Library, information and archival studies
A field of study in social sciences, journalism and information
Vocational or degree?Mostly higher educationFewer than 1 in 10 train through vocational routes in the EU: 1,200 finished vocational training and 63,000 higher education in this field (2024). Figures for the wider field.Eurostat
Do graduates use it?59% in a matching jobof social science graduates with a degree in the EU work in a job that matches what they studied. After vocational training: 37% (small sample).All social science fields · Eurostat 2024
Do they find work?87% in workof people who finished higher education in the last 1 to 3 years in the EU (2025). Vocational training: 80%. General upper secondary only: 67%.All fields · Eurostat
What you'd learn
DigitizationMuseum databasesInformation categorisationDocument managementDocumentation typesCollection managementCollection management softwareDigital curationDocument sharing proceduresSource criticismMuseologyControl objectives for information and related technology+ 2 more
The knowledge areas ESCO files under this field, those most needed by jobs first. Actual programmes vary by school and country.
Where it can lead
12 jobs use what this field teaches.
| Job | Prospects | Pay | Usual study | AI exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Museum scientist | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Collection manager | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Archivist | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Exhibition registrar | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Cultural archive manager | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Cultural visitor services manager | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Librarian | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Conservator | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Zoo registrar | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Document management officer | Good | Well above average | Degree | Low |
| Exhibition curator | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Museum director | Good | Well above average | Degree | Low |
Jobs that need the knowledge this field teaches (ESCO), closest match first. This is not a record of where graduates actually end up: no EU-wide data says that per field.
Where to study
927 institutions in the EU offer social science bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.