Ms. McLeister:

Since you appear to be interested in a broader area than a museum 
studies program alone might provide, I suggest you look into enrolling 
in a public history program.  Most of these have coursework in both 
museum studies and archival studies, as well as in areas such as 
historic preservation and policy studies, among others.  The web site of 
the National Council on Public History maintains a list of such 
programs.  Naturally, I am partial to the program I direct, the Program 
in Public History at the University at Albany, State University of New 
York, which offers coursework in several areas, including a dual-degree 
program with our School of Information Science and Policy. 

Good luck!

Ivan D. Steen
Associate Professor
Director, Program in Public History
Department of History
University at Albany, SUNY


Katherine McLeister wrote:

> Hello List:
>  
> I currently have a Bachelor's in History and have interned or worked 
> for two small historical societies for the last four years.  I had 
> hoped to find a job in the museum/historical society field that would 
> allow for 'on the job training' from a professional to supplement my 
> Bachelor's, but have not had much luck.  (My current employer has no 
> formal training.)  In watching and applying for job postings, it seems 
> that jobs are either part time and I couldn't support myself or they 
> prefer/require a Master's degree.  So, I am seriously thinking of 
> pursuing a Master's degree (possibly next fall) and would like your 
> recommendations. 
>  
> Ideally I want to work in a History Museum, but am open to work in any 
> kind of historical society/institution, archive, and/or library to be 
> able to support myself.  It would seem the safest option would be an 
> MLIS (as opposed to Museum Studies) to allow the largest number of job 
> possibilities.  However, I am concerned a MLIS program (even with 
> specialization in archives) will not give me the Collections 
> Management/Conservation and Artifact Handling training I would need to 
> work in a museum.  Is this correct?  Are there universities and/or 
> graduate programs that offer training in Library Science and Museum 
> Studies?  Are there any universities that are considered the top 
> schools in the Museum Community?
>  
> Please contact me off list with any input or suggestions.  Any help or 
> advise is appreciated.  Thank you!
>  
> Kathy
> [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
>  
>  
>
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