Archival Program

Opportunities in Archival Studies in the Auburn University History Department

Most professional archivist positions require completion of M.A. in history (or an MLS) with two or more graduate courses in archival administration
M.A. or MLS considered the terminal degree for archivist, although some archivists do hold doctoral degrees
The Society of American Archivists publishes an annual Directory of Archival Education that discusses educational standards and other issues relating to the field

Governmental (federal, state and local)
Academic, corporate, religious, museums, historical societies
Salaries vary widely, but positions for entry-level M.A.'s have been competitive with entry-level teaching positions for new Ph.D.'s

Primary tasks: establish and maintain physical and intellectual control over records of enduring value

Selects records for preservation (appraisal): must assess historical context in which records were created to assess long-term value
Prepares records for research (arrangement and description): must be completed according to accepted standards and practices of the repository and the profession
Preserves records: establishes and implements programs and practices to control or arrest the physical deterioration of records, regardless of condition or format
Assists researchers (reference): a partner in research
Manages archival programs and repositories: develops long-range plans to insure the adequacy of historical documentation; publicizes holdings to encourage use; seeks funding and public support for archival programs

For further information on the archival work see "So You Want to Be an Archivist: An Overview of the Archival Profession"

HIST 7710. Fundamentals of Archival Theory and Practice (3hrs.). An introductory course for students with no prior courses or experience in archival work. Examines the principles and practices of contemporary archivists, the relationship between archives and records management, and the role of records and archives in society.
HIST 7730. Seminar in the History of Records and Archives (3 hrs.). Examines the origins, organizations, and development of records, record keeping systems, and the archival profession and archival institutions in Europe and North America. Students enrolled in this course will be expected to read widely and conduct original research.
HIST 7720. Seminar in Archival Theory and Practice (3 hrs.). An in-depth examination of the development of archival theory and practice in the major functional areas of archival work. Students enrolled in this course will be expected to read widely and conduct original research.
HIST 7920. Archival Internship (2-6 hrs.). Provides students opportunities to apply the principles of archival practice within the context of a functioning archival repository under the supervision of professional archivists. This course may be taken for variable credit and may be repeated for maximum of 6 credit hours.

Since the 1980s almost all students who completed the archival studies program and the M.A. have found employment as archivists (if they sought such employment)
Some repositories will hire students who have completed archives courses and all requirements for the M.A. degree except the completed thesis (with the expectation that the degree will be obtained within a reasonable time)
For examples of typical job announcements, see Employment Announcements in Archival Outlook, the newsletter of the Society of American Archivists.

Auburn University
History Department
314-A Thach Hall
Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5207
(334) 844-6634

fax: (334) 844-6673

Last updated Jan. 7, 2008.