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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

A photo of Cynthia Leitich Smith and images of two of her books, "Jingle Dancer" and "Sisters of the Neversea."

Cynthia Leitich Smith to share insights on Indigenous stories

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Children's and young adult book author Cynthia Leitich Smith writes stories that center Indigenous youth as heroes. Her storytelling draws inspiration from moments and experiences she’s had in her own life.“I didn't really think of it...
Read more
A patent form.

A simple intervention significantly improved patent outcomes for women inventors

Wednesday, October 1, 2025
While innovation is core to American identity, women inventors were named on only 13% of 2019 U.S. patents. In part, that’s because women’s patents are less likely to make it through the examination process. Research by the...
Read more

Events

Oct 9
 
4:00-5:00PM

MLIS Prospective Student Information Session - Fireside Chat with Chair

Zoom / Online
Oct 10
 
11:30-1:30PM

Faculty Meeting

Bloedel 070
Oct 10
 
4:00-5:00PM

Ph.D. in Information Science Information Session with Faculty Panel

Zoom / Online
Oct 14
 
12:00-1:30PM

CALMA Round Table : Mapping the Black Information Future

Virtual
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