In winter 2003, the NNYLN surveyed the library community to determine interest in MLS opportunities among library support staff. There were 48 responses. Overall, respondents stated cost and travel were among the most important factors. There was also a large mixture of course interest among those contemplating or currently pursuing their degree. In addition, there was a significant desire to conduct on-line coursework.

Of particular interst were library schools that provided the opportunity for students to take all or most classes on-line. Five schools are of particular notice, in that almost all coursework can be completed with no, or quite limited, on-campus class attendance. They are:
Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (MLS and School Library Media)
Mansfield University, Pennsylvania (School Library Media)
Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN (MLS and School Library Media)
Syracuse University (MLS and School Library Media)
Drexel University (MS - ALA accredited)
University of Pittsburgh (MLIS - ALA accredited)

If you would like to take courses in the traditional classroom setting, you may want to check out:
University at Albany, SUNY
McGill University, Montreal, Quebec

In reviewing the information provided by each university, you will see some schools have some on-site requirements, some offer an MLS degree as well as a School Library Media Specialist certificate, and others offer only one of the two.

The cost of courses varies from program to program, or university to university - and you are encouraged to contact the school directly to see what best meets your personal goals.

Tuition assistance is another factor that may vary among schools, as well as among individual employers. Again, you are encouraged to find out what is available to you by contacting them directly.

If you have specific questions regarding a university or what it has to offer, please contact the school directly. For general questions, you may contact Bridget Doyle at the NNYLN by calling 315-265-1119 (locally), 877-833-1674 (toll-free), or e-mail her at doyle@nnyln.net.

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