Students completing the BS in ILS will be prepared to enter the field of library and information services as specialized paraprofessionals, able to work independently in many settings or be prepared for graduate study as many graduates from the UMA ILS program attend ALA-accredited graduate programs around the United States.
UMA ILS students have demonstrated their learning by completing internships at the Maine State Library, Owls Head Transportation Museum, The James Melville Gilliss Library at the US Naval Observatory, the New York Times, within the Maine Shaker Community, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and around the world, in places like Pohnpei in the Micronesian Islands, and St Kitts, West Indies and Mali, West Africa.
Additionally, for those who wish to pursue graduate study, our students have been accepted at ALA accredited graduate programs around the United States including: the University of North Texas, Syracuse, San Jose State University, Drexel University, Clarion, Texas Women’s, Kent State, Catholic, Valdosta, and Simmons… (just to name a few).
Student Success Stories
“I just wanted you to know how the work you do had such a huge impact on my life. When I started your program I had not been to college in 19 years! I never thought in a million years that I would be in the position I am today….I am pleased to say that due to the training I received from UMA and my work ethic the Board chose me over 7 other candidates [for a Library Director position].”
– Rebecca S
I’ve now finished my Master’s Degree and, more exciting, have been hired as the second certified librarian at our High School. I hope I can get the word out to other schools and librarians to keep working toward their goals and to continue (or start) advocating for their library. I’d love to… inspire students to think about the ILS program
– Kristen C.
UMA’s program was amazing, flexible and provided me with the skills to be a successful student at SJSU. Since I graduated from UMA, I wrote two LSTA grants, became the conference co-chair of my state library conference and was promoted to library manager.
– Casey V., Class of ’14
Donna Bancroft, one of the instructors for the program finds that, “our online students, with their broad and varied experiences enrich the classroom discussions, particularly our international students.” Current and former students in the ILS program have held diverse positions such as film librarian, circulation assistant, technical services support, school media specialist, law librarian, library director, circulation staff, working in historical societies, academic and public libraries, some of our students have been self-employed working for Google and About.com.
I can honestly say I’ve received an education in librarianship that many of my librarian friends have expressed they wish they would have had in their master’s programs. My education of how the theoretical and practical aspects of librarianship come together have stretched me in a multitude of ways, giving me confidence that I can be the kind of librarian that makes a difference.
– Joseph T., Class of ’18
My classes at UMA have given me a significant leg up and not only will I be attending Catholic University of America with tuition fully paid for, but I will be working in the field of my choice. I couldn’t be more shocked and surprised at seeing how things have come together. I am ecstatic to be able to dive head first into graduate school and continue what I started at UMA!
– Kirsten M., Class of ’13
I recently applied and was hired as a Youth Librarian. So far, it has been exciting. It is different from working in a school library but I am up for the challenge because of what I was taught in [UMA’s] classes. Again thank you and continue doing what you are doing because it works.
– Valerie L., Class of ’22
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