Archival Studies

At Kent State University’s School of Information, we have a proven track record of launching new professionals in careers as archivists. Archival studies is a recognized strength of our MLIS graduate program.

In 2021, we were ranked #12 in the specialty of archives and preservation by U.S. News and World Report.  

Archivists are information professionals who assess, collect, organize, preserve, maintain control over, and provide access to records and archives determined to have long-term value. The records maintained by an archivist can consist of a variety of analog and digital forms and documentary genres, including letters, diaries, logs, various other writings, official documents, photographs and other visual materials, sound recordings, and moving images.

According to archival scholar Laura Millar, “these records are kept because they have continuing value to the creating agency and to other potential users. They are the documentary evidence of past events. They are the facts we use to interpret and understand history.” Archival material can be found in many institutions and organizations, as well as in personal collections, thus archivists work in a wide variety of environments.

Students are required to complete 12 credit hours of electives pertinent to archives, as well as 13 credits of MLIS core courses and 12 additional elective credits, for a total of 37 credit hours. 

For further information on this area, please consult the advising sheet for the Archival Studies pathway.