Q: I have an MLIS from Pakistan and I am interested in finding a job abroad, to learn more about my profession and to build up my career. How will my degree be considered in the US or Canada? Can I just mail my CV? Please guide me.
TA & SM: Let’s start by answering your last question first. Application materials are often accepted by mail and by e-mail; application instructions are usually posted at the end of each vacancy announcement. Our best advice is to read those instructions carefully and follow them exactly. If they request a cover letter and resume, include a cover letter and resume. If they specify e-mail, only send by e-mail (but include your materials as attachments so that they look nice when printed). Finally, if three professional references are requested, do not say “references available upon request.” Technically, they’ve already been requested, so send them with your application materials.
To answer your question about how your degree will be considered, we will defer to the policy of the American Library Association (ALA), which states:
“The master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or from a master’s level program in library and information studies accredited or recognized by the appropriate national body of another country) is the appropriate professional degree for librarians.”
These sites contain useful information for both job seekers and employers: