed online and in person classes but I certainly could have done all online if I chose. The most important thing is that it is an ALA accredited school. When applying for jobs, no one has asked if my degree was obtained online or not, and I am in my second library system since earning my degree.

In developed countries, online MLS might be accepted but from my own point of view, The candidate must have gone through thorough training both in school environment and also as an intern. that way he or she will have full knowledge of what the course entails because librarianship is more of practical work than online conversation.

Hello Cierra.

I've got good news for you. There are several very reputable ALA accredited MLS programs that are all online. Don't worry about being looked down on for having an all on-line degree in this field. Many new librarians are in the same boat.

That being said- be sure to get real live experience working in a library setting as a volunteer or intern or in a para-professional position if you can. Its a reality check for you to see if you really are suited to work in a library - it isn't reading books all day! In addition, experience in a library will definitely be working in your favor when it comes to the competition you'll be facing once you start looking for a job.

Good luck!