Educating Archivists: Speculations on the Past, Present, and Future

This article examines historical and present issues and future prospects for archival education. Most important recent developments include the emergence of new graduate level programs and the Society of American Archivists’ adoption of new guidelines for these programs and for individual certification. Future prospects depend on the resolution of several issues which concern recruitment, distinguishing educational requirements for areas of archival specialization, clarification of the role of the practicum in the educational process, and the definition of the archivist’s role in the information society. It appears, in light of the above, that the archival profession and its education face a brighter future than ever before