All About Archivists
Job Description: Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Archivist Responsibilities
- Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.
- Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
- Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes.
- Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
- Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.
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Archivist Needed Skills
Archivists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Other Archivist Job Titles
- Photographs Curator
- Registrar
- Director of Archives
- University Archivist
- Records Administrator
What Kind of Archivist Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 6,800 jobs for Archivist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 800 job openings in this field each 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.
Average Archivists Salary
The typical yearly salary for Archivists is somewhere between $30,440 and $90,830.
Archivists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Archivists in different U.S. states.
| 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 |
What Tools do Archivists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Archivists:
- 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
How to Become an Archivist
What education is needed to be an Archivist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Archivists Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Archivist might also be interested in the following careers:
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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