Career Development Grid

Archivists are professionals who are responsible for managing, preserving, and organizing historical documents and records. They work in various settings, including museums, libraries, government agencies, and corporations.
Education and Training:
To become an archivist, you need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in history, library science, or a related field. However, most archivists hold a master’s degree in archival studies, history, or library science. Archival studies programs teach students the skills needed to manage and preserve historical records, including cataloging, preservation, and digital archiving.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Archivists are responsible for collecting, organizing, and preserving historical records. They also create finding aids, which are tools that help researchers locate specific documents within the archive. Archivists may also work with the public, assisting researchers and providing access to historical documents.
Earning Potential:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for archivists, curators, and museum workers was $49,850 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on the type of institution and the level of experience.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Archivists can advance their careers by taking on higher-level positions, such as head archivist or director of archives. They can also specialize in a particular area, such as digital archiving or preservation.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing archivists is the preservation of historical documents. Archivists must be knowledgeable about preservation techniques and must stay up-to-date with new technologies. Another challenge is funding, as archives may not always receive sufficient funding to properly maintain and preserve historical documents. To overcome these challenges, archivists can seek out training and professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in preservation and seek out funding opportunities.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
Archivists can gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs in archives or libraries. They can also attend professional conferences and join professional organizations to build a network of contacts in the field.
Job Prospects:
Job prospects for archivists are expected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for digital archiving and the need to preserve historical records.
Skills and Qualities Needed to Succeed:
Archivists must

To become an archivist, you typically need a master’s degree in library science, archival science, history, or a related field. Some employers may also require additional coursework in areas such as records management or digital preservation.
In addition to formal education, experience in archives or a related field is often required or preferred. This can be gained through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs while pursuing your education.
Certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists may also be beneficial for career advancement.

Archivists are responsible for the management, organization, and preservation of historical documents and records. Their typical job duties and responsibilities may include:
1. Collecting and identifying historical documents and records.
2. Cataloging and indexing documents and records using specialized software.
3. Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the preservation and storage of documents and records.
4. Ensuring the safe handling and storage of documents and records.
5. Providing access to historical records for researchers and other interested parties.
6. Conducting research to answer inquiries related to historical documents and records.
7. Developing and maintaining relationships with donors and other organizations to acquire new collections.
8. Managing budgets and resources for the archive.
9. Supervising and training staff and volunteers.
10. Promoting the archive and its collections through outreach and public relations activities.
Archivists may work in a variety of settings, including museums, libraries, government agencies, and private organizations. They must have strong organizational, research, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of historical preservation and documentation.

The earning potential for archivists can vary depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and type of employer.
In the short term, entry-level archivist positions may offer salaries ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. However, with experience and advanced degrees, archivists can earn higher salaries. Mid-career archivists can earn salaries ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, while senior-level archivists with many years of experience can earn salaries of $100,000 or more.
In the long term, archivists can expect to see salary increases as they gain more experience and take on higher-level positions. Additionally, archivists who pursue advanced degrees or certifications in the field may have higher earning potential. However, it is important to note that earning potential may also depend on the job market and demand for archivists in a particular location or industry.

Archivists have several opportunities for career advancement, including:
1. Senior Archivist: As an archivist gains more experience and expertise in managing and preserving records, they may be promoted to a senior archivist position. In this role, they may oversee the work of other archivists and help develop strategies for managing and preserving large collections.
2. Records Manager: Archivists with a background in managing records may transition into a records management position. In this role, they would be responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for the creation, maintenance, and disposition of records.
3. Curator: Archivists who specialize in managing collections of art, artifacts, or other cultural materials may transition into a curator position. In this role, they would be responsible for selecting, acquiring, and managing collections for museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions.
4. Director of Archives: With enough experience and expertise, an archivist may be promoted to a director position. In this role, they would be responsible for overseeing the management and preservation of all records and collections within an organization.
5. Consultant: Experienced archivists may also choose to become consultants, providing advice and guidance to organizations on best practices for managing and preserving records and collections.

Some of the biggest challenges facing archivists include:
1. Preservation: Archivists are responsible for preserving historical records and documents for future generations. However, preserving these materials can be challenging due to factors such as environmental conditions, pests, and natural disasters.
2. Access: Archivists must balance the need for access to historical materials with the need to protect them. Providing access to materials while also ensuring their preservation can be a delicate balance.
3. Digitization: Many archives are now digitizing their collections to make them more accessible to the public. However, digitization can be time-consuming and expensive.
4. Funding: Archivists often work in non-profit organizations or government agencies, which may have limited funding. This can make it difficult to acquire the resources needed to preserve and provide access to historical materials.
To overcome these challenges, archivists can take several steps:
1. Stay up-to-date on preservation techniques and technologies to ensure that materials are properly preserved.
2. Develop policies and procedures that balance access with preservation.
3. Collaborate with other institutions and organizations to share resources and expertise.
4. Seek out funding opportunities and advocate for increased funding for archival work.
5. Embrace digitization as a way to increase access to historical materials, while also recognizing its limitations and challenges.

Here are some ways to gain experience and build a network in the field of archiving:
1. Volunteer at local archives: Many archives rely on volunteers to help with tasks such as cataloging, digitizing, and preserving records. Volunteering at a local archive is a great way to gain hands-on experience in the field and to network with professionals.
2. Complete an internship: Many archives offer internships for students and recent graduates. Internships provide valuable experience and can lead to job opportunities or connections in the field.
3. Attend professional conferences: Attending conferences such as the Society of American Archivists Annual Meeting can provide opportunities to network with professionals and learn about the latest trends and best practices in the field.
4. Join professional organizations: Joining organizations such as the Society of American Archivists or the International Council on Archives can provide access to resources, job listings, and networking opportunities.
5. Pursue a graduate degree in library science or archival studies: A graduate degree in library science or archival studies can provide in-depth knowledge of the field and make you a more competitive candidate for jobs in the field.

Archivists are professionals who are responsible for collecting, organizing, preserving, and managing historical records and documents. They work in various settings, including government agencies, museums, libraries, universities, and private organizations.
The job prospects for archivists are relatively stable, with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2019 to 2029, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the demand for archivists may vary depending on the industry and the location.
In the future, the job prospects for archivists are expected to remain stable, with an increasing demand for digital archivists who can manage electronic records and information. With the growing importance of data privacy and security, archivists who can manage and protect sensitive information will be in high demand.
Overall, archivists can expect a steady demand for their services, with opportunities for growth and specialization in digital archiving and data management.

Archivists need to have the following skills and qualities to succeed in their career:
1. Attention to detail: Archivists need to be meticulous and detail-oriented as they are responsible for organizing and preserving historical documents and records.
2. Analytical skills: They should have strong analytical skills to evaluate the historical significance of documents and records and make decisions about their preservation.
3. Communication skills: Archivists should be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, researchers, and the general public about the historical significance of the materials they preserve.
4. Computer skills: They should be proficient in using computer software and databases to organize and manage digital archives.
5. Knowledge of history: Archivists should have a deep understanding of history and historical events to properly evaluate and preserve historical documents and records.
6. Organization skills: They should have excellent organizational skills to manage large collections of documents and records.
7. Patience: Archivists should be patient as they may spend long hours working with delicate and fragile documents.
8. Research skills: They should have strong research skills to help them identify and locate historical documents and records.
9. Time management skills: Archivists should be able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and ensure that documents and records are properly preserved.

Archivists are in demand in a variety of sectors and industries, including:
1. Government agencies: Archivists are employed by government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to manage and preserve important historical documents and records.
2. Museums and cultural institutions: Archivists are also employed by museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions to manage and preserve their collections of historical documents, photographs, and other artifacts.
3. Educational institutions: Many colleges and universities employ archivists to manage their collections of historical documents and records, as well as to support research and teaching in a variety of fields.
4. Private companies: Archivists are also employed by private companies, particularly those in industries such as finance, law, and healthcare, to manage their records and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
5. Non-profit organizations: Archivists are employed by non-profit organizations such as historical societies and research institutes to manage and preserve their collections of historical documents and records.

Misconception: Archivists are just librarians who organize old documents.
Reality: Archivists have a specialized skill set that involves the preservation and management of historical records and documents. They are responsible for organizing, cataloging, and maintaining archives that can range from personal collections to government records. They also work closely with historians, researchers, and other professionals to ensure that records are accessible and can be used for research and education.
Misconception: Archivists work in dusty, old buildings and spend their days sifting through old papers.
Reality: While some archives may be housed in old buildings, many archives are now digitized and accessible online. Archivists use technology to manage and preserve records, and they may work in a variety of settings, including museums, universities, government agencies, and private organizations. They also work with a range of materials, including photographs, film and video, audio recordings, and digital files.
Misconception: Archivists don’t need any specialized education or training.
Reality: Most archivist positions require a master’s degree in library science, history, or a related field. Archivists also need specialized training in preservation and conservation techniques, as well as knowledge of archival standards and best practices. Additionally, archivists need strong research and analytical skills, as well as excellent organizational and communication skills.