Overview of Library and Archives Assisting
Library and archives assisting is a two-year associate degree program designed to help students gain knowledge in the areas of archival administration, library and information research and management. Students will gain knowledge about the fundamentals of archiving, organizing and cataloguing resources such as books, film, photographs, and documents. Additionally, they acquire knowledge about library information retrieval systems and the strategies necessary to access various library collections.
What are the Career Opportunities for Graduates With an Associate Degree in Library and Archives Assisting?
With an associate degree in library and archives assisting, graduates gain the skills necessary to pursue a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors. Public sector roles may include positions such as library assistant, archivist, librarian, data entry technician and records manager, while private sector roles may include positions such as library and archive specialist, cataloguer, legal billing analyst, and technical writer. All of these positions require the basic skills gained in associate degree program.
Are There Internship or Co-Op Opportunities Related to Library and Archives Assisting?
Many colleges and universities offering an associate program in library and archive assisting may have partnerships with local libraries and cultural heritage organizations that offer internships to students in their second year of study. These internships offer great opportunities to gain practical experience in managing library and archive collections, as well as to build professional relationships with potential employers.
Are There Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Library and Archives Assisting?
Most associate degree programs in library and archive assisting offer specialized tracks or concentrations in areas such as library and information sciences, archives management, and museum and digital curation. Depending on the school, students may have the option to focus on a particular medium such as microform, multimedia or web development.
How Does an Associate Degree in Library and Archives Assisting Prepare Students for Further Education?
An associate degree in library and archive assisting can prepare students for further education in fields such as library science, information studies, or archives and records management. Those wanting to pursue library science could benefit from taking additional courses that focus on library technology and library reference. Those interested in information studies could benefit from taking courses in data analysis, information architecture, and information literacy.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Library and Archives Assisting?
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on library and archives assisting is profound. AI can automate tasks that would traditionally require a human to perform. From automatically cataloguing and categorizing documents to automatically generating reports, AI can increase the efficiency and accuracy of library and archives assisting tasks. AI also allows librarians to better identify trends in library use and more effectively allocate resources to meet user needs.
The Career Outlook for Library and Archives Assisting?
The career outlook for library and archives assisting is positive. As technology advances, libraries are looking to employ staff with skills in cataloguing and databases in addition to those possessing more traditional library skills. This shift has brought an increased demand for library and archive assistants in both traditional and online library organizations. Additionally, many libraries have begun utilizing AI-enhanced systems, creating an even greater need for skilled, trained archive assistants.
Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Library and Archives Assisting:
- Ivy Tech Community College, Salary: $20,636
For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their associate degree in Library and Archives Assisting.