In this article:
What is a Library and Archives Assisting Degree?
A Library and Archives Assisting degree prepares students to help manage libraries and archives. This program teaches how to organize, manage, and preserve different types of information, whether it’s in books, digital formats, or historical documents. Students learn the basics of library work, like cataloging and retrieving information, as well as how to care for important records and materials in archives.
The coursework typically includes topics like information technology, database management, and research skills. Students also gain hands-on experience using library and archival software, assisting with reference services, and helping people find the resources they need. Ethical practices in handling sensitive or rare materials are also an important part of the training.
Graduates with this degree can work in various places, such as public libraries, schools, museums, and government offices. They support librarians, archivists, and researchers by managing collections, assisting with research, and ensuring valuable information is well-preserved and accessible.
Program Options
Library and Archives Assisting degree programs offer various program options to accommodate students’ needs and career goals. Here are some common program options available in the field:
- Associate Degree: An Associate Degree in Library and Archives Assisting is a two-year program that provides foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in libraries, archives, and related institutions. This program typically includes general education courses along with specialized coursework in library science, archival studies, and information management.
- Certificate Programs: Certificate programs in Library and Archives Assisting offer focused training in specific areas of library and archival work. These programs are shorter in duration compared to degree programs and are designed to provide specialized skills for immediate employment or career advancement. Certificate programs may focus on topics such as cataloging and classification, digital archives, preservation techniques, or records management.
- Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs: Some institutions offer Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs for students who already hold an associate degree or have completed a significant portion of their undergraduate coursework. These programs allow students to transfer credits and complete their bachelor’s degree in library and archives assisting, typically in a shorter timeframe than traditional four-year programs.
- Online and Distance Learning Options: Many colleges and universities offer online or distance learning options for Library and Archives Assisting programs, allowing students to complete their coursework remotely. Online programs provide flexibility for students who may have work or family commitments and cannot attend classes on campus.
- Dual Degree Programs: Dual degree programs combine the study of library and archives assisting with another field of study, allowing students to earn two degrees simultaneously. Common dual degree options include Library and Archives Assisting combined with History, Information Technology, or Museum Studies, among others.
- Continuing Education and Professional Development: In addition to formal degree and certificate programs, students can also pursue continuing education and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in library and archives assisting. These programs may include workshops, seminars, conferences, and online courses offered by professional organizations and institutions.
Skills You’ll Learn
A degree in Library and Archives Assisting equips students with a range of valuable skills essential for success in the field of library and information science. Here are some of the key skills you can expect to develop:
- Information Organization: You’ll learn how to effectively organize and classify information resources using cataloging systems, metadata standards, and classification schemes to facilitate access and retrieval by users.
- Reference and Information Services: You’ll acquire skills in providing reference and information services to users, including conducting reference interviews, searching library catalogs and databases, and assisting users in finding relevant resources.
- Collection Management: You’ll gain expertise in managing library collections, including selection, acquisition, deselection, and preservation of print and electronic resources to meet the needs of diverse user communities.
- Cataloging and Metadata: You’ll learn how to create descriptive metadata records and apply cataloging rules and standards to accurately describe and catalog library materials for effective resource discovery.
- Digital Libraries and Archives: You’ll develop skills in managing and providing access to digital collections and electronic resources, including digitization, digital preservation, and metadata creation for digital materials.
- Information Literacy Instruction: You’ll learn how to design and deliver information literacy instruction programs to teach users how to effectively find, evaluate, and use information resources for academic, professional, and personal purposes.
- Communication and Collaboration: You’ll develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues, users, and stakeholders and collaborate on projects and initiatives in library and information settings.
- Technology Proficiency: You’ll gain proficiency in using technology tools and systems for library management, information retrieval, and digital resource management, including library management systems, databases, and digital repository platforms.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: You’ll hone your critical thinking abilities and develop problem-solving skills to analyze information needs, evaluate information sources, and address information challenges effectively.
- Ethical and Professional Practice: You’ll learn about professional ethics, values, and standards of conduct in the library and information profession, including intellectual freedom, privacy, confidentiality, and ethical responsibilities to users and communities.
What Can You Do with a Library and Archives Assisting Degree?
A degree in Library and Archives Assisting opens up various career opportunities in libraries, archives, museums, and other information organizations. Here are some potential career paths you can pursue with a degree in Library and Archives Assisting:
- Library Assistant: As a library assistant, you’ll support library operations by performing tasks such as shelving books, assisting patrons with locating materials, managing circulation transactions, and providing basic reference services.
- Digital Asset Manager: Digital asset managers oversee the management and organization of digital collections and electronic resources in libraries, archives, museums, and other organizations. They may manage digital repositories, develop metadata standards, and facilitate access to digital materials.
- Archival Assistant: Archival assistants work in archives and special collections to help manage and preserve historical records, manuscripts, and other archival materials. They may assist with processing collections, creating descriptive metadata, digitizing materials, and providing reference services to researchers.
- Museum Technician: Museum technicians assist curators and museum staff with the management and care of museum collections. They may help with artifact handling, exhibition installation, cataloging collections, and maintaining collection databases.
- Records Management Specialist: Records management specialists work in organizations to manage and maintain records and information in both physical and electronic formats. They ensure that records are organized, accessible, and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Information Assistant: Information assistants provide support with information management and retrieval tasks in various settings, including libraries, archives, government agencies, and research organizations. They may assist with research, data management, and information technology support.
- Preservation Assistant: Preservation assistants help preserve and conserve library and archival materials by performing tasks such as cleaning, repairing, and rehousing damaged items, as well as implementing preventive conservation measures.
