How to Be Archival Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The lack of archival technicians can cause a number of problems within an organization. Without these professionals, the organization may struggle to preserve its paper documents, photographs, and other important records. it may be difficult to access and manage these materials, as archival technicians are experts at organizing and cataloging information for easy retrieval.

Furthermore, the lack of an archival technician can lead to gaps in the historical record, preventing future researchers from having access to important information. To ensure that the organization's records are properly preserved and managed, it is essential to have a skilled archival technician on staff.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent. In order to become an archival technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You may also need to earn some college credits, depending on the employer's requirements.
2. Take Courses in History and/or Library Science. To become an archival technician, you should take courses in history and/or library science. This will give you an understanding of the field, which will help you know what records and documents to look for and how to properly store them.
3. Consider Obtaining a Degree. Although it is not a requirement to become an archival technician, some employers may prefer applicants with a college degree in history, library science, or another relevant field.
4. Get On-the-Job Training. Many employers will provide on-the-job training for archival technicians. During this time, you will learn the processes and procedures for storing and preserving records and documents.
5. Obtain Certification. Many states and organizations offer certification programs for archival technicians. These programs provide additional training and recognition, and can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
6. Develop Expertise in the Field. As an archival technician, you should strive to develop expertise in the field by reading up on archival techniques, attending workshops and conferences, and networking with other archivists.

Proper archival techniques are essential for reliable, efficient and long-term preservation of archival material. Good archival practice involves a combination of suitable environmental conditions and the use of appropriate materials and supplies, such as acid-free folders, boxes, and paper. It is also important to handle materials with care, in order to avoid damaging or degrading them.

cataloging and organizing the material in a logical manner will help keep it organized and easily accessible. Following these techniques will ensure that archival material remains in good condition for generations to come.

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Job Description

1. Maintain archival collections, including physical and digital objects.
2. Ensure that archival materials are organized, labeled, and stored properly.
3. Catalog and classify archival materials according to established guidelines.
4. Provide information about archived materials to patrons and staff.
5. Assist patrons with research and interpret archival materials.
6. Monitor and maintain archival equipment, such as scanners and printers.
7. Assist with digitization of archival materials.
8. Assist with the preservation, conservation, and storage of archival materials.
9. Conduct basic research on historical topics related to archival materials.
10. Develop and implement educational programs related to archival materials.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of archival principles, practices, and procedures.
2. Familiarity with cataloging systems and relevant software.
3. Ability to handle and care for archival materials.
4. Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.
5. Ability to follow established standards for archival materials.
6. Knowledge of archival information systems, such as EAD and DACS.
7. Familiarity with preservation tools and techniques.
8. Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
9. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
10. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
11. Proficiency in the use of computers and related technology.
12. Ability to work with a diverse population of patrons.
13. Understanding of copyright laws and regulations.

Good organizational skills are essential for an Archival Technician. By having a well-organized approach to their work, they can effectively manage the preservation of documents and records. Proper organization allows them to keep track of the different records they are responsible for, ensuring that they are properly stored and preserved.

Furthermore, it is important for an Archival Technician to have the ability to recognize the importance of each document, as well as the context in which it is stored. By understanding the context in which documents are kept, technicians can better assess which documents should be stored and how they should be preserved. good communication skills are essential for any Archival Technician, as they must be able to effectively communicate with the various stakeholders involved in the preservation of documents.

Finally, an Archival Technician must have a good understanding of laws and regulations regarding data privacy and security, so they can ensure that any documents and records they are responsible for are properly stored and secure.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working with archival materials?
• How comfortable are you using archival software?
• Describe a time when you faced a challenging situation when working with archival materials.
• How do you ensure accuracy when cataloging archival records?
• What methods do you use to evaluate and appraise archival records?
• How do you prioritize tasks when working with multiple archival collections?
• Describe your experience with creating finding aids for archival records.
• What strategies do you use to preserve and protect archival records?
• How do you stay up-to-date on trends and best practices in the field of archival science?
• How do you collaborate with other archivists, librarians, and museum professionals?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Scanner. A device that captures digital images of documents, photos, and other items. (e. g. Canon LiDE Scanner)
2. Digital Camera. A device used to capture still images in digital format. (e. g. Nikon D3500)
3. Microfilm Reader. A device used to magnify, view, and print microfilms. (e. g. Mekel Technology MACH 12)
4. Printer. A device used to print documents. (e. g. HP LaserJet Pro M404)
5. Computer. A device used to store, process, and retrieve information from digital sources. (e. g. MacBook Pro)
6. Tape Drive. A device used to store and retrieve large amounts of information on magnetic tape. (e. g. IBM 3590-A)
7. File Cabinet. A storage device used to organize documents and other items in an office setting. (e. g. Hon 600 Series 5-Drawer File Cabinet)
8. Software. A set of instructions for a computer to execute tasks. (e. g. Adobe Acrobat Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA)
2. International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA)
3. Special Libraries Association (SLA)
4. Society of American Archivists (SAA)
5. National Digital Stewardship Alliance (NDSA)
6. American Archivists Association (AAA)
7. International Council on Archives (ICA)
8. International Federation of Television Archives (IFTA)
9. Mid-Atlantic Regional Moving Image Archive (MARMIA)
10. Midwest Archives Conference (MAC)

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Common Important Terms

1. Archival Science. Refers to the scholarly discipline that studies archives and the practice of archival management. It includes the principles and methods used to collect, process, preserve, and make archival materials available to users.
2. Records Management. The practice of organizing and preserving records in order to ensure their accuracy, authenticity, and accessibility.
3. Preservation. The practice of protecting and preserving archival materials for future use.
4. Accessioning. The process of formally bringing new materials into an archives or library.
5. Cataloging. The process of describing and arranging archived materials in order to make them discoverable and accessible.
6. Metadata. Data that describes other data, such as title, author, subject, or date.
7. Digitization. The conversion of analog material into digital information, such as images or text.
8. Digital Preservation. The process of maintaining digital materials in an accessible form for future use.
9. Reference Services. The provision of assistance to researchers in finding and using archival materials.
10. Copyright and Intellectual Property. Laws and regulations governing the rights of individuals, organizations, and institutions to control and protect their intellectual property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Archival Technician? A1: An Archival Technician is a professional who is responsible for organizing, preserving, and managing records and archives in a variety of settings, such as museums, libraries, and other institutions. Q2: What duties do Archival Technicians perform? A2: Archival Technicians are responsible for cataloging and indexing records, selecting materials for preservation, digitizing documents, maintaining archives databases, and providing reference services. Q3: What qualifications do Archival Technicians need? A3: Most archival technicians will need to have a degree in library sciences or archival studies, as well as experience working with archival materials and records. Q4: How much do Archival Technicians typically earn? A4: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for archival technicians is $41,000. Q5: What types of organizations employ Archival Technicians? A5: Archival Technicians may be employed by government agencies, universities, libraries, museums, historical societies, corporations, and other organizations with archival collections.

What are jobs related with Archival Technician?

• Genealogist
• Museum Educator
• Historiographer
• Digital Preservationist
• Cultural Resource Specialist
• Historical Writer
• Exhibit Developer
• Historical Research Analyst
• Librarian
• History Professor

Web Resources

• Archival Technical Services Jobs | Ohio State University Libraries library.osu.edu
• Archival Studies | Graduate Certificate | University of Arizona ... everywhere.arizona.edu
• What Is Archival Studies? Defining the Profession | Norwich Pro pro.norwich.edu