The archivist profession is dedicated to safeguarding historical records and cultural memory. Archivists act as stewards of documentation, ensuring that evidence of the past remains accessible and understandable. This article details the educational pathway, necessary skills, and diverse employment opportunities available in this specialized field.
Defining the Role of an Archivist
An archivist’s work centers on records selected for permanent preservation due to their enduring historical, legal, or administrative significance. The process begins with appraisal, where the archivist determines which materials to collect, followed by organizing, describing, and preserving them. This differs from a librarian, who manages published materials, as archivists primarily deal with unique, unpublished collections, or fonds.
Archivists handle formats ranging from traditional manuscripts and photographs to complex born-digital files and social media data. Their responsibility is to make these collections searchable and accessible to researchers while maintaining the integrity of the original order. This requires a deep understanding of the records’ provenance, the origin and custody of the materials.
Educational Requirements for Archivists
The standard academic prerequisite for a professional archivist position is a Master’s degree in an information-related discipline. Most employers seek candidates with a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Information Science (MIS) specializing in archival studies. Candidates should attend a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), as this accreditation signifies that the curriculum meets recognized professional standards.
These specialized graduate programs provide focused instruction in core archival functions, including the theory of provenance, records management principles, and the application of descriptive standards. Coursework emphasizes digital curation and preservation, recognizing the shift toward electronic records as the dominant format of modern documentation. Students learn the technical requirements for migrating digital files and ensuring long-term hardware and software compatibility.
The undergraduate major can be varied, with subjects like history, literature, or anthropology providing a strong foundation in research and contextual analysis. A background in history or political science helps the archivist understand the context and significance of the records they will manage. Ultimately, the combination of a liberal arts background and specialized graduate training prepares the individual for the intellectual demands of the profession.
Essential Skills and Core Competencies
Beyond formal education, a successful archivist must possess technical and interpersonal abilities to manage complex collections effectively. Attention to detail is necessary when creating finding aids and processing materials according to descriptive standards like Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS). Strong analytical and research skills are necessary for appraising the value of potential acquisitions and understanding the historical context of the records.
Archivists must be proficient in digital preservation techniques and the implementation of metadata schemas to ensure long-term access to electronic files. This includes understanding file format migration and data integrity checks. Effective communication is also required, as archivists frequently interact with donors to secure collections and assist researchers in navigating the nuances of primary source materials and access restrictions.
Gaining Practical Experience
Hands-on experience is required for entry-level employment and serves to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional archival practice. Aspiring archivists should actively pursue internships, practicums, or volunteer positions, ideally during their graduate program. This practical work provides direct exposure to the day-to-day operations of an archival repository, which can vary significantly across different institutional settings.
Experience in processing collections involves arranging and describing materials, which solidifies understanding of intellectual control concepts. Practical experience also ensures familiarity with specialized archival management software systems, such as ArchivesSpace or Archivists’ Toolkit. Accumulating several hundred hours of supervised experience demonstrates a candidate’s readiness to manage collections independently upon graduation. This practical application of theory is often the distinguishing factor in a competitive job market.
Professional Certification and Continuing Education
After obtaining the necessary degree and experience, many archivists pursue professional credentialing to formally validate their expertise. The Certified Archivist (CA) designation is offered by the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) and is attained by passing a comprehensive examination that assesses knowledge across the profession’s core domains. Achieving this certification demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
Maintaining the certification requires ongoing participation in continuing education, which is important for staying current with rapidly evolving digital preservation technologies and legal compliance requirements. Archivists must continuously update their knowledge of evolving file formats, cybersecurity best practices, and new descriptive methodologies.
Where Archivists Are Employed
Academic Institutions
Archivists in universities and colleges manage special collections departments, focusing on rare books, manuscripts, and the papers of notable faculty or alumni. They are also responsible for institutional archives, preserving the official, non-current records of the university’s administration and history. These roles involve collaboration with students and faculty researchers, supporting academic curriculum and advanced scholarship.
Government Agencies
This sector includes employment at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) at the federal level, as well as state and local archives. Government archivists manage vast quantities of public records, ensuring legal compliance and transparency in government operations. Their work documents civic history and administrative functions, often dealing with complex freedom of information requests.
Museums and Historical Societies
In these environments, archivists work closely with curators to contextualize historical artifacts and prepare materials for public exhibitions. Historical societies focus on collecting and preserving documentation related to a specific geographic region or cultural group. The archivist’s role supports public history initiatives and community engagement through the provision of primary source materials.
Corporations and Non-Profits
The corporate sector employs archivists to manage institutional memory, preserving records related to product development, advertising campaigns, and executive decisions. Non-profit organizations, such as foundations or religious groups, hire archivists to safeguard their organizational history and manage records for administrative and legal purposes. These roles frequently overlap with records management responsibilities.
The Archivist Job Search and Career Outlook
Entering the archival job market requires a strategic approach leveraging specialized knowledge and professional connections. Candidates benefit from active involvement in professional organizations, such as the Society of American Archivists (SAA), to access job boards and networking opportunities. Crafting a resume that highlights specific collection processing experience and technical proficiencies, like knowledge of metadata standards, is recommended.
When interviewing, candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to complex problems, such as managing digital migration projects or addressing ethical concerns regarding access to sensitive records. The median annual wage for archivists falls in the mid-$60,000 range, though this varies based on sector and location. While overall job growth is projected to be moderate, demand for professionals with advanced skills in digital curation and electronic records management is increasing.