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Which would be better to work in manuscripts: a degree in Library Sciences or Museum Conservation?

I'm looking at working in manuscript preservation and translation and I'm just not sure what's going to be the best path for me. #manuscripts #Latin #library #museums

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Michael’s Answer

Hi,

I recommend you get your Library of Science degree. Look for a college where you can concentrate of manuscript preservation.

I would also recommend you join ALA, the American Library Association. They can help you so much finding jobs, schools, and resources that can help you.

I've been a sports media librarian for many years and the ALA helped me a lot.
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Christopher’s Answer

Hey there! The two fields both deal with texts, but if you are looking to deal with manuscript preservation you definitely want to go with the Conservation route. Library Sciences, these days, are mainly focused on database management, much more digitally technical than preservation and translation. A observation Sciences will allow you to do hands on work with texts. For translation, that can be a skill you apply to your job. As you are studying the conservation arts, pick up a language or two at the same time. I used to work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and thought the Conservator were the coolest because they actually got to touch the art.

Christopher recommends the following next steps:

Contact a university with a Library Sciences or Conservation program and talk to them about what they teach.
Find librarians or conservationists on social media (Instagram has a lot) and ask them some questions
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Jodi’s Answer

I have a Library Science degree and agree that the focus of this degree in most cases is not the area you are want to focus except the Archival stream which some library schools offer. Check out their programs descriptions online as suggested. Contact the schools. Find other professionals who are doing what you want to do and approach them about discussing their education and career path (Linkedin might help here). It's great that you know where you want to head and very specifically, now you just need to make sure you have the educational background to success. Best of luck!
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Ashlee’s Answer

Hi Elaysha! In my opinion, I would recommend the Library Science degree, depending on the type of preservation work you want to achieve with manuscripts. Also History, Art, English, and even Journalism would be great options to review as well, as you dive deeper into your field and considering translating manuscripts. These majors often have solid tracks/concentrations that could allow you to explore other degree options to go into your field too. Think English with a track in Cultural Studies at OU for example. I think also talking to other experts in the field is a great idea as well (be on the look out for internships and other opportunities either through personal or college connections). I hope this helps!
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Alexandra F.’s Answer

Hello Elaysha!

I agree that if you want hands on experience Museum Conservation is the way to go. From what I know of the industry you can do a conservation concentration focusing in manuscript preservation/paper documents or archaeological conservation, both of which are potentially useful. However be aware that to apply for a conservation program, you need a background in chemistry/science and art rather than a straightforward museum studies degree. A Library Science degree can also be seen as useful but you may not get as much hands on experience that way. I'm a ancient historian and recent graduate with my second MA of a museum studies MA program. I'm interested in ancient world materials, and have done several collections related internships and considered going into conservation as a career before switching to museum education and a historian career path.

Alexandra F. recommends the following next steps:

Contact a university with a conservation/library program that has experts in the area you'd like to go into and ask them to talk about their industry and how they got into it
Ask university programs in conservation/library sciences what their requirements are for admittance to the program
Contact professionals who are currently working in the industry and ask them to talk about their experiences/have an informational interview. Museums that have manuscript collections and library special collections are a great place to find these professionals. Another place you could try is the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works or a similar organization for Library Professionals. (http://www.conservation-us.org)
Consider taking introductory collections care courses as offered through professional organizations. This may be a good way to get your feet wet and make sure that this is the right field for you. Alternately try volunteering/interning at a museum in collections to gain some experience and meet professionals that way.
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