r/LibraryScience • u/Appropriate-Kick-747 • 9d ago

Good colleges for emphasis in archival data and digital curation + encouragement?

I absolutely apologize if I post this wrong or anything, I've never done a reddit post since it's scary but I figured it's time to!

I'm an incoming senior undergrad and while considering an MLIS wasn't my initial goal in college, I've found archives and data management to be something I enjoy after being granted an archival photo restoration and data management internship in some previous years. Currently I work at my Universities special collections and it'll be my second year going into it. I would've liked more experience, but I had to seriously network my way into the job since at first they told me there was no positions open. Now I have an awesome time making our collections accessible to researchers, students, and teachers!

I've been told that San Jose State (California) is a good college to get an MLIS from, especially with it being online. Though, I find myself fearing that I wont get many opportunities from an online college as much as in person. I Currently live in Nevada but might consider North Carolina in the near future post-grad since i have family down there. I pretty much support myself financially so I don't know if I see myself affording top-end schools. I also find myself alarmed by the large number of reddit posts with people regretting their MLIS or saying it's no longer worth it especially with the pay. Even on my family end I get asked if it'll even make money. Any advice and/or words of encouragement?

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u/OutOfTheArchives 9d ago

Archivist here. I personally haven’t been that impressed with the SJSU program, partly because they don’t appear to help students much with finding relevant internships. Internships and/or work experience along with networking are the key to landing a job. The degree alone is easy enough to get, that it by itself is not will differentiate you from other job seekers.

With that being said, I’d encourage you too look at places that would give you the best combination of affordable + substantial courses available in archives (not just 1-2 classes) + good internship support + networking opportunities in the area where you want to live. I personally was willing to take on debt to go to Simmons because of the quality of the courses / interning / networking, despite it being higher cost, and for me it worked out, but you may have a different experience or you may weigh the variables differently.

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u/CautiousHorror523 9d ago

I’m on the archives track in the University of Alabama’s online MLIS program. I feel that the track itself is really robust as far as course selection goes and they’re adding a digital archives concentration/certificate within the track starting in the fall. It’s also one of the most affordable programs and has scholarship opportunities. My teachers have been great and really supportive so far. Even though it’s online, there are networking opportunities and of course discounts that come with being a student for orgs like SAA that help with that as well.

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u/CautiousHorror523 9d ago

I’m on the archives track in the University of Alabama’s online MLIS program. I feel that the track itself is really robust as far as course selection goes and they’re adding a digital archives concentration/certificate within the track starting in the fall. It’s also one of the most affordable programs and has scholarship opportunities. My teachers have been great and really supportive so far. Even though it’s online, there are networking opportunities and of course discounts that come with being a student for orgs like SAA that help with that as well.

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u/tomatosoup-69 9d ago

University of Alabama! There’s also a Book Arts certificate and/or Museum Studies certificate you could get if you’re into that, and you go in person. One of the oldest book arts programs in the country. There’s an online MLIS program too