Archivist Job Description: Overview, Education & Training Requirements, Job Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Gypsy Santiago
Job Overview: An archivist is someone who collects, organizes and preserves valuable documents. After conducting research to determine the value of documents, he/she ensures important documents are indexed properly, while those that are deemed without value are disposed appropriately. Since archivists are experts in their field, they can serve as consultants for writers to reference documents for publications, presentations or other purposes.
Education, Training and Knowledge Requirements: To be successful in this field, a bachelor’s degree must be completed, followed by a master’s degree in archival science, archives management, library science, information science or a similar field. Some institutions require candidates to have certification, but this isn’t always a requirement. They should also be highly proficient in records management computer applications and specialize in an area of technology, research, history or other fields relevant to collecting information.
Skills & Abilities: An archivist must be extremely detail-oriented, analytical, and highly organized. He/she must have effective written and verbal communication skills, presenting skills, leadership skills, and excellent research skills. They should be able to handle technologies used in collecting and recording information and lead a team of junior-level archivists.
Duties: Tasks may vary depending on the industry, but they are generally responsible for authenticating and appraising archival materials and historical documents; creating and maintaining accessible computer archives or databases using current technology in computerized information storage; directing activities of workers assigned to arrange, catalog, exhibit and maintain valuable collections; locating new documents and directing acquisition or display procedures; and organizing archival records, creating ways to classify documents and preparing archival records to allow quick access to information.
An archivist also takes care of preserving documents, records and objects; copying records to audiotape, disk, videotape or other computer formats if needed; researching and recording origins or historical background of archival items; selecting and editing documents for display; coordinating educational programs such as workshops, lectures or seminars; establishing and implementing policy guidelines related to use of materials and public access; and providing reference or consulting services for anyone that requires the use of archived materials.
Earnings & Job Outlook: Work can be found in various industries, including libraries, universities, government agencies and research institutions. Employment growth is expected faster than average through 2016, but competition is keen and positions are likely to be given to highly qualified applicants first. Salary may range from a low of $40,931 per year, or up to $50,573 annually.
Gypsy Santiago is a professional resume writer and career search strategy/career branding coach with years of experience in assisting job seekers prepare for the job market. She helps create career-targeted resumes, provides useful tips about career transition, offers future career ideas and guide jobseekers about effective job search techniques.
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Word Count: 427 Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2010 Time: 6:31 PM
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