Archivists
What is an Archivist?
An archivist is a professional responsible for the management, preservation, and organization of historical records and documents. They play a crucial role in ensuring that valuable information and cultural heritage are maintained for future generations. Archivists work with a variety of materials, including manuscripts, photographs, maps, audio and video recordings, and digital files. Their tasks often involve evaluating and acquiring materials, arranging and describing collections, developing archival policies, and providing access to records for researchers, historians, and the public. Archivists also employ specialized knowledge in preservation techniques to protect materials from deterioration and disaster. In today's digital age, many archivists are also focused on digital preservation, developing strategies to maintain the integrity and accessibility of electronic records. Overall, archivists contribute significantly to historical research, cultural preservation, and the understanding of society's past.
Tasks
- Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
- Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
- Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
- Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Archivists' Toolkit
- FileMaker Pro
- Microsoft Access
- PREMIS
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Corel Paint Shop Pro
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Geographic information system
- Esri ArcGIS
- Geographic information system GIS systems
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Document management software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Omeka software
Tools Used
- Scanners
- Notebook computers
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Inkjet printers
- Digital cameras
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Desktop computers
Knowledge
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History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Abilities
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Post-master's certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.
- Organize informational materials.
- Help patrons use library or archival resources.
- Develop library or archival databases.
- Direct activities of subordinates.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$37720.0 - $103000.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.