Looking to become a more marketable archivist? Read this.
A friend from graduate school (UMich) recently contacted me and asked me to talk about his program on the blog, and I’m happy to do it–both for him and because it looks like a program many readers might want to consider. It’s the Digital Information Management (DigIn) Certificate program at the University of Arizona School of Information Resources and Library Science. And, let’s say this right up front: scholarships are available. I’ll post all the details below, but first, here are some thoughts from Laura Drake Davis, an archivist who’s currently in the program:
For years, I have had an interest in electronic records and digital collections – especially in terms of how to best manage, preserve, and provide access to these collections. I began my archival career 14 years ago, and my training included little, if any, discussion on these issues – our discussions were more likely to focus on how best to put a finding aid online (text or proprietary software), rather than the more weighty questions being addressed today of long-term preservation and access. I dutifully attended workshops and conference sessions on electronic records year after year, but I had no tangible product of my interest and knowledge. After much thought, I finally decided to go back to school to obtain formal training in digital collections and electronic records, which would expand upon the knowledge I had been collecting for years.
After researching various programs, I decided to apply to the Digital Information Management Certificate program (DigIn) at the University of Arizona. I was attracted to DigIn because of the mix of technical, theoretical and practical coursework. Additionally, all of the courses are delivered online, so I am able to remain in my current professional position while I am taking classes. I am currently halfway through the program, with the current semester and the summer capstone project left to complete. I have found the technical aspect of the coursework to be the most challenging and the most rewarding. And while I may not ever write any more PHP scripts, I have a better knowledge of the technical foundations for these collections, and I know that I am capable of starting a digital collection program from the ground up, should the need ever arise. Also, I know that I can speak intelligently with technical staff regarding the infrastructure needed for digital collections and electronic records. In addition to the technical courses, the theoretical courses have been interesting and I am more excited about digital collections than I ever have been. In the courses, we have reviewed a number of digital collections and digital projects, done extensive reading about projects around the world, discussed many of the challenges in working with diverse user groups, evaluated projects in terms of receiving grant funding, and have even developed several small digital collections using various open source applications.
I believe my decision to enter the DigIn program has been a good one. For me, the Digital Information Management certificate will be a valuable asset as I continue to seek to be more involved with digital collections and electronic records. I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge about digital collections and electronic records in a short period of time. I am looking forward to continuing to apply this knowledge in my current position as well as in future positions.
This sounds like a really worthwhile possibility for people who want to add to their skills and be more competitive in this tough job market. If you already know all that stuff (lucky you!), think about if you have some less tech-savvy colleagues who might benefit from it. Here’s all the official info:
Digital Information Management (DigIn) Certificate program admission is now open for 2009-10. Scholarships are available.
The University of Arizona School of Information Resources and Library Science is pleased to announce that openings are available in the school’s graduate certificate program in Digital Information Management (DigIn), and that scholarships are available for students entering the program in 2009.
The DigIn program features hands-on experience and focused instruction supporting careers in libraries, archives, records management, museums, as well as in the private sector. The certificate includes six courses covering a wide range of topics relevant to today’s digital information environment, including digital collections, applied technology, technology planning and leadership, policy and ethics, digital preservation and research data curation.
For information professionals just starting in the field or considering career changes, the DigIn certificate program offers an alternative path to graduate studies that helps prepare students for success in traditional graduate
programs or the workplace.
The certificate also provides a means for working professionals and those who already have advanced graduate degrees in library and information sciences, archives, museum studies or other fields to broaden their knowledge and skills in today’s rapidly evolving digital information landscape.
The program is delivered 100% online and has no residency requirements. Students generally complete the certificate in four or six semesters (15 months or 27 months).
Beginning this year, DigIn applicants will be able to enter the program at the start of the Summer, Fall, or Spring semesters. The application deadline for Summer ‘09 is April 1. The deadline for Fall ‘09 admission is July 1, and for Spring ‘10 the deadline will be Nov. 1.
DigIn was developed in cooperation with the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records and the University of Arizona Outreach College. Major funding for the program comes from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which has also provided scholarship funding.
Additional details on the program including course descriptions, admissions requirements and application forms may be found on the program website: digin.arizona.edu.
Applicants may also contact the DigIn program coordinator, Prof. Peter Botticelli, at digin [at] email.arizona.edu.
Electronic records, Salary & career issues for archivists, Technology for archives | Kate T. | 
February 13, 2009 4:46 pm
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By Russell D. James, CA, February 14, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
A lot of these programs are popping up, but I’ve been convinced over the past year with others’ comments here and elsewhere concerning the relationship between experience and education. Some archivists have bad jobs or no jobs yet have a stellar education while others have only one master’s degree and awesome jobs. Obviously, I have learned, it is necessary to have a balance of both. Programs like DigIn might be best for those whose education-experience scale is heavy on experience. But for archivists like me who have lots of education but little experience, another education certificate or degree may be a bad move.
On a related note, thanks for presenting this program. I had never heard of it before. We (bloggers, I mean) should try to highlight all of the programs available out there.
By Brittany, February 16, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
I think a blog post about any other similar certificate programs focused on digital information would be a great idea!
By Karen W., February 21, 2009 @ 8:29 am
..”Programs like DigIn might be best for those whose education-experience scale is heavy on experience. But for archivists like me who have lots of education but little experience, another education certificate or degree may be a bad move.”
I think what’s important is what is going to help all students be successful beyond graduate school and in the professions that continue to change much faster than many think.
It’s critical to keep that bridge with the real world of archives and libraries today, networking, even with Twitter and Facebook etc is not going to do it all especially in a bad economy. The positive of this program is that it provides funding especially and is a good opportunity for those interested in gaining new skills and a certificate in digital information.
This has been in place for a number of years at this school with IMLS funding. Looks like a real opportunity for those who can do it, and I also think it is online for parts of the program which also should make it more convenient to those working already.