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Archivists

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Summary Description


	Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Archival Records Clerk

2.	Archives and Historical Documents Director

3.	Archives and Rare Books Division Curator

4.	Archives Director

5.	Archives Specialist

6.	Archivist

7.	Collections Director

8.	Collections Manager

9.	Curator

10.	Curator of Manuscripts

11.	Curatorial Specialist

12.	Digital Archivist

13.	Director of Archives

14.	Docent

15.	Docent Coordinator

16.	Film Archivist

17.	Historical Manuscripts Curator

18.	Historical Records Administrator

19.	Image Archivist

20.	Librarian

21.	Library Director

22.	Manuscripts Curator

23.	Museum Archivist

24.	Museum Librarian

25.	Museum Registrar

26.	Outreach Coordinator

27.	Photographs Curator

28.	Processing Archivist

29.	Project Archivist

30.	Province Archivist

31.	Public Records Officer

32.	Records Administrator

33.	Records Manager

34.	Reference Archivist

35.	Registrar

36.	State Archivist

37.	University Archivist

Job Tasks

	Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials. Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries. Organize informational materials.

	Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials. Help patrons use library or archival resources.

	Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.

	Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials. Evaluate characteristics of archival or historical objects.

	Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology. Develop library or archival databases.

	Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary. Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display.

	Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials. Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.

	Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials. Direct activities of subordinates.

	Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials. Evaluate characteristics of archival or historical objects.

	Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display. Order instructional or library materials or equipment.

	Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes. Plan community programs or activities for the general public.

	Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired. Research topics in area of expertise.

	Select and edit documents for publication and display, applying knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques. Edit documents.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers
	Archivists appraise, process, catalog, and preserve permanent records and historically valuable documents. Curators oversee collections of artwork and historic items, and may conduct public service activities for an institution. Museum technicians and conservators prepare and restore objects and documents in museum collections and exhibits.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers
	Archivists, curators, museum technicians, and conservators typically work in museums, historical sites, governments, colleges and universities, corporations, and other institutions that require their skills. Most work full time.

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Interesting Fact

The U.S. minimum wage in 1955 was 75 cents.

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