Archivist
What is the work like?
Archivists manage and preserve collections of historical records and documents. They work with collections in all types of media, from books, photographs and maps to audio, film and electronic files.
As an archivist your work would involve:
- making sure materials are stored correctly and kept in good condition
- identifying, dating, cataloguing and indexing archive materials
- helping people to use the archives
- making records available to users in formats such as photocopies, microfiche and computer-based tools
- carrying out research
- giving talks and organising presentations, displays and exhibitions
- negotiating the buying or donation of archive materials and assessing their importance.
You would identify and select which materials should be kept in an archive or be destroyed. You would be likely to be involved in converting archives from traditional to digital formats.
At senior level, you may have responsibilities such as managing and supervising staff, managing budgets and bidding for funds.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become an archivist, you need a degree and a postgraduate qualification recognised by the Society of Archivists.
The following degree subjects can be useful:
- history
- information science
- library studies
- modern or ancient languages.
However, most subjects will be acceptable, as long as you can show a keen interest in history.
To search for colleges and universities offering degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. You should contact the universities for their entry requirements.
You can find details of recognised postgraduate courses on the Society of Archivists website. You will usually need a good first degree and a working knowledge of Latin, but you should check entry requirements with individual universities.
Entry is very competitive, and you will stand a better chance if you have some relevant experience. It might be possible to get work as an archive assistant, but competition for these jobs is also fierce, and volunteering can be a useful alternative.
Many archive repositories welcome volunteers, particularly those wishing to get into the profession. You can find repositories in your local area by searching the ARCHON directory on the National Archives website. The Society of Archivists may also be able to help you find work experience or a voluntary position.
For security reasons, you will need references, which will be checked before you are given a voluntary post.
The University of Glasgow recruits two or three trainees in July each year to the Graduate Archive Trainee Programme (GATP). This gives a wide variety of experience to graduates wishing to gain a qualification in Archives or Records Management. You can get details by visiting the University of Glasgow Archive Services website.
What further training and development can I do?
After you have qualified as an archivist, you can join the Society of Archivists Registration Scheme, and achieve registered status within three years. This is a way of showing employers that you are a recognised professional.
You can develop and update your skills and knowledge by attending short courses, seminars and workshops which are organised by the Society of Archivists.
You can also do in-service courses run by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. Visit their website for details of your regional council.
Where can I go for more information?
5th FloorSt Andrew’s House
18-20 St Andrew Street
London
EC4A 3AY
Information and Advice Service: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4EA
Tel: 020 7273 1444
13 Thurso Street
Glasgow
G11 6PE
20 Canon Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 1SW
Tel: 01823 327030
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- The Society of Archivists recommends a starting salary of £20,295 a year for qualified archivists.
- With experience and specialist knowledge, earnings may rise to between £35,000 and £60,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but may be able to do part-time hours. You may have to work occasional evenings and weekends.
You would be mainly office-based, but you may also spend time inspecting archives in other buildings, giving presentations or setting up exhibitions.
You might have to work with archives stored in dusty and cramped conditions. Some records may be heavy, and could be mouldy or dirty.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in history and the preservation of information
- good communication and 'people' skills
- the ability to understand complex issues and explain them clearly
- a logical and highly-organised approach
- the ability to work both independently and in a team
- good IT skills
- an interest in applying new technology to the work
- accuracy and attention to detail
- good research skills.
What opportunities are there?
Almost half the archivists in the UK and Ireland are employed in local government. You may also be able to find work with other organisations, including national archives and museums, large businesses, church foundations and charities.
Occasionally work is available in private collections. Only a few archivists are self-employed, but opportunities for this are increasing.
Most vacancies appear in the Society of Archivists recruitment publication. This is sent to all Society members, and is then available on the Society's website. Vacancies are also advertised in the local and national press.
You may also find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):
jobs.ac.uk
Times Higher Education Supplement
Museum Jobs
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