Archivists

Role Overview

What Is an Archivist?

An archivist is a professional responsible for appraising, editing, and directing the safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. These records can include manuscripts, photographs, maps, audio recordings, digital files, and other materials that hold enduring significance. Archivists ensure that these items are preserved for future generations, often working in museums, universities, government agencies, or private organizations. Their role is critical in maintaining cultural heritage, supporting historical research, and providing access to primary sources that inform our understanding of the past.

The importance of archivists extends beyond mere storage. They make informed decisions about which materials to retain, how to organize them for efficient retrieval, and how to protect them from deterioration. By doing so, they enable researchers, historians, and the public to explore authentic evidence from history. In an era of increasing digital information, archivists also play a key role in managing electronic records, ensuring that born-digital materials remain accessible as technologies evolve. Without archivists, much of our collective memory would be lost or inaccessible.

What Does an Archivist Do?

Archivists perform a range of duties that combine analytical, technical, and administrative skills. Their primary responsibility is to appraise records to determine their historical value and long-term importance. This involves evaluating the content, condition, and context of materials, often in collaboration with historians or subject matter experts. Once materials are selected, archivists arrange and describe them using standardized systems, creating finding aids that help users locate specific items.

Daily tasks can vary widely depending on the setting, but common responsibilities include:

• Examining and processing new acquisitions, including cleaning, repairing, and stabilizing fragile documents.
• Developing and implementing preservation strategies, such as climate control, digitization, and conservation techniques.
• Creating detailed inventories and catalog records in databases to facilitate access.
• Researching the provenance and context of materials to enhance their historical value.
• Assisting researchers by answering queries, providing guidance on archival resources, and supervising the use of original materials.
• Planning and executing digitization projects to make collections available online.
• Collaborating with curators, librarians, and IT specialists to manage integrated collections.
• Developing policies for records management and retention schedules within organizations.

Work Environment

Archivists typically work in controlled environments designed to preserve materials, such as climate-controlled storage rooms, reading rooms, and conservation labs. Common employers include national and state archives, universities and colleges, public libraries, museums, historical societies, corporations, and government agencies. In these settings, archivists often work in quiet, orderly spaces that require attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols for handling fragile items.

Work conditions can involve moderate physical activity, including lifting boxes, retrieving materials from shelving, and standing for extended periods while processing collections. Archivists may also spend significant time at computers, entering data, managing digital repositories, or conducting online research. While most work standard business hours, some positions may require occasional evening or weekend hours for special projects or public events. The environment is generally low-stress but demands precision and organizational skills, as errors in cataloging or preservation can have long-term consequences.

How to Become an Archivist

Becoming an archivist typically requires a combination of formal education and practical experience. Most positions require a master's degree in library science, archival studies, history, or a related field, often with a concentration in archives and records management. Accredited programs, such as those recognized by the Society of American Archivists (SAA), provide coursework in appraisal, arrangement, preservation, and digital curation. Some employers may also accept a master's degree in a specialized subject area, such as art history or public history, combined with archival training.

In addition to education, gaining hands-on experience is crucial. Many aspiring archivists complete internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in archives to build practical skills. Certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) can enhance job prospects, though it is not always required. Key skills for success include attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, proficiency in database management and digital tools, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Familiarity with archival standards like EAD (Encoded Archival Description) and DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard) is also valuable.

Continuing education is important in this field, as archivists must stay current with evolving preservation technologies, digital curation methods, and legal issues related to copyright and privacy. Networking through professional organizations, such as the SAA, can provide access to workshops, conferences, and job listings.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the most recent data, the median annual salary for archivists in the United States is $61,570. This figure reflects the midpoint of earnings, with the lowest 10% earning less than $35,000 and the highest 10% earning over $100,000. Salaries can vary based on factors such as geographic location, type of employer (e.g., federal government vs. small historical society), level of experience, and educational background. Archivists working in federal agencies or large universities often command higher salaries, while those in small nonprofits may earn less.

The job outlook for archivists shows a projected growth rate of 3.8% over the next decade, which is slightly slower than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 1 annual opening for the 7,050 current positions in the United States. The modest growth is driven by ongoing needs to preserve historical records and manage digital archives, but budget constraints in public institutions may limit hiring. However, archivists with strong digital skills, particularly in data management and electronic records, may find better opportunities as organizations increasingly transition to digital storage. The low number of annual openings highlights the competitive nature of the field, making experience and specialized skills essential for job seekers.

Related Occupations

Archivists share skills and knowledge with several related careers. These occupations often involve managing information, preserving materials, or supporting research. Common related roles include:

• Curators: Manage collections of artifacts, artworks, or historical objects in museums, often requiring similar preservation and research skills.
• Librarians: Organize and provide access to books, digital resources, and other materials, though typically in a broader scope than archives.
• Museum Technicians and Conservators: Focus on the physical preservation and restoration of artifacts and documents.
• Records Managers: Oversee the lifecycle of records within organizations, including retention, storage, and disposal, often in corporate or government settings.
• Historians: Conduct research and analyze historical data, frequently using archival materials as primary sources.
• Digital Asset Managers: Specialize in organizing and preserving digital files, such as photos, videos, and documents, in corporate or media environments.

Natural progression for archivists may involve moving into senior roles, such as head archivist or director of archives, or transitioning into related fields like museum administration or digital curation. Additional certifications or advanced degrees can facilitate these shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an archivist and a librarian?
While both professions manage information, archivists focus on preserving and providing access to unique, historically valuable records, whereas librarians typically manage published materials like books and journals. Archivists often work with original documents and artifacts, while librarians handle broader collections for general use.

Do archivists need a specific degree?
Yes, most archivists need a master's degree in library science, archival studies, history, or a closely related field. Specialized coursework in archives management is highly recommended, and some employers require certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA).

What skills are most important for an archivist?
Key skills include attention to detail, organizational ability, proficiency in database and digital tools, knowledge of preservation techniques, and strong research and communication skills. Familiarity with archival standards and legal issues like copyright is also beneficial.

Is the job market for archivists competitive?
Yes, due to the low number of annual openings (approximately 1) and the specialized nature of the work, the field is competitive. Gaining practical experience through internships and networking can improve job prospects.

Can archivists work remotely?
Some aspects of archival work, such as digital curation and online research, can be done remotely. However, hands-on tasks like processing physical collections, preservation, and assisting researchers in reading rooms typically require on-site presence.