History provides an understanding of the context in which records and papers are created, maintained, and used and of the cultural, economic, legal, political, and social systems that shape society. History assists graduates in understanding the evolution of organizations and their functions and the activities of individuals, thus contributing to more effective archival selection, appraisal, description, and user service. Graduates should also exercise the historian's skills in evaluating evidence and the context of its creation. Knowledge of research methods enables archivists to understand the potential uses of archival materials to provide more effective reference assistance for all users.