Archivist

Archivists preserve historical records and documents. These may include rare books or manuscripts, maps, plans, film, video, photographs, audio and digital files.

The Work

You could be:

• looking after and keeping documents and other materials in good condition, in the right storage conditions


• arranging the repair of damaged material


• identifying, dating, cataloguing and indexing all materials


• assessing the historical importance of archived materials


• deciphering and reading historical handwriting and scripts


• helping people use the archives or doing research for individuals and organisations


• converting original or old documents into digital format


• organising exhibitions or giving talks


• perhaps managing staff and budgets.

Conditions

• Working hours are normally 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
• You work indoors in an office, reading room or library.


• You might have to travel to other places to assess materials.


• In some jobs you might work alone much of the time.


• Part time work might be available.


• You might have to work in dusty storage areas.

Getting In

• Most archivists hold a postgraduate qualification in archive and records management, recognised by the Society of Archivists (SoA). In Scotland, recognised courses are run by the University of Glasgow (full time and part time) and the University of Dundee (by distance learning).


• For entry to a postgraduate course, you need a good degree in any subject. English, classics, history or languages are particularly useful. Entry to a first degree normally requires 3-5 Highers in relevant subjects.
• For some specialisms you need a knowledge of Latin.
• Entry to postgraduate courses is very competitive and previous work experience, paid or voluntary, is helpful. The SoA holds lists of paid traineeships and voluntary opportunities.


• You should be fit, as the records are often large and heavy.


• You need good eyesight, as you may have to do a lot of close reading.


• Entry is very competitive. You will probably have to do some voluntary work before getting a paid job.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• logical and methodical


• accurate and attentive to detail


• able to work alone and as part of a team


• willing to learn about new developments in the storage, conservation and interpretation of records.
• able to work to deadlines

• good communication skills, both verbal and written


• excellent IT skills


• good research skills


• patience and perseverance, when researching old records.

Training

• If you are in a suitable job, but do not hold a qualification in archive and records management, you can study for the Certificate or Diploma in Professional Studies: Archives and Records Management. This is run by the University of Liverpool via distance learning.
• For those who do have professional qualifications, the SoA runs continuous professional development courses, as well as a training scheme in conservation for members who work in this field.
• The RMS also runs short training courses.
• The Archive Skills Consultancy runs short courses in archive and record management.

Getting On

• This is a very small profession, although the number of jobs is slowly increasing. Promotion is very competitive.


• Gaining qualifications and taking short courses can help you progress.


• To gain promotion you may have to move from one type of employer to another.


• You may have to move to another part of the country.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

There are currently around 2,000 archive collections in the UK.

The ARCHON Directory, which is part of the National Archives website, holds a list of contacts for all local archive and record management services in the UK. This could be helpful if you are looking for voluntary experience or paid work.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.