What does an Archivist do?

An archivist is responsible for the preservation of historical records. This may include documents, photographs, audio and video recordings, and other artifacts. The archivist may also be responsible for cataloging and organizing these materials.

Archivist job duties include:

• Maintain archival materials, including documents, photographs, audio and video recordings, and artifacts
• Process archival collections, which may include organizing, describing, and preserving materials
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for managing archival collections
• Select and acquire new archival materials in accordance with the scope and focus of the collection
• Provide reference and research services to patrons seeking information from archival materials
• Create finding aids, such as inventories or guides, to help patrons locate archival materials of interest
• Promote the use of archival collections through exhibitions, public programs, and outreach activities
• Write grant proposals to secure funding for archival projects
• Supervise staff members and volunteers working in the archives
• Stay up-to-date on developments in the field of archives and information science

Archivist Job Requirements

An Archivist typically has a master's degree in library science, information science, or history. Many Archivists also have a second master's degree or a PhD. In addition to their advanced degrees, Archivists must complete a professional certification process. This process includes completing an internship and passing a written exam. Archivists must also have several years of experience working with archives and archival collections.

Archivist Skills

• Arrangement and description
• Collection development
• Reference and user services
• Preservation
• Digitization
• Outreach and public programming
• Research
• Writing and editing
• Project management
• Budgeting and financial management
• Human resources management
• Facilities management

Related: Top Archivist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Archivist

There are many reasons you might want to become an archivist. Perhaps you love history and want to help preserve important records. Maybe you’re interested in working with a specific type of material, such as photographs or audio recordings. Or maybe you simply enjoy working with information and organizing it in a way that makes sense. Whatever your reasons, if you’re interested in becoming an archivist, there are a few things you need to know.

First, it’s important to understand what archivists do. Archivists are responsible for preserving records and artifacts that have historical value. This can include everything from letters and diaries to maps and blueprints. Archivists make sure these items are properly stored and preserved so they can be used by researchers now and in the future.

If you’re interested in becoming an archivist, you will need at least a master’s degree in library science or a related field. Many archivists also have a second master’s degree, such as in history or museum studies. It’s also important to have experience working with archives and knowledge of preservation techniques. Many archivists start out working as interns or volunteer positions before landing a full-time job.

If you think being an archivist is the right career for you, there are a few steps you can take to get started. First, learn as much as you can about the profession. Read books, articles, and websites about archives and archival work. Attend conferences and workshops on the topic. You can also join professional organizations, such as the Society of American Archivists, which offer networking opportunities and resources for those interested in the field.

Second, get some experience working with archives. This can be done through internships, volunteer positions, or part-time jobs. Many archives offer volunteer opportunities that can give you a taste of what the work is like. You can also look for part-time jobs or internships at museums or historical societies, which often have archives on site. Getting some experience will not only help you decide if becoming an archivist is right for you, but it will also give you an edge when applying for jobs later on.

Finally, if you’re serious about becoming an archivist, consider going back to school to get your master’s degree in library science or a related field. There are many great programs out there that can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field. Once you have your degree, start applying for jobs at archives or other institutions where your skills would be valuable. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of becoming an archivist!

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