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Archivist

Archivists analyse and document records. They also plan and perform procedures for the safekeeping of records and historically valuable documents.

This may include working closely with written records, files, maps, plans, letters, books, certificates, diaries and registers.

Records also include other media such as photographs, films, sound recordings, microfilms and electronic or computer records.

TASKS

Archivists may perform the following tasks:

determine how long records need to be kept for accountability and historical purposes by following specified record-keeping requirements
ensure records necessary for the ongoing operations of an organisation are identified and preserved
survey records held by client agencies and individuals, and arrange for their transfer to archival custody
collect records in accordance with an acquisitions policy
establish and manage digitisation initiatives to make records more accessible online
plan for and carry out digital preservation activities on 'born digital' records (materials that originate in digital form)
design systems (including hardware, software, procedures and manuals) that enable organisations to create and keep records of their business activities
establish and manage administrative systems to document and control records and archives
compile guides, inventories and indices to assist referencing and research
provide access to records through reading rooms and online archives for research, administrative, legal and other purposes
provide advice and information on issues such as copyright and privacy
inform users about how to retrieve information from records
research publications or prepare exhibitions using archival records
promote collections and engage with users through educational programmes, exhibitions, publications and the web
ensure that the environmental conditions required for the storage and conservation of records are maintained according to scientific methods
advise on record management issues

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enthusiasm for research and analysis
good oral and written communication skills
good liaison and negotiation skills
good organisational skills
able to undertake highly detailed work
interested in the preservation and accurate management of records
aptitude for using computers
able to work independently
interested in history
able to accept responsibility

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an archivist you usually have to study humanities, social sciences or information management at university, followed by a postgraduate qualification in records management and archives, information studies, information science or information services. To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

In some cases it may be possible to become an archivist through relevant work experience. Government archives in particular may offer alternative entry schemes and in-house training.

The Australian Society of Archivists is the professional organisation for archivists in Australia. Associate membership is open to anyone who supports the aims of the society, including students. Professional membership is available to graduates who have been employed as an archivist in a recognised institution for two years, or to anyone holding a postgraduate professional qualification recognised by the society who has been employed as an archivist for one year. Visit their website for further information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The two major employers of archivists are the federal and state or territory governments. Archivists are also employed by statutory authorities, local government councils, universities and other tertiary institutions, schools, churches, banks, building societies and some large commercial companies. There are also some opportunities for private consultancy work.