This survey was sent in May 2016 to graduates who completed the MLIS program during calendar year 2015. We received a total of 178 responses to our survey.

We are pleased to share the following data regarding our alumni who are working in a library and information science career environment or in a library and information science capacity.

Library and information science is the first professional career for many of our recent graduates (57%). Others are changing their career focus, having previously worked in a wide variety of fields, such as legal, education, communications, and non-profit development.

Now that they have earned their MLIS degree, 78% have permanent, full-time positions and are working in diverse LIS career environments, including public libraries, academic libraries, K-12 schools, and special libraries.

Their job titles are just as varied as their employers and include Records Analyst, Librarian, Metadata Operations Coordinator, Assistant Director, Serials and Preservation Manager, and many more positions.

Our alumni are putting their MLIS skills to work performing many different job duties. The following is a list of the top four job assignments they are responsible for in their current positions:

1. Reference / Information Services
2. Children’s Services
3. Administration
4. Metadata, Cataloging and Taxonomy

In anticipation of graduating, many began the job search while in the final semester of the MLIS program, and 89% were hired in the information profession within six months after earning their MLIS degree.

For those who remained with an existing employer or position held prior to or while attending the MLIS program, the master’s degree helped advance their career. More than 60% reported that they received a promotion, got a raise, became eligible for tenure, and/or moved from support staff to professional staff.

Our alumni shared that they believe the following five experiences/activities were most helpful or important in obtaining their first job in the information profession:

1. Previous Employment Experience
2. Coursework / Electives
3. Technological Skills
4. Internship, Practicum, or Fieldwork Experiences
5. Subject Specialization

Our students not only live across North America while completing our fully online MLIS program, they are also working in different geographic areas after graduation. For example, our alumni reported that their employers are located in three Canadian provinces and 25 U.S. states.

We invite you to learn more about our alumni by browsing our alumni career spotlights and reading alumni stories.