Hi Matthew,
It seems to me that whether an advanced degree in Information Science would
be "worth it" would depend largely on what your ultimate goal is as a
records manager. If you plan to move on to the lucrative
non-government/private sector arena, it may well be since these companies
are more progressive and better heeled than public programs. However,
considering your focus has been on public history, I strongly advise you not
to bother.
I am an archivist myself, with a master's degree in history and a strong
pedigree in the public sector. Public programs for records management are
simply not well-heeled enough to support the recommendations that arise from
IT based solutions, unless it comes through an IT portal. Often IT and
Records Management do not play well together in the public/government
sectors and funding is relatively scarce for many Records Management
functions. I think you might well find it to your advantage to learn all
you can about Information Science and Management, but if you stay in the
Records Management path in government, you will not see a commensurate rise
in compensation for your trouble if you would like to justify the tuition.
Good luck with your investigations.
Sincerely,
A.S. Elizabeth Fairfax, MA, CA
Past Chair of the SAA Records Mangement Roundtable
Island County Records and Information Services Program
-----Original Message-----
From: Matthew Hebert [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 1:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [RM] Transitioning from archivist to records manager--Benefits of
MSIM degree?
Hello list,
I'm a first time poster, but long time lurker ever since subscribing to
the list for a Records Management course in grad school as part of a joint
MLIS/MA Public History program. Currently, I'm a new archivist for a state
department of transportation agency, albeit with many records management
duties. However, I eventually (within the next 5 years or so) want to
officially become a records manager.
Michelle asked about the benefits of a J.D or Masters of Legal Studies in
an earlier post and I was intrigued with the many responses. What about the
benefits of a Masters of Science in Information Management degree? Is
anyone familiar with such a program? If so I would be very interested in
any feedback, on or off the listserv. The program I am heavily considering
is at Arizona State University:
http://wpcarey.asu.edu/is/evening_msim/MSIM.cfm
I've been told by many that you can't go wrong with an MBA degree no
matter what field you are pursuing. This MSIM program seems to me to be
similar to an MBA, but tailored to IT and therefore better suited for
jumpstarting a records management career.
I realize there is really no substitute for solid experience in the
records management field. However, would completing this degree program be
useful down the line, while I continue to gather experience to qualify to
take the CRM exam? Does it seem "worth it"?
If anyone on the list has any more suggestions for transitioning from the
archives to the records management field, I would like to hear them.
Matt Hebert
Archivist, ADOT Right of Way Records Center
Phoenix, AZ
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