Records keeper
The archivist preserves, organizes, and provides access to documents and archival materials.
On this profession page, you will learn:
Who is archivist
The archivist organizes and preserves documents, materials, and other records. They carefully verify information, classify it according to specific criteria to ensure easy access to necessary data in the future. Daily, the archivist digitizes old documents, creates electronic copies, and maintains databases. They also plan and implement projects to arrange archival materials, provide consultations to employees, and assist in finding required information. The archivist often collaborates with other specialists to realize joint projects, sharing knowledge and ideas. They take great care in preserving documents, taking measures to protect them from wear and damage, and monitor the condition of materials. Thanks to the archivist, information is preserved for future generations, as every document carries a piece of history.
AI impact on archivist
Low riskAI replacement risk
25%
Most of the day‑to‑day work of tagging documents, running OCR scans, and answering simple lookup requests will be handled by software, so you’ll spend less time typing metadata and more time checking the results. What stays is the judgment work: deciding whether a fragile manuscript is worth keeping, planning how to control humidity and light for storage, and talking to researchers about what they really need. You’ll also still be responsible for making sure the archive follows legal rules and for preserving the physical items themselves. Expect the role to shift toward fewer clerical steps and more hands‑on preservation and user‑focused consulting.
Tasks at risk of automation
- metadata tagging and indexing
- OCR and digitization workflow
- processing routine retrieval requests
- generating basic finding aids
Tasks that will remain human
- appraising and authenticating archival materials
- preservation planning and physical handling
- consulting visitors and providing reference assistance
- ensuring legal and ethical compliance
- developing collection policies and access strategies
Key skills of archivist
Work schedule and conditions
Archivists usually work 40 hours a week. The workday lasts 8 hours, from Monday to Friday. The weekends are Saturday and Sunday. Office work is primary, but remote work may be possible in some cases. Be prepared to work with documents that may contain sensitive information. Security checks may be required.
What a archivist does
- Organization and storage of documents in the archive.
- Verification of documents for compliance with standards.
- Processing user requests for information retrieval.
- Systematization of archival materials for easy access.
- Keeping records of archival documents and their value.
- Consulting visitors on the use of the archive.
- Ensuring safety and preservation of archival materials.
Benefits of the archivist profession
Organizational Skills
Enhances ability to store data effectively.
Preservation of History
Helps preserve important documents.
Data Analysis
Simplifies access to information for research.
Disadvantages of the archivist profession
Routine Work
Can be boring and monotonous.
Technical Issues
Risk of data loss due to malfunctions.
Stressful Situations
Urgent requests can cause stress.
How to become a archivist
You can get into archive work in the UK without a degree — junior records or archive-assistant roles value accuracy, attention to detail and a basic grasp of records management. A qualification or short course in archives and records is a plus rather than a requirement, and no licence is needed.
1. A degree or postgraduate qualification
Studying archives, records management, information or library studies at a UK university — often at master's level, sometimes accredited by the Archives and Records Association — gives a deep grounding in cataloguing, preservation and archive management. It is an advantage for senior posts but not required to start.
2. Short courses and online training
Short courses in archives and records management cover the basics of cataloguing, data protection and preservation. Running from a few weeks to a few months, they are the quickest way to prepare for the role.
3. On-the-job training
You can start as an archive or records assistant without a relevant qualification and learn cataloguing, indexing and document handling on the job under experienced colleagues — often the fastest way in.
The quickest route is a short archives course, or simply starting as an archive assistant and learning on the job. A degree deepens your knowledge but is not needed to begin, and hands-on experience with documents is what employers value most.