If you decide you do want to become a librarian, there are a number of options after the trainee year. You can do an MA or MSc in Library and Information Science, either full-time or part-time, or by distance learning. Or you may decide to get more experience before deciding on a university course. Funding is becoming an increasingly important consideration in making this decision.
Each year in about October CPD25 run a one day course in London ‘Applying to study Library and Information Science’. It is well worth trying to go on this course because all the options are discussed, as well as issues such as funding and chartership. It is also an opportunity to network with other trainees.
For trainees wanting to stay in London there three universities within the central London area which offer both full time and part time courses in LIS:
City University (Course website)
City has a reputation for focussing on the technical and computing side of librarianship. City University makes frequent use of virtual learning environments and online discussion groups. People who have done the part-time course say that City University is godd at supporting students who aren’t able to get on site a lot.
London Metropolitan University (Course website)
Although like University College and City University the course at London Metropolitan has a good reputation, particularly for students doing the course part-time, no 2008/2009 trainees applied to do the course.
University College London (Course website)
UCL has a reputation for focussing on core library skills, such as cataloguing and classification. A very important factor to remember for trainees wishing to do the course at UCL is that applications need to be submitted early in the December before the year of starting. See the website for the actual date. UCL also interview applicants.
Other Options
The University of Aberystwyth runs distance learning courses at both postgraduate and undergraduate level in library and information science. For information visit their website.
Speaking to people who have taken this route this say it is very demanding because you are working at the same time, you have to take time off the attend residential sessions and you don’t have the day to day support of fellow students.
Gaining more experience
For a number of reasons some trainees this year and in the past have decided to gain more experience before applying to go to university. This is also a chance to save some money before going back to university, to gain experience in a different library environment, or to help you confirm whether librarianship is indeed the career for you.