LIS Program Listserv
New MSLIS students are automatically added to the LIS program email listserv. Among many other functions, this listserv is a great venue for discovering job and internship postings, and other career opportunities.
If you are not receiving these emails and you are a new student, follow the instructions on this page to join the School of Information Google Group and initiate listserv emails.
Professional Groups
There are quite a few professional organizations for the LIS field! While we encourage that you do your research on the organizations you would like to join, here is an overview of some of the most popular at Pratt.
- American Library Association (ALA): ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world, and is dedicated “to providing leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.”
- There are many professional organizations that are divisions of ALA. These include the Public Library Association (PLA), Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), and Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
- There is a student chapter of ALA at Pratt, called PALA. PALA offers free talks, site visits, and other events related to librarianship.
- Association of Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T): ASIS&T bridges the gap between information science practice and research, and ties information science and data-driven fields like computer science.
- The student chapter, ASIS&T@Pratt, offers free events that represent information technology across multiple fields.
- Society of American Archivists (SAA): SAA promotes the value and diversity of archives and archivists.
- The student chapter, SAA@Pratt, provides events, field trips, and more pertaining to archives, special collections, and museums.
- User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA): UXPA gathers together members of the user experience, design, technology, research, and academic communities.
- The student chapter, UXPA@Pratt, creates skill-building opportunities through workshops, presentations, and other events.
- National Emerging Museum Professionals Network (EMP): EMP engages museum professionals across all stages of their careers in building vibrant communities of networking, knowledge exchange, and resource sharing.
- Pratt's registered chapter, PEMP, allows graduate students interested in a career in the museum sector to engage with other museum professionals.
Professional library and information science associations, such as the American Library Association, often offer discounted memberships for students. If you are interested in joining an association, check to see if they offer a student price!
Job Listing Sites
The School of Information email listserv is a great source of career opportunities at all levels, but it shouldn't be relied on as the be-all and end-all of job posting resources. Professional associations will also often have a job list on their website, often broken down by state. A great list can be found here, which includes sites such as:
ALA Accreditation
As an LIS student looking for networking and career opportunities, you will often come across the request for a master's degree (in-progress or completed) from an ALA-accredited institution. Have no fear: the MSLIS program at Pratt is accredited by the American Library Association. You can view more information here.