Lucas Almas earned two online master’s degrees from IU Indianapolis in December 2024: an M.A. in History and a Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.). He was able to earn the degrees after only two years of study, because the degrees complemented each other. “My history focus was digital and public history,” he explains, “and my library science focus was digital curation.”
Practical content enhanced career
Almas held a B.A. in History and was working toward his online M.A. in History when a mentor suggested adding an M.L.I.S. to expand his job opportunities.
His studies enabled Almas to land a job even before graduation. He was temporarily certified as director of the Markesan Public Library in Markesan, Wisconsin—a professional position usually reserved for those with a master’s degree. His colleagues couldn’t have been more supportive of his educational goals. “The board wanted me to succeed,” says Almas. “They and the staff kicked me out the door when they knew I had homework to do.”
Engaged instructors and learning options empower online students
Almas describes his professors as engaged instructors who empowered students and taught them to think.
“I could easily and quickly reach professors in both programs through email and Canvas,” he says. “Some instructors interacted with us every week and posted videos of announcements and of themselves recapping the week’s work.”
His history instructors encouraged students to pursue their specific research interests. Almas says, “I pursued a theme I’ve followed since undergraduate days: Antarctic exploration. I really appreciated the power of choice.”
Finally, professors in the history program emphasized analytical thinking. “Memorization is no longer useful to historians,” says Almas. “You can look up anything online. It’s more important to know how to analyze and synthesize information and ideas from multiple sources.”
Virtual meetings expand learning, build connections
Almas appreciated having the opportunity to engage with classmates. “In my history program, classmates included teachers or paraprofessionals, some working for historical societies. Their work in the field brought a wealth of knowledge to class discussions. The variety of takes on the same ideas vastly augmented student learning.”
Almas notes that his library science program used a social networking app that allowed users to chat in real time and build communities around common interests. “My peers were all working librarians looking to upgrade their careers,” he says. “We shared ideas about putting new information to work in our professions.”
Advice for online students
Almas’s number 1 tip for online students is to stay organized. “My saving grace was my whiteboard,” he says. “There, I kept all my to-dos so I could visualize each day’s tasks. Another bit of advice: don’t distract yourself with all the other fun things on your computer. Stay focused.”
The library of the future
As he looks to the future, Almas sees libraries as the “third space” in our lives. “If home is our leisure space, and work is our productive space, libraries can offer a third option,” he says. “They mix the relaxed atmosphere of home, a place for friends to gather, and assets and resources for learning and discovery.”
Whatever the future holds, Almas believes his degrees have made him equal to the task. “I take what I learned to work every day.”
About the M.A. in History
The IU Online Master of Arts in History is a collaborative degree offered through all seven IU campuses. It explores geographic regions of the world in both modern and pre-modern time periods to identify historical actors, events of significance, and social movements.
About the M.L.I.S.
Offered through IU Indianapolis, the Master of Library and Information Science prepares students to assist library users, develop and manage collections, organize information resources, conduct effective research, and make the most effective use of information technologies.