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Librarians/Questions Answered by Expert Robert H. Kieserman, MBA, MLIS
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Having a BSc background | 5/9/2011 |
| Q: I am considering a degree in MLIS and am wondering what opportunities there are for librarians with ... A: It does not matter what undergraduate major you had in college. You will learn the profession of ... | |
| Library Science - Please Respond ASAP! | 2/20/2011 |
| Q: Sorry for the short notice, but I need a response as soon as possible for a research project I'm ... A: I would suggest that you explore the possibility of preparing for a career as a humanities libarian, ... | |
| libraries and royalties | 1/14/2011 |
| Q: I'm thinking of starting a small library/reading room/club for a niche topic. People who are ... A: I don't see any problem with your idea. You are describing what is known as a private library. As ... | |
| Library Management Industry Struggling? | 1/3/2011 |
| Q: I've graduated with a BA in English in May 2010 and I'm still having a really hard time finding a ... A: Jobs in the library profession are scarce right now, especially in management. While I strongly ... | |
| Have MBA but want to be a librarian | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: I obtained my MBA from USC last year but after a period of reflection, I must admit that I believe I ... A: The only way you can combine your MBA with a degree in librarianship is to become a business ... | |
| Becoming a consultant | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a BA (German/Spanish) and and MLS along with a teaching certificate and School Library Media ... A: I would be happy to walk you through the process. We just need to set up a time to talk on the ... | |
| career in library science | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: I'm currently in the Air Force and I'm getting out in a couple of years. What classes would you ... A: At the undergraduate level, you can basically study any major. Many librarians are English majors, ... | |
| Pursuing a Masters in Library Science | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: I have been working for a library system for 25 years as a library Assistant in Youth Services at a ... A: You certainly have the experience to earn your MLS. What you need to determine is will the degree ... | |
| Business+MLIS | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: I am about to begin my undergraduate degree and I'm fairly certain I will be majoring in business ... A: I think that you are making a very wise choice in terms of your undergraduate major. If you get a ... | |
| Becoming a librarian | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: I am having a little trouble deciding what undergraduate major I would like to do before going for ... A: Having an undergraduate degree in liberal arts is a good preparation for a career as a public ... | |
| Job prospects in NYC | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: I am 49, considering attending CUNY/Queens, the librarian program. What are your thoughts on the ... A: Right now, the job prospects are dismal, to say the least. That is not to say that within the next ... | |
| small library to setup | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: i has to manage ad setup small library.this library don't have any system..what first step should i ... A: This is a short question that requires a very long answer. I would suggest that you contact IFLA or ... | |
| Careers in MLIS | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a bachelor's degree in psychology. I have applied to an ALA-accredited MLIS online ... A: All of the possible career paths you mention are certainly possible with an MLIS degree. If you want ... | |
| Medical Librarian Careers | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: I am considering changing my career to medical librarianship. How do you see this field growing in ... A: I think that medical librarianship has a strong future, especially as technology becomes more ... | |
| re: MLIS | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I volunteered at a small rural library for 14 years where no one had a MLIS (totally volunteer ... A: Maybe. My advice is to sit down with the head of the MLIS program at the ALA-accredited library ... | |
| inquiry | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: Sir I have done m.Lib & Information Science. should i do mba in library science is it beneficial in ... A: Jaya: To my knowledge, there is nowhere where you can do an MBA in library science, but I am in the ... | |
| Masters degree/librarian | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: What is the reasoning behind requiring a Masters degree in order to be a librarian? A: Professional librarians study library and information science in a masters program. This involves ... | |
| Overseas Universities offering Library Sciences | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: Questions are as follow: 1)Based on your experience as a Librarian, can you share with me which ... A: I do not have expertise in library schools outside of the United States. Therefore, I recommend that ... | |
| J.D./ MLS student | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: I hold a J.D. degree and have been practicing law for 2 years. I am currently pursuing an MLS ... A: Christina: It depends on what kind of library job you are seeking. Most law libraries, whether in a ... | |
| library/information jobs with MBA only (no MLIS) | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for advice on how to get into private-sector library-type jobs with only an MBA. I may ... A: My only suggestion is to consider working in either corporate research with a law firm or ... | |
| Ph.D. student thinking of becoming a librarian | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: I am an M.A./Ph.D. student in Asian languages and literature, and I'm thinking of becoming a ... A: If you really want to become a librarian, you will need to get a Masters in Library and Information ... | |
| other jobs using MLIS | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: I'm currently an elementary school library media specialist. What other job opportunities are out ... A: I can direct you to two excellent job lists, if you are not already aware of them. One is ... | |
| Library | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: I am an ESL teacher, I have done my BA in 1978 from Karachi University, Pakistan. I have been ... A: Without the MLS, you cannot get a job as a professional librarian. However, you could work as a ... | |
| other fields of work | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: Do you have suggestions for other fields of work for a librarian? Library jobs in CT seem scarce. My ... A: Here are a few ideas - work in a public library with a focus on consumer health reference - You ... | |
| Working in library /Grad School | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I've been trying to get work in a library--even as a volunteer---with no luck and want to go back ... A: In no way is already working in a library a prerequisite for admission to library school. Most ... | |
| library science | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: please: "what are the ways of being successful for librarians and the students who study LIS?" thank ... A: I am sorry, but I do not fully understand your question. Do you want to know what kind of jobs ... | |
| librarians | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: I am 51 years old and will have 30 years with my company Qwest in 3 years. I have been a tester for ... A: There are plenty of folks who return to school to become librarians after the age of 50. You must ... | |
| Librarianship as a Second Career | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: In your response to my previous query, you stated that I should pursue library education as soon as ... A: The reason that I suggest that you seriously consider going to library school soon is so that you ... | |
| Librarianship as Second Career for Mature Persons | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: In seven years I plan to retire from my present position in local government. I am considering the ... A: If you intend to enter the profession, I would suggest that you begin your library school education ... | |
| Bachelor in Library Science help get into good MLS program and/or obtain paraprofessional position? | 8/5/2008 |
| Q: I currently have an A.S. in interior design from Purdue University. After working several years in ... A: Personally, I see no reason to get an undergraduate degree in library science. I think you should ... | |
| MBA/MLS | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: I am an experienced public librarian and I expect to receive my MBA in about 3 years. I am ... A: There is a great need for librarians with MBA's to become library directors. Many library boards and ... | |
| Career Advice | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a couple questions if cannot not answer all just answer the ones you can. I have about five ... A: There is no question that most public libraries are experiencing a reduction in funding from their ... | |
| Career Advice | 7/6/2008 |
| Q: I have a couple questions if cannot not answer all just answer the ones you can. I have about five ... A: Christina: I do not know a great deal about YA positions. My best advice is to either call or email ... | |
| Library Consultant | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Kieserman, I read one of your answer on-line, "If you want some additional thoughts on how to ... A: I am going to suggest a simple process of beginning your consulting career - 1. make a list of why ... | |
| Library Consultant | 6/21/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Kieserman, I read one of your answer on-line, "If you want some additional thoughts on how to ... A: Daniel: I will be happy to try to answer your questions. I need to know in which area(s) of ... | |
| Public Library Hirings | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: Is there an unspoken bias in public libraries against hiring associates or librarians with a ... A: Some public library directors believe that if you have spent time working in academic librarianship, ... | |
| Knowledge organisation | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: Please could you define the term "knowledge organization" for me? Are there any other terms which ... A: Below is is the standard definition of a knowledge organization. In essence, it is the way an ... | |
| Does it matter where you obtain your MLIS? | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: When employers, for library positions, are looking at your resume, do the take into consideration ... A: I do not know of any situations where it matters where you went to school. My advice is to speak to ... | |
| Does it matter where you obtain your MLIS? | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: When employers, for library positions, are looking at your resume, do the take into consideration ... A: Quite frankly, where you attend library school does not matter to most library directors or library ... | |
| trying to decide | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: I know that I want to work in a Library when I am older, I have talked about it with my parents and ... A: Librarianship is a wonderful profession. The path to becoming a librarian is to find an ... | |
| majoring in Library Sciences | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I am currently in Elementary Ed major, but as a student job i am working in the college library. I ... A: One can prepare for the library profession with any undergraduate major. To become a librarian, you ... | |
| MLIS seeking MBA | 12/28/2007 |
| Q: I already have a MLIS and I love my job. How would a MBA benefit me? A: I need more information. Are you working in a public library, an academic library, or a special ... | |
| Library science as a second career | 11/15/2007 |
| Q: I have a BS in business from a state college and have worked out in the business arena for 19 years. ... A: I would not suggest that you pursue a bachelor's degree, but rather a Masters degree. Whether you ... | |
| Undergraduate degree in Library and Information Services | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: I am currently working towards a bachelor's degree and plan to go on and get an MLS. My school ... A: If you can obtain an undergraduate degree in LIS, I would strongly suggest you do so. However, you ... | |
| a few questions | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: I am looking at getting my MLIS for a second career. I already have a MA in counseling psych. I have ... A: Library school on a full-time basis should take about a year to 18 months. Most programs are 36 ... | |
| Thinking about getting my MLIS degree. | 9/26/2007 |
| Q: I am a Michigan teacher who is having a hard time finding a job. I am thinking of getting my MLIS ... A: The answer very simply is no, getting certification as an educational media specialist will not ... | |
| MLIS programs | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: I'm about to start my senior year in college (as a math major) and recently started thinking about ... A: Kirsten: If you have not already done so, I suggest that you visit the webpage of the American ... | |
| Library and Information Science | 6/15/2007 |
| Q: Where is the best place to look online for college jobs in LIS? A: http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/controller.cfm ... | |
| Moving from non library job to library job | 6/7/2007 |
| Q: I have been working as a researcher for the last couple of years in a position that my MLIS is ... A: It sounds like ideally you would like to become a corporate librarian. However, it also sounds like ... | |
| Finding an Undergrad in Library Science | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: I’m a college student who has found her calling, reference librarian, but I’m having trouble ... A: Kate: If you think you may wish to go the path of academic librarianship, you should choose an ... | |
| A library career | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: I have a Master's in Libray Science. I've had it for 5 years now, but have not worked in a library ... A: I think your best bet is to keep trying to find a volunteer position at either a public library or ... | |
| library science career | 5/20/2007 |
| Q: I am a recent graduate with a MLS (December2006). Finding a position as a librarian as been rather ... A: One possible career path is to work for either the federal government or the state government as a ... | |
| Mid-Career Change | 5/15/2007 |
| Q: What advice to you have for someone who has an ALA-accredited masters' degree in library & ... A: I think that you need to visit a libary professor who can help you focus on a particular career path ... | |
| library science career | 5/15/2007 |
| Q: I am a recent graduate with a MLS (December2006). Finding a position as a librarian as been rather ... A: Before I try to answer your question and give you some ideas, I need some more information from you. ... | |
| Mid-Career Change | 5/7/2007 |
| Q: What advice to you have for someone who has an ALA-accredited masters' degree in library & ... A: One idea is for you to go to work for one of the book vendors like Baker & Taylor as a collection ... | |
| undergraduate | 5/1/2007 |
| Q: What is the best undergrad degree for a future librarian? I am interested in working in the public ... A: Any major is really appropriate. However, many library professors encourage undergrads to major in ... | |
| help | 3/27/2007 |
| Q: I spent 10 years selling used books in caracas venezuela but even the fact that we were called ... A: If you think you might want to become a librarian, I want you to go to a website that will describe ... | |
| about the digital library... | 3/13/2007 |
| Q: sorry for making u confuse... actuali i'm an undergraduate who're doing a sth like project.. so i ... A: I think the best person to answer your question is a local children's librarian. You should make a ... | |
| about the digital library... | 3/13/2007 |
| Q: 1. how librarian digitalise the books for digital library of kids..??? 2. usually how long it takes ... A: Kit: I don't fully understand your question, and I need you to write back to clarify it for me ... | |
| library second career | 2/4/2007 |
| Q: I live in a town of 5,000 in rural Wisconsin and looked at a couple of on line degrees in Seattle ... A: In order for you to best answer your own question, I suggest that you visit some of the hospitals ... | |
| library second career | 2/3/2007 |
| Q: I am interested in working in a library as a second career (age 51) but do not want to spend $40,000 ... A: Teri: You pose a very interesting question, and I want to give you a very personal answer. I am 55 ... | |
| Would like to make a career change... | 1/14/2007 |
| Q: I work in retail sales right now and would like to make a career change. I would like to try my ... A: Many people who are making the transition from retailing to library science decide to work at ... | |
| certificate course after m.lib | 12/7/2006 |
| Q: sir, please inform me about the some correspondence courses after M.lib for the better opportunity ... A: I suggest that you visit the website of the American Library Association (www.ala.org) and go to the ... | |
| Finding Issue of Popular Mechanics | 11/24/2006 |
| Q: Robert, The article is "Shoot Swirling Color From a Swinging Light" by Walter S Schenck page 90 ... A: I have tried my best to get the citation for you. However, the electronic periodical indexes do not ... | |
| Major | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: I'm a senior in high school and I'm planning on attending Ashland Community and Technical College ... A: Kate: First of all, you need to know that before you can enter library school, you need to have a ... | |
| virtual reference | 10/5/2006 |
| Q: I am researching e-reference services. Could you recommend the 3-5 and tell me why you think they ... A: I am not the best person to answer this particular question. I suggest that you contact Dr. Marie ... | |
| libraries | 9/24/2006 |
| Q: I am researching the changing role of libraries. What do you see as the major changes libraries are ... A: To answer your question, I see three issues that are changing libraries in the near future. The ... | |
| setting up a library | 8/16/2006 |
| Q: I am going to volunteer at our public school library. We have about 3000 books for K-8. There are 39 ... A: My best suggestion is that you look at a product that can be downloaded free, and then expanded upon ... | |
| Cataloging Jobs | 7/11/2006 |
| Q: As a followup question, what types of jobs in private companies might also be a good fit for someone ... A: Actually, any company where employees have an information need requires someone to maintain the ... | |
| Cataloging Jobs | 7/11/2006 |
| Q: My daughter just received her MLS degree and is searching for her first professional job in the ... A: There is a great demand for good cataloguers. My best advice is that your daughter should contact ... | |
| On-line Reference Interviews | 6/11/2006 |
| Q: Where can I find an example On-line Reference Interviews? A: Michelle: You can see an actual virtual reference site with explanation by going to ... | |
| Library | 2/24/2006 |
| Q: I live in the NYC area. I have a bachelor's degree and I am 46 years old. What would be my career ... A: Once you receive your MLIS, you can find a job in one of several areas of librarianship including ... | |
| online study material of library science | 2/21/2006 |
| Q: i want to know the names of the websites or links which provides online access to the books on the ... A: Although it will be difficult to find an entire textbook online, there are literally tens of ... | |
| Library Job | 2/4/2006 |
| Q: I was thinking about applying for a Library Aide position at an elementary school. I have an ... A: Why not? I have an MBA and I am becoming a librarian. I think that you would be a real asset to an ... | |
| library science | 12/20/2005 |
| Q: describe the virtual and digital library.what is the difference between virtual and digital ... A: A virtual library is simply the availability of library resources like reference services and ... | |
| Majoring in Library Science | 12/14/2005 |
| Q: I'm a senior in high school and am planning to attend Slippery Rock in PA. I am also interested ... A: The MLIS degree is, of course, a graduate degree. Therefore, you need to complete 4-years of ... | |
| why be a librarian? | 2/21/2005 |
| Q: I'm considering going into the MLS program at the University where I live. I have a few reasons for ... A: You can find out everything you always wanted to know about being a librarian by visiting the web ... | |
| CAll number | 2/11/2005 |
| Q: Before I usually pay a visit to the Central Library, and I will go around the library to search for ... A: Harry: I suggest that the next time you visit the library, you should ask the reference librarian to ... | |
| MBA/MSLS | 12/15/2004 |
| Q: If you want some additional thoughts on how to establish yourself as an independent library ... A: The MBA will give you credibility as a consultant. In terms of gaining experience, which is the ... | |
| MBA/MSLS | 12/9/2004 |
| Q: I have recently (May 2004) graduated with a Master of Library Science degree. I realized quickly ... A: Oneof the most needed services that all public and special libraries have is in the area of ... | |
| Education required in Library Science | 10/23/2004 |
| Q: What education is required for a career in Library science, and what jobs are available with that ... A: To practice as a librarian anywhere in the United States, you must hold a Masters degree in Library ... | |
| job market | 9/18/2004 |
| Q: Just a general question about what kind of job market there is for librarians in general and school ... A: Because many librarians are retiring, there is a new demand of librarians to take their place. ... | |
| hi, thanks for the suggestion.... | 8/19/2004 |
| Q: But if I could do like what did you suggest, I will not wasting my time waiting for the answer. Try ... A: You need to understand that there are some questions that I am able to answer, and there are ... | |
| what does 'reference interview'... | 8/12/2004 |
| Q: what does 'reference interview' means? which one is better, to consult a librarian using online chat ... A: A reference interview is when the librarian who will search the literature on your behalf does an ... | |
| Librarian Education | 6/8/2004 |
| Q: Is it necessary to have a Masters Degree in Library Science to become a librarian or in some cases ... A: To practice as a librarian anywhere in the United States, you must hold a Masters degree in Library ... | |
| Career in LIS & Psych | 4/20/2004 |
| Q: I have recently earned my BA in psychology and am now seriously thinking about pursuing a career as ... A: Folks from all backgrounds decide to become librarians. Certainly, with your undergraduate degree in ... | |
| considering library career | 1/16/2004 |
| Q: My name is Lydia Paar and I am considering librarianship as a career. I am currently completing my ... A: Most libraries in the United States require librarians to have an MLS (Master of Library Science). I ... | |
Robert H. Kieserman, MBA, MLIS
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I am a consultant to public and special libraries and I specialize in library management and administration. I am able to answer questions about library science as a career as well as about the general topic of library science and how libraries work and the services they provide.
Experience
I have an MBA, an MLIS degree, I am a business professor, I have written four books on entrepreneurship, and have been a expert in another management area (healthcare) for AllExperts with a consistently high rating for over two years.
Organizations
the American Library Association, the Library Administration and Management Association, the Public Library Association, and the Medical Library Association
Publications
I have written for numerous national publications on the issues of marketing, human resources management, and strategic management.
Education/Credentials
MBA in Accounting and a MLIS
Awards and Honors
honored for my teaching by Sigma Beta Delta
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