Archivists safeguard authentic historical items like maps, films, documents, photos, and digital data. The goal is to either preserve a portion of history for future generations or to keep institutions and individuals accountable for their past deeds. This article will tell you all you need to know about archivist jobs and more.
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Archivist: What is it?
Do you have a passion for history and want to help keep it alive? The role of an archivist is fantastic, therefore you might want to think about applying for it. Decades from now, what an archivist accomplishes now will actually matter. Understanding the present through conserving the past is the main goal of archives.
Archivists determine whether a piece of information is valuable before maintaining and storing it as best they can. Documents, letters, photos, audio recordings, and videos are just a few examples of the various formats in which the information that is being examined and maintained can be found.
Duties
As an archivist, you can anticipate performing the following tasks:
- Ensure best practices for handling, organizing, and categorizing archival documents in order to preserve archives.
- Manage all rights pertaining to publishing requests and the duplication of visual materials; once granted, liaise with outside vendors to produce photographic copies.
- Together with other members of the programming team, such as the department manager, develop budgetary projections for the archives and digital collection as well as high-caliber funding bids.
- Organize reference services for visiting researchers, and submit electronic, telephone, or written requests when in-depth research is required.
- Process a wide variety of archival collections, including the description, finding aids, and archival layout.
How would you describe an Archivist’s workplace?
Archival repositories, which come in a wide variety, are the locations where archives are kept. Universities, companies, places of business, places of worship, historical organizations, museums, hospitals, and all tiers of government have archival repositories.
In an office context, archival work is often done. An archivist collaborates with historians, assistants, and other archivists at larger institutions. Since there are frequently only one or two individuals working at an archive repository, the majority of the labor is done alone.
Schedule For Work And Typical Hours
You may anticipate working in a pleasant office setting with top-notch amenities. You will either work in shifts or at flexible hours. You might have to put in the daytime, nighttime, and weekend hours of effort. You may also need to pass a criminal background check to qualify for some positions.
Common Employers
The geographic and organizational freedom that comes with working as an archivist can be quite beneficial. Work can be found in the private sector at large firms, families, universities, big charities, and government entities as well as at cultural institutions like art galleries and museums, media organizations, religious foundations, public bodies, and repositories. Universities like Brown, Indiana University-Bloomington, Harvard, Princeton, and others are examples of employers. Other organizations include The Getty, NANA Development Corporation, Refinery29, InterSystems Corporation, the Department of Defense, Tetra Tech, Inc., Randstad Life Services, and Pivotal Solutions, Inc.
Pay For Archivist Jobs
In the United States, an archivist typically makes $28.87 per hour. The typical hourly wage for archivists is $28.87. Ordinarily, salaries range from $17.67 per hour to $47.15 per hour.
Job opportunities for Archivists in the US
In the United States, there are currently about 6,800 archivists. The demand for archivists is anticipated to increase by 14.7% between 2016 and 2026.
How easily can Archivists find work?
Archivists have a D employability grade according to CareerExplorer, which indicates that job possibilities will be scarce for the foreseeable future. It is anticipated that the US will require 6,800 archivists during the next ten years. This figure is predicated on the retirement of 5,800 current archivists and the hiring of 1,000 new ones.
Does demand exist for Archivists?
Since there are typically more qualified candidates than jobs, the employment market for archivists is predicted to stay competitive. Retirements will cause occasional vacancies, as in many industries, but this is a tiny industry with a low turnover rate. Reduced demand for applicants may also result from recurring budget and funding decreases to Archives.
However, as public and commercial institutions demand the management of and access to expanding numbers of archives and information, long-term job prospects for archivists should improve. Since permanent status is typically obtained through job experience in collection management, research, exhibit design, restoration, or database management, an internship or volunteer research associate position may be the simplest way to get into the field of archivists.
Only archivists with training in some or all of these fields plus a Master’s or Doctorate in a field like archival studies, library science, or history are eligible to apply for the Academy of Certified Archivists’ professional certification. Foreign language proficiency, knowledge of both electronic and conventional records administration, and the capacity to relocate are further desirable qualifications in the industry. Among the most prestigious jobs in the field are archivists for the National Archives and Records Administration, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Smithsonian Institution, the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan, and The Cocoa-Cola Company.
The necessity to evaluate, gather, organize, protect, and offer access to their priceless historical records and papers has still generated a need for archivists from a wide range of organizations, foundations, museums, libraries, colleges, towns, cities, states, and provinces. Some huge organizations that must manage and keep a lot of records because of legal requirements are also creating opportunities.
Getting Started as an Archivist
There are many routes you might take to start your career as an archivist. In addition to relevant schooling, many entry-level positions call for an undergraduate or graduate degree. Any discipline would be acceptable for a bachelor’s degree, however, history, political science, or library science are recommended. You must eventually earn a Ph.D. if you want to work in an advanced position for an academic organization.
A master’s degree in archival studies is just one of the many multi-course programs that now offer archival education. Entry into these programs is tough, and candidates with strong honors degrees and work experience will be given preference. It will be beneficial to have a strong background in history, art, and other subjects through high school.
Volunteering in local historical organizations, museums, and art galleries is a good way to gain early experience. Working in a library is an excellent approach to becoming familiar with information management methods and the kind of work you might conduct as an archivist.
You should have a strong focus on providing excellent customer service and the ability to get along well with a variety of people in this position, including those who have experience conducting research in archives. Advanced interpersonal and communication skills are needed because a lot of the work involves teamwork and public speaking. You will have an advantage over other job candidates if you have strong computer skills related to electronic and digital devices or e-resources.
