Archivists

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

Median Annual Wage: $49,120

Education: Master's degree (78%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (13%); Post-master's certificate (6%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Archivist; Registrar; Archives Director; Manuscripts Curator; Collections Manager; Museum Archivist; Records Manager; Archival Records Clerk; Collections Director; University Archivist

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Archivists.

More Education, Training, and Library Careers

  • Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
  • Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
  • Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.
  • Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
  • Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
  • Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
  • Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
  • Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
  • Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.
  • Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes.
  • Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.
  • Select and edit documents for publication and display, applying knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Archivists.

  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Archivists.

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