Overview

Introductory field experiences are embedded into LIS 438: Introduction to Archival Theory and Practice, which is a required course in the Archives Management concentration and Cultural Heritage Informatics concentration.  The field experience is an integral part of this 3 credit course. 

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Course Description:

Fundamentals of archival theory and practice, including the issues, values, methods, and activities in archival settings. Introduction to core archival functions of appraisal, acquisition, arrangement, description, reference, and access. Overview of history and terminology of the profession. Discussion of the types and varieties of archival repositories and the value of historical records beyond traditional research use. Engagement with contemporary issues in the archival profession. Course includes a required 60-hour field experience. 

Learn more about LIS 438 in the course snapshot.

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Field Experiences in LIS 438

In order to fully anchor our students’ understanding of the theory introduced to them in the classroom, this introductory course includes a 60-hour field experience to be completed in an archives or manuscript repository under the supervision of a professional archivist.

While no two projects are exactly alike, we hope that these experiences provide similar footings for our students as they continue their studies with more in-depth coursework.  We prefer that introductory projects include arrangement and description a small archival collection but would also accept other types of arrangement and description activities; such as inventories, item-level metadata, and description of digital images.

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Use the drop-down menu above to explore introductory field experience placements, projects, and evaluations.

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Questions? Email the Field Experience Team at [email protected].