Archivist
Archivists preserve and manage historical and cultural records. They also make collections available to researchers and the public.
Typical Salary
£23,000 – £45,000
per year
Working Hours
38–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As an archivist, you could:
- use archive management software to date, catalogue and index materials
- store materials correctly and keep them in good condition
- work with specialists like conservators to preserve collections
- create and set up processes to digitise records and materials
- help individuals and organisations use the archives
- give talks and organise presentations, displays and exhibitions
- negotiate the buying or donation of archive material
Skills needed
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- an interest and knowledge of history
- analytical thinking skills
- administration skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- concentration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
Career progression
With experience, you could work with large and prestigious collections held by national archives and museums, businesses, church foundations and charities.
You could also take on particular responsibilities, such as:
- team management, supervising archivists and assistants
- dealing with funding bids and advising on strategy and planning
- specialist research
- handling the legal requirements around record keeping