Library and archives assisting degree overview

A library and archives assisting degree is a program that trains students to support the daily operations of libraries, archives, and information centers. This degree teaches practical skills in organizing materials, cataloging books and digital records, assisting patrons, and managing library technology. It is designed for individuals who want to work in public, academic, school, or special libraries, as well as archives that preserve historical documents.

Students in this program learn about information management, research methods, and how to use library systems and databases. They may also study the basics of record preservation and digitization, which are important for maintaining historical and modern collections. Some programs include hands-on training through internships or work placements, allowing students to gain real-world experience before graduating.

A library and archives assisting degree can be offered at different levels, including certificate programs, associate degrees, and sometimes bachelor’s degrees with a focus on library science or archival studies. Each option provides varying levels of training and career opportunities.

• Certificate Programs: These short-term programs, often completed in less than a year, focus on the essential skills needed for entry-level jobs in libraries and archives. They are ideal for those who want to quickly enter the workforce or gain additional training while working in a related field.
• Associate Degree in Library and Archives Assisting: This two-year degree provides a more in-depth education, covering cataloging, research methods, and digital information management. Many programs also include internships to give students hands-on experience. Graduates can work as library technicians or archives assistants in public, academic, and special libraries.
• Bachelor’s Degree with a Focus on Library Science or Archival Studies: While less common, some universities offer bachelor’s degrees in related fields, such as information science or history, with coursework in library and archival studies. This option may be useful for those who want to pursue higher-level positions or continue into a master’s degree in library science.

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.

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:

• 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.