How to Be Preservation Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The increasing amount of digital content has led to a surge in the demand for preservation specialists. Preservation specialists are tasked with developing and implementing strategies to ensure that digital content remains accessible and usable over the long-term. This includes using technologies such as digital asset management systems, metadata standards, and data migration strategies to ensure content is protected from obsolescence and degradation. As digital content continues to proliferate, the need for qualified preservation specialists has become increasingly important in order to ensure the long-term preservation of important data.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A four-year bachelor's degree in history, library science, archival studies, or a related field is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a Preservation Specialist. Relevant courses of study may include library science, digital preservation, archives and records management, and collections management.
2. Obtain Professional Certification. Earning professional certification is not required for becoming a Preservation Specialist but can help demonstrate expertise and enhance job opportunities. The Academy of Certified Archivists offers certification for archivists and record managers.
3. Get Work Experience. Most employers prefer candidates with prior experience in a related field. Volunteering in local libraries, archives, or museums can be an excellent way to gain relevant experience.
4. Become Familiar With Preservation Software. Preservation Specialists often need to use software programs to preserve and archive digital records and documents. Becoming familiar with the most commonly used software programs will improve job opportunities.
5. Develop Interpersonal Skills. Preservation Specialists need excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public. Participating in public speaking classes or workshops can help develop these skills.

In order to remain a qualified Preservation Specialist, it is essential to keep up with the latest trends and best practices in the field. This requires staying abreast of current developments, attending relevant seminars and workshops, and reading specialized journals and publications. Furthermore, gaining experience in the field is key, as it helps to hone the skills required to identify, assess, and address the preservation needs of cultural heritage materials. By continually expanding one’s knowledge and keeping one’s skills sharp, a Preservation Specialist will be better equipped to help protect valuable and irreplaceable objects for future generations.

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Job Description

1. Assess and evaluate the condition of artifacts and collections.
2. Develop preventive conservation plans and strategies to ensure the longevity of collections.
3. Monitor environmental conditions and adjust preservation techniques as needed.
4. Research and develop standards, methods, and treatments for preservation.
5. Use specialized methods and materials to preserve physical objects, documents, and electronic media.
6. Create and maintain records of preservation activities.
7. Contribute to the selection and acquisition of materials for preserving collections.
8. Train staff, volunteers, and others in proper handling techniques for artifacts and collections.
9. Represent the organization at professional meetings and conferences.
10. Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and other institutions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of historic preservation regulations, standards, and best practices.
2. Demonstrated experience with survey and evaluation of historic resources.
3. Excellent research and writing skills.
4. Ability to interpret architectural plans and designs.
5. Ability to develop and manage budgets and grants.
6. Knowledge of construction methods and materials.
7. Knowledge of sustainable building practices.
8. Strong communication and public presentations skills.
9. Ability to interact with diverse groups of stakeholders in a professional manner.
10. Proficiency with computers and software applications related to historic preservation.

Preservation specialists are responsible for ensuring that historical artifacts and records remain intact for future generations. Their primary skill is an in-depth knowledge of conservation science and techniques that help preserve these items from further damage or degradation. Preservation specialists must also possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills to help them identify the best method for preserving a given artifact or document.

In addition, they must be able to research the history of items in order to develop the best approach for their conservation. Preservation specialists must also have excellent communication skills in order to collaborate with other professionals, such as museum curators and historians, to ensure that the best preservation methods are used. the knowledge, skills, and dedication of preservation specialists ensures that the past is preserved for future generations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What does preservation mean to you?
• How would you explain the concept of cultural heritage preservation to a layperson?
• What experience do you have in developing and executing preservation projects?
• What challenges have you faced in the preservation field, and how did you address them?
• What strategies do you employ to ensure the preservation of historic artifacts and sites?
• Describe your experience in creating preservation plans for collections, archives and sites.
• How do you stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in the preservation field?
• Describe your experience with grant-writing and fundraising for preservation projects.
• What steps do you take to identify, evaluate, and prioritize preservation projects?
• How do you ensure that preservation efforts are effective and sustainable over time?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Data Protection Software. Software used to protect data from being lost, corrupted, or accessed without permission. (Eg: CrashPlan)
2. Digital Preservation Solutions. Software designed to preserve digital content such as documents, images, and audio/visual files. (Eg: DigiPres)
3. Monitoring Systems. Software used to monitor the health of digital assets and alert users when changes occur. (Eg: Asset Monitor)
4. Backup and Recovery Tools. Software used to create backups of digital content, and restore files if needed. (Eg: Acronis Backup)
5. Archiving Software. Software used to store and organize digital content for long-term preservation. (Eg: Archivematica)
6. File Format Migration Tools. Software used to convert digital content from one file format to another. (Eg: FFMpeg)
7. Metadata Management Systems. Software used to capture, store, and manage descriptive information about digital content. (Eg: Metadata Manager)
8. Digital Rights Management Solutions. Software used to control access to digital content and protect it from unauthorized use. (Eg: Adobe DRM)
9. Content Delivery Networks. Networks used to distribute digital content over the internet in a secure and cost-effective manner. (Eg: Akamai CDN)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Library Association
2. Preservation and Access Education and Training Program
3. Society of American Archivists
4. National Digital Stewardship Alliance
5. International Association for Media and Communication Research
6. Special Libraries Association
7. Association of Centers for the Study of Congress
8. International Council on Archives
9. Council on Library and Information Resources
10. Digital Library Federation

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Common Important Terms

1. Data Migration. The process of transferring data from one storage medium to another.
2. Digital Preservation. The practice of archiving digital content in order to maintain its integrity and accessibility over an extended period of time.
3. Metadata. Information about a digital object, such as its title, author, date of creation, and format.
4. Format. The type of file in which a piece of digital content is stored. Examples include PDF, JPEG, MP3, and HTML.
5. Preservation Strategies. Techniques used to maintain the usability, authenticity, and integrity of digital content over time.
6. Digital Object Identifier (DOI). A unique identifier assigned to a digital object that allows it to be located and accessed online.
7. Rights Management. The process of managing the rights associated with a digital object, such as copyright and access permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Preservation Specialist?

To become a Preservation Specialist, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Museum Studies, Historic Preservation, or Library Science is required. Additionally, knowledge of preservation techniques and practices, such as preventative conservation and disaster preparedness, is important.

What tasks are included in the role of a Preservation Specialist?

As a Preservation Specialist, tasks may include creating preservation plans and policies, assessing the condition of items and collections, recommending and implementing preservation methods, providing preservation training to staff and volunteers, and monitoring environmental conditions.

What is the job outlook for Preservation Specialists?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Preservation Specialists is expected to grow 5% between 2019 and 2029.

What is the median salary for Preservation Specialists?

The median salary for Preservation Specialists is $51,386 per year.

What organizations typically employ Preservation Specialists?

Preservation Specialists are typically employed by museums, libraries, archives, and historical sites.

What are jobs related with Preservation Specialist?

• Library Facility Manager
• Database Librarian
• Metadata Analyst
• Cataloging Technician
• Youth Services Librarian
• Childrens Services Librarian
• Systems Librarian
• Library Director
• Library Liaison
• Technical Services Librarian

Web Resources

• Preservation Library Specialist - Stanford University Careers careersearch.stanford.edu
• PreserveNet Preservation Specialist - Cornell University www.preservenet.cornell.edu
• Digital Preservation Specialist, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA ... cocis-jobline.simmons.edu