Editor’s Note: This is an update of Kim Mear’s overview of the MLIS program at Valdosta State University, originally published in June 2011. I graduated from this program in May 2015 and can provide updated information and an overview of my full experience as a student.

The MLIS program is housed in Valdosta State University’s Odum Library.

Program Overview 

The Valdosta State University Master of Library and Information Science program is primarily an online program with required face-to-face orientations, although some courses offer optional face-to-face meetings or field trips. It was recently merged into the College of Education at Valdosta State University and is now under the direction of newly appointed Department Head, Linda R. Most. The program had an early focus on generating library and information professionals for the state of Georgia, but over the last few years the program has recruited students from all over the United States and even some international students. It is gaining popularity and is an attractive option for students who need a low cost online program to obtain an ALA-accredited MLIS degree.

Admissions

Fall and spring admissions allow students to enroll in the program twice a year and orientation takes place on the VSU campus over a designated weekend. The deadline for fall semester is March 15 and the deadline for spring semester is October 15. The GRE is not required for admission.

Coursework

• 39 hour non-thesis program
• Required Core Classes (18 hrs)
  • Foundations of Library and Information Science
  • Management of Libraries and Information Centers
  • Cataloging and Classification
  • Information Sources and Services
  • Research Methods
  • Capstone
• Electives
  • Chosen from a desired track or your interests.

Concentrations and/or specializations

• Optional Tracks
  • Cataloging and Classification,
  • Youth Services
  • Health Sciences Librarianship
  • Library Management
  • Reference Sources and Services
  • Technology
• Dual MLIS and School Media Specialist Certificate (requires 51 semester hours and more face-to-face attendance)

You do not have to select a track or specialization. This is one of the benefits of the program – outside of the core classes, you have the freedom to select your coursework. I knew going into the program that I wanted to do art librarianship or archival work, so I took all the related electives and focused my projects and papers on these topics. One complaint that I do have is that we were told at the beginning of the program that they would add an archives track – 2.5 years later, that still hasn’t happened. However, there are three archives electives and you can take classes at Clayton State University, which has an online Master of Archival Studies (with a focus on digital archives and technology), and have these courses count towards your degree at VSU.

For example, if you look at Indiana University’s MLS requirements for a specialization in art librarianship, the following courses are required: Humanities Information, Internship in Library and Information Science, Art Librarianship, and Research Sources in Art History. At VSU, I took Humanities Sources and Services (where I did a selector’s guide on modern art history) and I created an independent study in Art and Visual Resources Librarianship. I also took electives in Archival Theory and Issues, Preservation, Digital Libraries (where I created a digital exhibition in Omeka and created posters on Artstor Digital Library), Collection Development (where I did a project on East Asian painting), and Descriptive Cataloging. I did internships in collection development and archives, but also worked full-time in visual resources librarianship during my last year of the program. Even though at first glance it might appear that it would be impossible to focus on art librarianship at VSU, I made it work. For more information on my coursework, view my online portfolio. 

Internship Availability

Internship availability varies semester to semester and opportunities are advertised on the program Facebook page and on the course management system. There is an internship course available to interested students, which allows you to get course credit for internships. Faculty can help you with internship placement or you can propose an internship opportunity.

Student Involvement

There is an official ALA student chapter called the Student Organization of Library and Information Science (SOLIS). The group meets virtually a few times a semester. I was a member of the advisory board and assisted with updating the chapter by-laws last year. SOLIS has a newsletter to share news and information with program stakeholders. The success of SOLIS depends on the students – if you are proactive and want to be involved, there is a place for you.

Financial aid

VSU offers many scholarships and awards for students. Three of the most popular awards are the George Gaumond Award, the H. W. Wilson Scholarship, and the VSU MLIS Merit Scholarship. I personally received the George Gaumond Award and I was nominated to represented VSU at the ALA Annual Conference in 2014 as part of the Student-to-Staff program. So, even in an online program, it’s possible to form strong relationships with the faculty and receive recognition as a top student.

In addition, students who work at one of the 37 University of Georgia System’s schools can participate in the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). This program allows student to attend classes for free as long as classes do not interfere with regularly scheduled work hours. Participants are required to fill out an application each semester with the immediate supervisor’s signature. This was the deciding factor in my decision to enroll in this program. Since I work at a USG institution, I was able to receive tuition coverage for the entire program. However, there is one caveat to TAP – registration for classes is reserved until a few days before classes begin and sometimes it can be difficult to get a required class since they fill up quickly. Luckily, I didn’t have any issues, but it was stressful waiting for the TAP registration to begin!

The Valdosta State University Graduate School offers travel assistance to graduate students who will be traveling to present at conferences. I received a generous travel award to present a paper at a digital humanities conference last summer.

This program might be for you if:

• Cost is a concern. This is one of the most affordable LIS programs available.
• You cannot leave a current job or move and do not have a MLIS program nearby.
• You seek primarily online instruction because you already work in a library.
• You are especially interested in school media, reference and instruction, or management. I think the program is particularly strong in these areas.
• You want a lot of flexibility in the courses you take and the freedom to create your own track.
• You want to go at your own pace. VSU does not have a cohort program, so you can take as many or as few classes as you like.
• You work at a USG institution and want to take advantage of the free tuition.

Criticism 

Of course, no graduate program is perfect, and experiences can vary greatly in online programs. I solicited fellow VSU students and alumni for their opinions on the MLIS program and was asked to share the following criticism:

“The courses often feel like a correspondence course, with little or no interaction with professors.  With all the course materials laid out in writing from the very beginning, many professors do nothing more than answer questions about assignments, and hand back grades.

“Discussion” boards – which one would think take the place of IRL classroom discussions – are often used only for posting required weekly essays, and any resulting discussion (which typically occurs only when required by the professor) rarely offers pushback or illustrates evolution of thought or learning. These “discussion” boards are in no way comparable to classroom time. 

The program offers only the most basic courses, and nothing I would consider modern or cutting-edge in the field of librarianship.  Selected readings are often old, on topics which have more relevant quality recent writing.  As someone who works in a library, so far I haven’t learned anything that will help me with the challenges of being a librarian in the 21st century, although I have learned a lot about where librarians have been.

I would recommend the VSU degree for someone looking for an easy program, that’s inexpensive, that meets the requirement for an ALA-certified master’s degree. I can’t recommend it if you are looking for a program that is exciting, inspiring, or on the leading edge of the field.” – Elizabeth

I think a lot of the criticisms expressed here are common issues for online MLIS programs (for more information on this subject, check out my article Are Online LIS Students Doomed?). That being said, one of the major benefits of doing your program online is that the flexibility allows you to pursue full-time employment in libraries or multiple volunteer or internship opportunities. The reality is that you aren’t going to learn everything you need to know from your coursework alone; experience is crucial and can make or break your success as a librarian.

I’m going to be honest with you: do I think I received the very best LIS education at Valdosta State University? No. If I could have gone to a top-ranked full-time program that offered a track in art librarianship, then I would have. But this wasn’t an option for me, because I had to work full-time and could not relocate. However, overall I’m satisfied, because I needed the MLIS degree and I think, to the best of my ability, I took full advantage of the resources provided by the program. Since I graduated in May, I’ve had a few on-campus interviews for academic librarian positions and no one blinked an eye when I told them where I got my MLIS degree. As long as you have an ALA-accredited MLIS degree, experience working in your chosen field, a list of accomplishments on your resume or CV, and plenty of time and patience for the job search, you should be fine regardless of where you went to school. I would say that I had a positive experience overall and enjoyed my time in the program. I don’t regret my choice to attend VSU.

If you have any questions about the VSU MLIS program, please feel free to ask.