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Introduction to the Library and Information Science: Archives Concentration, Online

The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) online archives concentration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee explores how history, ethics, technology, and philosophy intersect in the field of archives. This program delves into the selection, arrangement, description, and accessibility of records, offering a unique perspective on how society perceives and remembers itself.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master's
• Program Format: Online
• Start Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer
• Cost per Credit: $800 (Total Cost: $28,800*)
• Credit Hours: 36 (15 credits in archival studies required)
• *Total cost will vary based on the number of credits transferred into UWM.

Why Study Archives at UWM?

• Select the concentration U.S. News & World Report consistently recognizes as one of the Best Archival Science Programs.
• Enhance your professional profile with a distinguished archives credential on your MLIS degree.
• Virtually connect with alumni and industry leaders to discuss career growth and networking opportunities.
• Cultivate skills in record curation, organization, and public engagement.
• Elevate your prior humanities or library and archival experience for a career change.
• Benefit from faculty expertise teaching both in-person and online courses.

Archives Concentration Requirements

Courses

To enhance your MLIS degree with expert-level archival skills, the following courses are recommended:

• Introduction Course: INFOST 650: An Introduction to Modern Archives Administration
• Foundation Courses:
  • INFOST 750: Arrangement and Description in Archives
  • INFOST 752: Archival Outreach: Programs and Services
  • INFOST 753: Preserving Information Media
  • INFOST 855: Advanced Appraisal
• Elective Courses:
  • INFOST 640: Information Literacy Instruction
  • INFOST 655: Information and Records Management
  • INFOST 656: Electronic Documents and Records Management
  • INFOST 682: Digital Libraries
  • INFOST 691: Special Topics in Information Science
  • INFOST 714: Metadata
  • INFOST 758: Technology Issues in Archives
  • INFOST 759: Fieldwork in Archives and Manuscripts 1
  • INFOST 791: Topics in Library and Information Science
  • INFOST 850: Seminar in Modern Archives Administration
  • INFOST 891: Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science
  • INFOST 999: Independent Research
• Recommended (does not count toward concentration): INFOST 603: History of Books and Printing

Archival Studies Fieldwork

To further prepare you for an archives career, experiential learning through fieldwork in an archival setting is strongly encouraged.

Fieldwork Process

1. Identify a Repository: Former fieldwork sites include the Folger Shakespeare Library, Library of Congress, and Wisconsin Historical Society.
2. Fieldwork Completion: Complete the Archives Fieldwork Form and submit the Information Studies Fieldwork Placement Form.
3. Share Your Experience: Contribute to discussions on the fieldwork course Canvas site and develop an e-portfolio based on your experience.
4. Complete the Fieldwork Evaluation: Both you and your field supervisor must complete a fieldwork evaluation at the conclusion of the fieldwork.

Research and Publications

As an MLIS archival studies student, you are encouraged to use your class assignments as opportunities for career development. Consider transforming major essays into potential articles for publication or conference presentations and course projects into conference posters.

Career Opportunities

An MLIS archival studies concentration will lead to opportunities with institutions dedicated to preserving and providing access to historical records and cultural heritage, including:

• Academic special collections and university archives
• Audiovisual and media archives
• Corporate archives and records management
• Cultural heritage organizations
• Digital preservation initiatives
• Government archives (national, state, or local)
• Law firms and legal archives
• Medical and health information archives
• Museum archives and historical societies
• Nonprofit research institutions

Professional Conferences and Organizations

Attending archives conferences and engaging with professional organizations are great ways to network with other archivists and develop as a professional in the field. Review information for upcoming archives and record management conferences, and explore directories of archival organizations in the United States and Canada.

Accreditation

The Master of Library & Information Science program is accredited by the American Library Association.