Occupation

Archivists

Human Advantage 66%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.7 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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

Also Known As: Accessioning Archivist, Archives Specialist, Archives Technician (Archives Tech), Archivist, Digital Archivist, Digital Asset Archivist, Digitization Assistant, Film Archivist +9 more

Video

Core Tasks

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 Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.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

Emerging Tasks

New and evolving responsibilities for this role:

  • Write grants and apply for funding to support archival work.

Education & Training

Job Zone 5 Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Master's Degree
84%
Bachelor's Degree
6%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.
6%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
3%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Software (32)

  • Adlib Information Systems Adlib Archive
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Archivists' Toolkit
  • Archon
  • Corel Paint Shop Pro
  • Database software
  • DiMeMa CONTENTdm
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • Encoded archival system EAD
  • Esri ArcGIS
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Gallery Systems The Museum System
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Omeka software
  • PREMIS
  • Presentation software
  • Web browser software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (7)

  • Compact digital cameras
  • Data input scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Digitizers
  • Inkjet printers
  • Laptop computers
  • Personal computers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Local, State, & Federal Services Advanced Manufacturing

Learner Support & Community Engagement Education

Zone 3
Zone 5
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