Archivist

The collection of original historical records and documents is known as an archive and provides a permanent record of the past. An archivist manages, maintains and researches collections of archives.

These items aid the work of researchers and historians. They provide a record of how people lived in the past. They also show how society, organisations, governments and institutions operated.

Some archives relate to a particular person, place or organisation, showing how people lived and what they did.

Archives are more than just papers. They can include material in a variety of media:

• paper-based, including books, plans, maps and files
• computer records
• digital or audio recordings
• photographs and film.

The job of an archivist

Archivists manage and preserve collections of historical records and documents. They work with collections of all types, from books, photographs and maps to audio, film and electronic files. They may also be known as records managers or records professionals.

Archivists carry out very specific tasks which often require a strong attention to detail, such as:

• Arranging the acquisition and retrieval of records, negotiating the buying or donation of archive materials and assessing their importance
• Identifying, evaluating and selecting documents for preservation or destruction
• Preparing record-keeping systems including cataloguing and indexing
  This may involve using specialist software to catalogue archives on computers. It could also mean making them available over the internet
• Helping to make archives accessible to people who want to use them.

You may also be involved in identifying and selecting which materials should be kept in an archive or be destroyed as well as converting archives from traditional to digital formats.

At senior level, you may have responsibilities such as supervising or managing staff, controlling budgets and bidding for funds.

Archivists may be employed by local authorities, national archives and museums, large businesses, universities, religious foundations, charities or private collections. Some are specialists in a particular subject area.

Archive assistants are based in an archive building. They spend time with their archive material which may be stored in dusty, cramped conditions. The records themselves may be heavy and could be mouldy or dirty.

Becoming an archivist

Whatever your subject, is is important that you can show a keen interest in history.

To be fully qualified, an archivist has to have to have a degree, followed by a postgraduate qualification recognised by the Archives and Records Association.

Although the degree can be in any subject, the following subjects are particularly relevant:

• history
• information science
• library studies
• modern or ancient languages.

Courses which include working with original documents are a good preparation and help show an interest in the profession.

The Archives and Records Association recognises postgraduate courses at universities in the UK and Ireland. Courses are either diploma or Masters - Masters courses are usually slightly longer and include a dissertation. The minimum requirement for professional qualification is the diploma. The courses can be studied full-time, part-time or by distance learning.

Getting onto the postgraduate courses can be fiercely competitive so any evidence of an existing interest will help an application. This could be during the first degree, or by paid or voluntary work. Working as an archive assistant can be a way to get experience.

Many archive collections welcome volunteers, particularly those wishing to get into the profession. The National Archives ARCHON directory has a list of collections. The Archives and Records Association website has information on finding a placement including guidelines for work experience and a list of voluntary and paid placements.

Building a career in archives

Archivists are encouraged to join the Archives and Records Association. The Association’s Registration Scheme takes three years to complete and shows a commitment to ongoing training and development.

The Association also organises short courses, seminars and workshops.