Archivist
An archivist organizes, preserves, and processes documents, ensuring their accessibility for users.
On this profession page, you will learn:
Who is archivist
The archivist organizes and stores documents. They systematize information by creating convenient catalogs. By using various methods, the archivist ensures easy access to materials. While working with documents, they analyze the content, classify, and determine the importance of each item. The archivist often collaborates with other specialists to ensure proper storage and preservation of valuable materials. During this time, they utilize modern technologies to digitize documents, allowing for their storage in digital form. By continuously learning new methods, the archivist takes care of preserving cultural heritage. In the end, the archivist presents documents in an understandable format, simplifying their use for researchers and the public.
AI impact on archivist
Medium riskAI replacement risk
50%
Software will take over the scanning, indexing, and basic cataloguing of files, so you'll spend less time typing descriptions and more time checking that the machine got the dates and names right. Deciding what a document really means, spotting forgeries or sensitive material, and advising researchers on how to use tricky collections will still be on you. Your day becomes less about filing and more about being the person who knows why a folder matters and whether it's safe to open.
Tasks at risk of automation
- digitization and indexing
- basic cataloguing and description writing
- routine condition monitoring
Tasks that will remain human
- evaluating context and significance
- advising researchers on use
- judging preservation risks and sensitive content
- overseeing collection integrity
Key skills of archivist
Work schedule and conditions
Archivists typically work 40 hours a week. The working day lasts from 8 to 9 hours. The usual days off are Saturday and Sunday. Most archivists work in an office, but there is a possibility of remote work. Special working conditions may include the need for a workspace with archival materials.
What a archivist does
- Collection, organization, and storage of documents.
- Digitization and preservation of archival materials.
- Creation of descriptions and indexes of documents.
- Consultation on the use of archival materials.
- Participation in scientific research and projects.
- Ensuring access to archival collections.
- Monitoring the condition and preservation of documents.
Benefits of the archivist profession
Organization
Structured information storage.
Research
Opportunity to study history.
Interaction
Interaction with diverse individuals.
Disadvantages of the archivist profession
Monotony
Repetitive tasks daily.
Limitations
Often requires adherence to rules.
Technical Issues
Potential failures in storage systems.
How to become a archivist
An archivist organises, preserves and provides access to documents. To work as a qualified archivist — particularly in public archives or record offices — you usually need a degree plus a postgraduate qualification in archives and records management, often one accredited by the Archives and Records Association. You can enter assistant roles faster through short courses and work experience.
1. Placement or assistant role
The quickest entry is a placement or archive-assistant role in an archive, library or records office, where you learn to handle documents in practice. It gives real experience without formal qualifications at the outset and is a common stepping stone toward qualified roles.
2. Short records-management courses
Courses lasting from a few weeks to several months give a grounding in cataloguing, storage and processing of documents. They're a good option for entering the job market quickly in assistant and support roles.
3. Postgraduate archives qualification
A degree in a humanities subject followed by a postgraduate qualification in archives and records management — ideally one accredited by the Archives and Records Association — provides the in-depth knowledge usually required to work independently as an archivist. This route takes several years.
The fastest way in is a placement or archive-assistant role alongside courses in records management. For independent work as a qualified archivist, especially in public institutions, an accredited postgraduate qualification is normally required. Experience handling records remains key.