What Does it Take to Be an Archivist?
Job Description & Duties Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Life As an Archivist
- Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
- Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.
- Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
- Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
- Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
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Qualities of an Archivist
Below is a list of the skills most Archivists say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
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.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Archivist
- Film Archivist
- Museum Archivist
- Docent
- Image Archivist
- Archives and Historical Documents Director
Job Demand for Archivists
In the United States, there were 6,800 jobs for Archivist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,000 new jobs for Archivist by 2026. There will be an estimated 800 positions for Archivist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Archivist are Nebraska, Kentucky, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Vermont, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Archivist Salary
The salary for Archivists ranges between about $30,440 and $90,830 a year.
Archivists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Archivists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,790 |
| Arizona | $43,890 |
| Arkansas | $59,480 |
| California | $72,240 |
| Colorado | $51,080 |
| Connecticut | $62,910 |
| Delaware | $46,080 |
| District of Columbia | $74,860 |
| Florida | $46,370 |
| Georgia | $64,160 |
| Illinois | $63,200 |
| Indiana | $40,920 |
| Kansas | $42,860 |
| Kentucky | $44,410 |
| Louisiana | $45,480 |
| Maine | $46,440 |
| Maryland | $67,360 |
| Massachusetts | $63,270 |
| Michigan | $52,380 |
| Minnesota | $46,700 |
| Missouri | $51,410 |
| Montana | $38,870 |
| New Jersey | $67,110 |
| New Mexico | $46,420 |
| New York | $56,270 |
| North Carolina | $51,960 |
| Ohio | $46,610 |
| Oklahoma | $41,790 |
| Oregon | $43,470 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,800 |
| Rhode Island | $59,520 |
| South Carolina | $42,530 |
| Tennessee | $38,430 |
| Texas | $66,120 |
| Utah | $34,400 |
| Vermont | $46,610 |
| Virginia | $55,400 |
| Washington | $56,690 |
| Wisconsin | $47,800 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Archivists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Archivists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible markup language XML
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Presentation software
- Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
- Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
Becoming an Archivist
Individuals working as an Archivist have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become an Archivist?
Where Archivists Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Archivists employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those interested in being an Archivist may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Jorge Royan via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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