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Re: jobs



I would like to add how I got started in libraries which hopefully will give some guidance.  During my senoir year in college (I ended up graduating with 2 BAs but that is another long story) I asked my mentor what I could study as a graduate student to broaden my chances for employment (because like so many other humanities students I was sick of fast food jobs).  He recommended getting an MLS since I wanted to get into manuscript studies.  To see if this might be an option I decided to get a work/study position at my college library.  During this job I got a great deal of experience with microformat equipment, reference and circulation procedures (as well as shelving books with I still hate to do).  During my last semester I needed a job quick since I was completely broke and bills were piling up like mad.  I got a part-time job at one of the branch libraries in the library system where I now work as a circulation clerk.  A month later a much better paying position at the main library opened up as a reference assistant.  I got this job and upon graduation they made the position full-time.  This is where I got most of my internet and genealogy training.  After a year I was able to get into graduate school and now I'm working full-time and going to school full-time (unless you are completely insane don't do this if you have other options). 

Many of your entry-level positions in libraries and archives will require you to do alot of labor-intensive (and frankly mind-numbing) tasks.  If you stick to it, however, one job usually leads to a bigger and better job.  Though there are several aspects about my job that I don't like--dealing with internet/pornography issues with minors and aiding patrons with finding tax forms--this job pays much better than fast food and will look much more impressive on a resume. 

Stick in there and try to get as much hands-on training as you can, even if you have to volunteer your time.  It will pay off.  And get into grad school as quickly as you can too!!!

Sincerely,

Katrina M. Bowling

Kenton County Public Libraries

 

Deborah Richards <richards@RADMAIL.HARVARD.EDU> wrote:

Hi Jamie,
While it is true that you should get into grad school asap and that you *may* need to work in non-archives positions, I think, in my humble opinion, that since you have an emphasis in archival studies you may have some options.

First, you might be able to get a job as a non-professional archival assistant.
Second, you might be able to get a library job, ie. library clerk, and then volunteer at a local repository so you'll still be getting experience.
Third, depending on where you go to school there should be postings for non-professional archives positions. I recommend contacting the department where you plan to go and ask about that.
At the very least and hopefully your program will have internships so again if you're not working in an archives position, you'll still be getting experience.

A lot depends on where you're located right now and where you're going to school. I recommend continuing to use the Archives listserv for networking and contact your program as soon as you can about jobs for student archivists.

I just finished my MSLIS with an archives concentration in May so I know what you're going through. Hang in there and good luck!

~Debbie


Deborah A. Richards
Manuscript Processor
Schlesinger Library
Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study
10 Garden St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-495-8647
richards@radcliffe.edu
http://www.radcliffe.edu/schles


>>> Jamie Miller 02/03 11:03 PM >>>
does anyone know what kind of job I can get with a BA in History with
emphasis in archival studies? I'm going to grad school in the fall, but I
need to get my foot in the door somewhere. help!!!!!!! thanks

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