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University of Washington Information School

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Master of Library and Information Science

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Archiving, Special Collections, Records Management

  1. Programs
  2. MLIS
  3. Career Outcomes
  4. Archiving, Special Collections, Records Management

In library science, special collections is a specific repository or department within a library that stores materials of a "special" nature, including rare books, archives and collected manuscripts. The primary function of a special collections department is to keep holdings safe and secure while remaining accessible.

iSchool Courses

Suggested

  • LIS 505 – Archival and Manuscript Services (3)
  • LIS 506 – Introduction to Digital Preservation (4)
  • LIS 508 – History of Recorded Information (4)
  • LIS 526 – Government Information: Production and Access (3)
  • LIS 531 – Catalogs, Cataloging, and Classification (4)
  • LIS 534 – Indigenous Systems of Knowledge (3)
  • LIS 537 – Taxonomy and Indexing Construction (4)
  • LIS 540 – Technology Fundamentals for Library and Information Science Professionals (4)

Also consider...

  • LIS 501 – History and Foundations of Libraries and Librarianship (3)
  • LIS 506 – Introduction to Digital Preservation (4)
  • LIS 521 – Principles of Information Services (4)
  • LIS 545 – Data Curation I: Fundamentals (4)
  • LIS 598 – Search & Discovery (4)
  • MUSEO 528 – Advocacy and Social Change (3)
  • MUSEO 560 – Museum Administration and Leadership (3)
  • All courses from the Textual Studies Certificate Program may also count toward the MLIS.

Professional Organizations

  • ARMA International
  • Library of Congress Preservation
  • National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators
  • National Film Preservation Foundation
  • Society of American Archivists

Sample Job Titles

  • Archivist
  • Collections Archivist
  • Data Management Specialist
  • Document Specialist
  • Project Archivist
  • Records Management Specialist
  • Special Collections Librarian
  • “Subject Matter” Librarian
  • Video and Post Production Specialist

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News

Informatics student Ruth Nakigozi speaks to a woman in front of her poster.

RAISE expo highlights students' solutions to AI problems

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Five Information School students were among dozens who shared insights from their research at the RAISE research center’s recent Fall Exposition in downtown Seattle. RAISE, the Center for Responsibility in AI Systems and...
Read more

Canopy Foundation makes $15M grant to establish UW Neurodiversity and Employment Institute

Monday, October 20, 2025
The Canopy Neurodiversity Foundation awarded a $15 million grant to the University of Washington Information School to support the launch of the UW Institute for Neurodiversity and Employment. The new institute will bring together leading...
Read more

Events

Oct 23
 
1:00-2:00PM

Informatics Group Advising: Graduation Application Process Explained

MGH 430
Oct 23
 
5:30-6:30PM

MLIS Career Exploration through Professional Associations

Virtual
Oct 24
 
11:30-1:30PM

Faculty Meeting

Bloedel Hall 070
Oct 24
 
12:00-1:00PM

Navigating Your Job Search in Today's Market

Mary Gates Hall 258
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