Applying to library school- issues surrounding LIS vocational masters

Last Friday, I attended an event organised by the M25 Academic Libraries Consortium on 'Applying to Library School'. I was particularly interested in attending this event as it involved presentations from past and current students studying the MA and a selection of representatives from different library schools.

There were several speakers throughout the day, the majority being recent graduates of library school themselves. The speakers made some really interesting points about the pros and cons of different modes of study, allowing attendees a balanced view of what it is like to study whilst juggling part-time or full time work. The speakers included Sarah Maule (Ravensbourne), Sarah Ison (University of Brighton), Helen Murphy (Trinity Hall) and Sophie Pattison (UCL).
Vanda Broughton, Programme Leader for MA Library and Information Studies at UCL also gave a talk, which went in to detail about the types of skills that a library qualification provides and the different jobs and sectors a selection of UCL graduates had progressed to recently. Vanda suggested that prospective students should ensure that they are making sure the institution they apply to is right for them, by looking at staff and student blogs, researching courses and asking relevant questions at interview.

The course fair, which was held at lunch time, allowed me to have some interesting conversations with the course representatives from the different institutions. One thing I really wanted to clarify was the statement that I had heard from time to time in regards to funding, that being only students with a 1:1 at first degree level will be considered for AHRC funding, or in some instances funding in general. I've heard mixed opinions around this 'statement' but understand that universities holding AHRC block grant partnership awards have a great deal of pressure put on them to put forward 1:1 students for funding, even though the AHRC guidelines state that students with a good second class degree will be considered. I heard mixed opinions again from talking to the course representatives, but I did get the impression that course leaders are looking for well rounded individuals who are taking steps to develop themselves professionally outside as well as inside academia. This provides hope for the profession's development in encouraging new professionals with a host of  professional skills and experiences, from a wide range of backgrounds.
 I would be really interested to hear from anyone who had a different route in to librarianship, or managed to secure funding or financial support during their qualification without that 'elusive 1:1'.

 Funding a postgraduate qualification that is almost essential to career development seemed to be a hot topic at the event. Vanda Broughton explained that 2013/14 will be the final year for the AHRC's 'Professional Preparation Masters' funding, which LIS qualifications have fallen under for several years. Upon further research of the AHRC website and looking at their proposed plans for funding, it is made clear that UK research councils are pulling away from vocational MA/MSc's and looking to fund only at masters level where courses lead subsequently to PhD level study. You can find out more about the AHRC's plan's here.

I would  recommend the event to prospective students as it's a brilliant opportunity to learn a bit more about the application progress, especially in regards to what library schools expect from potential students. It also provides a chance for trainees and library assistant's to meet some new faces and share thoughts and ideas about their course choices. I found the panel discussion consisting of three very different LIS students really engaging, especially as they were all in very different services and holding down differing levels of  professional work and volunteering whilst studying.

Take a look at the hash tag for this event #applis12 to see other people's thoughts.