Library Science, Archives and Records Management Concentration, MLS

Program Overview

The Archives and Records Management concentration (Library Science MLS) is a collaborative program with the Graduate Department in History at North Carolina Central University. Via dedicated coursework, students learn to blend the theoretical and empirical aspects of archives and records management into scholarly investigations.

In addition, the curriculum emphasizes an understanding of the environment in which archival records are created, preserved and used and teaches students to perform the archival functions of appraisal, acquisition, collection management, preservation, arrangement, description, access, and outreach.

Program Objectives

The Archives and Records Management program is a collaborative program with the Graduate Department in History at North Carolina Central University.

Upon completion of the archival and records management curriculum, a graduate should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the environment in which archival records are created, preserved and used
Demonstrate the ability to perform the archival functions of appraisal, acquisition, collection management, preservation, arrangement, description, access, and outreach
Manage resources and make decisions based on thorough evaluations
Blend theoretical and empirical aspects of archives and records management into scholarly investigations

Curriculum

The Archives and Records Management (ARM) concentration of the North Carolina Central University School of Library and Information Sciences prepares future and current professionals for a career in academic, corporate, government, religious archives, and records centers.

To optimize this goal, the ARM curriculum is currently under revision to be administered solely by the School of Library and Information Sciences. Starting fall 2020, new courses are available as special topics (LSIS5750) until final curriculum approval. Students may use the list below as a guide for archives-related special topics courses that are regularly offered, until the ARM curriculum is finalized.

Fall Semester
LSIS5750: Archival Principles and Practices
LSIS5750: Community Archiving
LSIS5750: Electronic Records Management

Spring Semester
LSIS5750: Introduction to Records Management
LSIS5750: Reference Services: Access and Advocacy

Updated information will be provided to students upon official approval.

For additional information, please contact the ARM program coordinator, Dr. Aisha Johnson, at Ajohn408@nccu.edu.

View Catalog Information

Admission Requirements

The requirements for all applicants are as follows:

Online graduate admission application
$50 non-refundable application fee
GPA/grades: Cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (“A”= 4.0) on all undergraduate work (exceptions to the 2.75 GPA requirement may be made for applicants with relevant professional experience)
Official transcripts: Official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (must be received in sealed university envelopes)
Letters of recommendation: At least two relevant professional or academic letters of recommendation (access forms through the online application; recommenders need to upload letters of recommendation)
Statement of purpose: This statement should be approximately 700–800 words (2–3 pages) long. Please discuss the following in the statement:
- How your personal, academic and work experiences have influenced you to apply for this program
- What your professional objectives are and how you want to arrive at them
- How you hope to contribute to positive change in the field, especially in light of the School’s mission “to prepare professionals to become leaders who can advance the library and information sciences in a diverse and global society"
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV): should include work experience related to the library and information professions, as well as other types of employment experience, and volunteer or community activities; should be less than 2 pages long
The GRE is not required (submitted scores are not considered)

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

Application Deadline Dates

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: April 1

International Applicants

Fall: April 1
Spring: September 1
Summer: no admission

Contact Us

Graduate Contact Form

How to Apply

All individuals who would like to apply to an NC Central graduate program (except the law program) must apply using the correct online graduate admission application.

Learn More