School of Library and Information Science
106 Kresge Library,
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI 48202
United States
Contact
Degrees/Certificates Offered
- Dual Degree--History MA and MLIS
- Graduate Certificate in Archival Administration
- Master of Library and Information Science
Programs Offered
Program Philosophy
Wayne State University began offering courses in archival education in 1961, making it one of the oldest archival education programs in the country. The individual courses and the program more generally combines a serious study of archival theory with practice. We utilize the wealth of local archival and historical institutions in our courses. Students leave the program with a strong understanding of the current trends in archival management and hands on experience. The program is interdisciplinary, with all archival courses being cross listed with the History Department and the School of Library and Information Science. Students can earn the Archival Administration Certificate while pursuing a Masters in Library and Information Science, a Masters in History, or as a stand alone Graduate Certificate. We also offer a combined History MA and MLIS degree.
Facilities
The Library and Information Science Program at Wayne State University's main office is located in the Purdy/Kresge Library, Room 106 Kresge. Courses frequently visit and students often gain experiecne in a number of local archival and historical institutions, including the Walter P. Reuther Library (on the WSU campus), the Wright African American Museum, the Burton Historical Collection (at the Detroit Public Library), Detroit Historical Musuem, Allied Vaughn, and the Detroit Symphony Archives, for a few examples.
Practicum/Internships/Assistantships Offered?
The practicum enables students to work in an archives under the direction and guidance of an archival professional. This experience offers an opportunity to test professional skills and to re-examine concepts and theories within an actual archival repository. Students are regularly placed at such prestigious institutions as the Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Buron Historical Collection The Metro Detroit area offers many other opportunities for research projects beyond the institutions mentioned above. Faculty members work with students to find a good fit, whether the student's interests relate to art, architecture, theatre, dance, music, non profit work, or otherwise.
Graduate Student Assistanships are also granted to several students per year. Students work approximately 20 hours per week in the Wayne State University Library system as reference professionals, or in the School of Library Science program office and in turn are granted tuition re-imbursement and a stipend. This program is a most excellent way to gain real life experience dealing with the public in an information institution and pay for classes.
Research
As mentioned above, archival students may perform research in the many libraries and archives located in the Detroit area, including the largest labor archives, The Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs, which is located on the Wayne State University campus.