How to Be Archivist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increase in digitalization has had a significant effect on the archivist profession. With the emergence of new technologies, archivists have been able to access and analyze digital records with greater speed and accuracy, making their work more efficient and reliable. Furthermore, digitized records have enabled archivists to store more information, allowing them to preserve a greater range of materials for future generations.

On the other hand, the reliance on digital methods for archiving has also posed new challenges for archivists, such as the need to understand and manage digital records and the risk of data corruption or loss. As a result, archivists must remain up-to-date on the latest technologies in order to ensure their work is accurate and efficient.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an Archivist is to obtain a Bachelors degree in a related field, such as history, library science, or information science.
Obtain Professional Experience. Many employers prefer to hire Archivists who have some professional experience. Consider interning or volunteering at a museum, library, historical society, or other archive.
Earn a Masters Degree. A Masters degree in history, library science, or archives is generally required for those seeking professional positions as Archivists.
Become Certified. The Academy of Certified Archivists offers a certification exam for archivists. Passing this exam will help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field.
Gain Additional Skills. In addition to the core aspects of archiving, consider learning skills such as database management and digital preservation, which are becoming increasingly important for archivists.
Become a Member of Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the Society of American Archivists and the National Archives and Records Administration can help you network with other professionals and stay up to date on developments in the field.

The effects of using technology in the classroom are varied and far-reaching. Technology has the ability to enhance student engagement and increase the overall quality of their learning experience. Teachers can use technology to create interactive lessons, such as digital presentations, multimedia projects, and online quizzes.

Furthermore, technology also allows for a more effective way for teachers to communicate with students, parents, and colleagues. technology can help create more equitable learning environments by providing access to learning materials and resources to students who do not have access to them otherwise. However, technology can also be a distraction if not used properly, so it is important to use it in a way that promotes learning and promotes a positive learning environment.

You may want to check Instructional Librarian, Library Volunteer, and Preservation Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Records Manager
Digital Preservation Technician
Archival Assistant
Digital Projects Manager
Metadata Specialist
Audio/Visual Technician
Museum Archivist
Rare Book Librarian
Archival Processing Technician
Records Analyst

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of archival theory and practice
Knowledge of archival laws, regulations, and standards
Ability to identify, analyze, and appraise records of enduring value
Ability to arrange, describe, and provide access to records
Ability to create and manage systems for records management
Ability to create inventories and finding aids for collections
Ability to design, develop, and implement archival programs
Knowledge of library and information science principles
Knowledge of digital preservation techniques
Knowledge of conservation principles and practices
Knowledge of genealogical research principles and techniques
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Attention to detail
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Interpersonal skills for working with a variety of stakeholders
Ability to work with computers and various digital technologies
Research skills for locating archival materials
Familiarity with copyright law and intellectual property rights
Financial management skills for budgeting

Archivists are essential to preserving the history of a place or organization. Their ability to organize and preserve records is critical to the longevity of important documents. This skill requires attention to detail and the ability to work with a variety of media, including paper documents, photographs, audio recordings, and digital files.

Archivists must also have excellent research and communication skills in order to effectively curate records and make them accessible to the public. Furthermore, archivists must be knowledgeable in the laws that govern access to records and have an understanding of the ethical considerations related to preserving documents. By having these skills, archivists are able to ensure that records are not only preserved but also accessible to those who need them, allowing us to better understand our history and the stories of those who came before us.

Technical Support Specialist, Database Librarian, and Library Fundraiser are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How have your past experiences prepared you to become an archivist?
What challenges have you faced in managing large archives?
What strategies have you used to successfully preserve archival materials?
How would you handle a situation where a patron requests access to a sensitive document?
What experience do you have working with digital databases?
How do you stay up to date with best practices in the field of archiving?
What kind of research experience do you have related to archival materials?
How do you go about identifying and organizing archival materials?
Describe a project that youve led that involved the management of an archive.
What techniques do you use to maintain good relationships with patrons and other stakeholders?

Common Tools in Industry

Document Management System (DMS). A software system used to manage, store, and share documents within an organization. (eg: Microsoft SharePoint)
Archival Management Software (AMS). Software used to manage and preserve digital archives. (eg: Archivematica)
Digital Preservation Platforms (DPP). Platforms used to store and manage digital assets, such as audio and video files. (eg: Preservica)
Optical Disk Archiving Software. Software used to archive data to optical discs, such as CDs and DVDs. (eg: ExaVault)
Metadata Management Software. Software used to organize, store, and manage descriptive information about digital assets. (eg: XMPie)
Image Capture Software. Software used to capture digital images from physical documents and media. (eg: Adobe Photoshop)
Database Management Systems (DBMS). Software used to store, manage, and organize data in a relational database. (eg: Oracle Database)
Backup Software. Software used to create copies of data for safekeeping and disaster recovery purposes. (eg: Carbonite)
File Compression Software. Software used to reduce the size of files for easier storage and sharing. (eg: WinZip)
Web Archiving Software. Software used to capture and preserve websites for research and archival purposes. (eg: Archive-It)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Library Association (ALA)
Society of American Archivists (SAA)
Association of Research Libraries (ARL)
Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA)
Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA)
International Council on Archives (ICA)
Society of Southwest Archivists (SSA)
National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (NAGARA)
Canadian Council of Archives (CCA)
International Internet Preservation Consortium (IIPC)

We also have Document Delivery Coordinator, Library Technician, and Library Development Officer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Archives. A collection of historical documents, manuscripts, records, and other materials that are gathered together in a systematic way.
Archival Research. The process of examining historical documents, manuscripts, records, and other materials in an archive to gain knowledge and understanding.
Preservation. The act of preserving historical documents, manuscripts, records, and other materials in a way that ensures their long-term survival.
Accessioning. The process of cataloguing, organizing, and storing archives into the archival repository.
Cataloguing. The process of creating a detailed description of each item in an archive to ensure that they can be found easily in the future.
Conservation. The practice of preserving historical documents, manuscripts, records, and other materials to ensure their long-term survival.
Digitization. The process of converting analog materials into digital formats for preservation and access.
Digital Preservation. The ongoing process of maintaining digital data over time by using digital preservation measures.
Archival Repository. A physical or virtual space where archival materials are stored for long-term access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Archivist?

Archivist is a platform that enables users to capture, store, and analyze data from digital sources in order to gain insights and make informed decisions.

How many sources can Archivist integrate with?

Archivist can integrate with up to 50 different digital sources, including web, social media, email, and more.

What type of analysis tools does Archivist provide?

Archivist provides a range of analysis tools including sentiment analysis, topic modeling, text analytics, and more.

How secure is the data stored in Archivist?

Archivist stores all data securely and privately on its servers, and uses multiple layers of encryption to ensure the data is protected.

Does Archivist offer a free trial?

Yes, Archivist offers a free 14-day trial for users to explore the platform and experience the features.

Web Resources

How to Become an Archivist | ASU Online - Arizona State University asuonline.asu.edu
Archivist - Miami University Program Finder programs.miamioh.edu
University Archivist - Employment - University of Iowa Libraries www.lib.uiowa.edu