Library and Information Science: Archives Management + History

Since the 1970s, the demand for archivists is expanding as society becomes more aware of the value of preserving our heritage and records. Increasingly, archival employers have recognized that archivists use skills that require both technical training and historical knowledge, and they seek applicants with master's degrees in both library and information science and history.

Archivists collect, appraise, and preserve documents and materials found in manuscripts, moving images and photographs, oral-history recordings, multimedia, government records, and literary correspondence. They work in varied settings, such as public archives, colleges and universities, museums and cultural heritage sites, photographic and film collections, public libraries, foundations, government agencies, and corporations. New jobs have been created in public and private organizations, where archivists establish and maintain proper repositories for larger and more diverse collections of records. Some of these positions have grown out of field placements from archives programs, like the one at Simmons University. Due to its strategic location in historic New England, Simmons offers students access to resources for study and research not found in other parts of the country.

• Processing Archivist: Arrange archival materials in folders and boxes, and create finding aids that describe the contents of a collection.
• Reference Archivist: Assist researchers in finding relevant materials.
• Digital Assets Archivist: Manage the digital holdings of an archive, including digital photographs and computer files. Digitize important collections and maintain online access to these materials.
• Preservationist: Specialize in protecting archival materials from the damage that can arise from weather, environmental conditions, natural disasters, and age.

• Learn more about Library and Information Science scholarships, fellowships, professional and partner discounts, and other funding sources.