I spend time planning projects with cultural heritage partners, collaborating with preservation experts, and finding ways to digitize and provide access to historical materials. I also work with students, mentoring them through projects involving metadata, digital collections, and social media. Whether I'm coordinating an international partnership or speaking with students about archives and Latin American studies, my role is about connecting people with history and information.
CAREER
Archivists
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$59,910
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+7.9% (as fast as the average)
Career
What Archivists Do
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Other Job Titles Archivists May Have
Accessioning Archivist, Archivist, Digital Archivist, Film Archivist, Museum Archivist, Records Manager, Reference Archivist, Registrar, State Archivist, University Archivist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
My job is about connecting people with history. I oversee the Chicago Public Library's archives and special collections, working with staff to preserve important historical materials, develop exhibits and programs, and expand access to our collections. I also collaborate with donors, researchers, educators, and community members to ensure the stories we preserve reflect the diversity of our city.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
- Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
- Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
- Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Archivists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (84%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
American History (United States)
Graduate
American History (United States)
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
I believe that hands-on education is required to be successful in most jobs. There is only so much you can learn from a book.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
Interning, which can be hard financially, but it will be so worth it in the end. It's super hard to find a job if you don't have any experience, so even if you have to work 4 weekend jobs just to intern once or twice a week it will be worth it in the long-run.
I encourage library students to participate in internships. Library school will only teach you a small part of the career field, so internships can really help you decide which specialty is best for you. I think it's also incredibly beneficial to find a mentor to help support and guide you on your journey.
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
