How to become An Archivist

• Appraisal Archivists
• Manuscript Librarians

What do Archivists do?

An Archivist would typically need to:

• Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials
• Preserve and maintain records and objects – some may be fragile, damaged, weathered and need careful handling, repair or conservation
• Know the historical value and potential research value of materials to be archived
• Catalog collections and manage information and records as well as their retrieval
• Safeguard documents by creating film and digital copies
• Set and administer policy guidelines concerning public access to archives to ensure that these valuable and essential items do not get damaged
• Find and acquire new materials for their archives; promote their work through exhibitions, presentations, talks and guided tours
• Manage and supervise staff and direct workers to help arrange, exhibit, and maintain collections
• Advice and support prospective researchers on how best to access, use and interpret archives
• Be customer-focused and respond to inquiries from the public, businesses, academics and other users
• Liaise with donors and depositors of archives, bid for funds and manage budgets
• Keep track of different record-keeping systems and procedures for archival research and the retention or destruction of records
• Keep abreast of the latest techniques for filing, indexing and storing materials, so they are easily accessible to researchers and conserved for future generations

Depending on the size of the institution and the position they hold, Archivists may work at a desk or work with potential researchers, providing reference assistance and educational services. They may work independently or in teams.

Archivists use computers, filing systems, documents and materials, microfilm scanners, videos, film equipment, and special document storage cabinets or shelves. Archivists deal with delicate and significant material; they must follow very stringent rules about how they dress when entering their workplace. The rules may differ according to the employer.

Most Archivists work full time. Those in government agencies and corporations generally work during regular business hours.

Career breaks, part-time and flexible working is possible within the government and public sector organizations.

Archivists are generally employed by:

• National Archives
• Private Archives
• Museums
• Universities & Universities of Technology
• Art Galleries
• Charities
• Central Government Organizations
• Hospitals
• Religious Foundations
• Media Organizations
• Professional Organizations
• Specialist Repositories within the Private Sector

Professional associations and organizations such as the International Council on Archives are crucial for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as an Archivist.

• Managing electronic documents while devoting more resources to non-textual materials
• Recognizing that records are global while devising new methods for description and access
• Generating more research and expanding the resources on the archival aspects of information management
• Maintaining the profession’s role as trusted guarantors of society’s interests
• Allergies to dust in some locations

Candidates who work part-time as interns or as volunteers during or after completing their education, have an edge. Substantial experience in collection management, research, exhibit design, restoration, database management skills is essential for full-time positions. Experience in any work that involves information management, customer services, teaching may be helpful. Dress code is business.

The subject of your first degree does not usually matter, but many Archivists have degrees in history, law, classics, English. A master’s degree in history, history of art, anthropology, archaeology, library science, museum studies, Archival Science, political science, and public administration is preferred.

Competition for postgraduate programs is fierce; a good honors degree and previous work experience are preferred. Courses lead to a nine-month postgraduate diploma, which is the minimum requirement for employment as a professional Archivist, or a full one-year master’s degree on completing a dissertation.

Most employers do not require certification. Some Archivists may choose to earn voluntary certification, for it allows them to demonstrate expertise in a particular area. The Academy of Certified Archivists offers the Certified Archivist credential to candidates who have a master’s degree, professional archival experience and pass an exam. The certificate needs to be renewed periodically.

An Archivist is part of a small professional network; you may need a degree of flexibility, both geographically and in the type of organization you work for, when looking for promotion. You may still experience a variety of roles and environments during your working life.

Many people start as assistant Archivists before moving into full Archivist roles. You may progress to senior posts with a more prominent management role involving taking control of budgets, staff, and strategy. Senior management positions in large organizations may be filled from outside the sector by people with substantial business or financial experience. You may choose to expand your career across archiving, conservation and records management, archive conservation, genealogy, historical research. Developing your management skills may improve opportunities for career advancement.

With experience, there may be opportunities for self-employment and contract work, especially in the religious, charities, business sectors, and private individuals and trusts.

Healthy competition because of the high number of qualified applicants per job opening. Graduates with highly specialized training, a master’s degree, and internship or volunteer experience should have the best job prospects.

A qualified Archivist is encouraged to continue professional development to develop skills, increase expert knowledge, and establish contacts. Continuing education is available through meetings, conferences, and workshops sponsored by archival, historical, and museum associations. Some large organizations offer in-house training.

Archives may include valuable historic books, papers, maps, plans, photographs, prints, films, and computer-generated records. Users include researchers, academics, other professional staff, and the general public.

Some record offices are comfortable and modern with good facilities, but in others, you may have to share office space in less comfortable conditions. Some tasks are physically demanding, and you may have to work on-site under challenging conditions, mainly when rescuing records from basements or disused buildings. You may spend the better part of the day working on a computer. There may be opportunities for international travel or secondments and posts.

Deep inside a mountain on a remote island in the Svalbard archipelago, between mainland Norway and the North Pole, lies the Global Seed Vault, with over 860,000 seed samples from across the world.

Only a fraction of all the material being archived may be referred to by a researcher. They are the real treasures of humankind, more valuable than all the gold locked uselessly away in bank vaults. Archives bring to life real and compelling experiences, perspectives, and contributions that can change minds, provide comfort, foster a sense of belonging, change the course of public policy, educate and inform the body politic, simply share an amazingly good story. Archives make a difference.

It depends on those who pass Whether I am a tomb or treasure Whether I speak or am silent The choice is yours alone. Friend, do not enter without desire. Of all our national assets, Archives are the most precious; they are the gift of one generation to another, and the extent of our care marks the scope of our civilization.