Introduction

Introduction:

So, there you are with your history or liberal arts degree, now what? There are jobs out there but few of them relate to what you studied. Or you are a Library Science grad student and are curious or wondering about going the archival route. You want to know if a career in archives is for you, then read on.

Purpose

When I created this page in Spring 1998, it was for the student and the person changing careers who wanted to know if the archival field is for them. It will hopefully answer some of the questions about the archival profession left unanswered by other web sites. When I began my archives study I found the SAA web site directed more towards those already in the profession, and other professional websites vague. Library Science or History graduate programs touched upon the topic, but even then this got buried under those departments' larger programs.

Now, I as I try to change the pages here and there a little by little, the purpose of the web site continues to try to help the archives studies student find out more about the profession. I would like to promote the profession, but remain honest about its pitfalls and headache causing issues, so the student comes in with their eyes open. And in my effort to be honest, I do not claim to be an expert. Despite just finishing my studies in 1999, I continue to learn about the profession and share what I learn with others.

Design

Most of the information provided here is at this site and in frames. If there is a link out to the outside, the link will look like this "[wp]". Internal links are simply underlined like so "fake link"

Disclaimer

I do not claim to be an expert. I am a mortal, a human and I'm very flawed, and some of these flaws may show up in this or other writings. Do not depend on my opinion alone. I am providing the following information solely as a service to students interested in the archival profession. Do not base any hiring or preservation decisions on this web page. The opinions expressed our totally my own and do not reflect that of my advisors, employers, parents, graduate school, this server or anyone else. If I have infringed on any rights please inform me immediately before taking any legal or illegal action. If you want to know my credentials follow this link.