HIST 301: The Historian’s Craft: Reading, Research and Writing History

Many History majors go on to consider careers in Libraries and Museums. 

Some work as librarians or archivists.

Librarians have a MLIS  (Masters Degree in Library and Information Science).
Most professional archivists have a MLIS  (Masters Degree in Library and Information Science) with a concentration in archives.

Like many professionals, archivists also attend workshops or classes throughout their careers to maintain skills and knowledge. Below are examples of coursework from selected MLIS/Archives programs. 

• University of California Los Angeles
• Simmons
• University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

The American Library Association is the Professional Society that accreditates Library and Information Science programs. ALA-accredited master's programs can be found at colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. These programs offer degrees with names such as Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Arts, Master of Librarianship, Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), and Master of Science. ALA accreditation indicates that the program has undergone an external review and meets the ALA Committee on Accreditation’s Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies.

The Society of American Archivists (SAA) 

SAA stands for the Society of American Archivists is the oldest and largest organization for archivists.

What does the SAA do? 

• Represents archivists working in a variety of settings, including universities, libraries, businesses, and government
• Offers professional development and training through workshops and publications
• Holds semi-annual meetings
• Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the archival profession
• Has an interest group called the Archivists and Archives of Color Section (AAC)

The SAA represents thousands of archivists and institutions. Members include archivists employed by universities, libraries, businesses, and government. SAA  maintains a Directory of Archival Education on their website.