Archivist
what is AN ARCHIVIST?
Archivists look after and preserve collections of historical records and documents. On a day to day basis they may store materials correctly and keep them in good condition, use archive management software to date, catalogue and index materials, create and set up programmes to digitise records and materials, help people use the archives, make records available to users in formats such as photocopies, microfiche and online, carry out research, give talks and organise presentations, displays and exhibitions and much more.
HOW TO BECOME AN ARCHIVIST
The main routes to get into this role are:
A university course- you could undertake a degree for this role.
An apprenticeship- there is a chance to undertake a degree apprenticeship for this role.
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
You will usually need to have 2-3 a levels to undertake a relevant degree. You'll need a degree and postgraduate training to do this job. Most degree subjects are accepted, but you may find it useful to take a degree such as:
History
Information science
Law
Languages
English
After you complete a degree, you can do a postgraduate qualification in archives or records management recognised by the Archives & Records Association (ARA).
You'll usually need some relevant work experience to apply for a postgraduate course. This is a great way of finding out if a career as an archivist is for you.
Graduate training scheme :
https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/trainee-digital-archivist
The Bodleian Libraries Digital Archivist Graduate Training Scheme is a programme offering a combination of on-the-job training and postgraduate study specifically in digital archiving. The two-year programme teaches traditional and digital archiving skills, and leads to a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Information and Media Management from Aberystwyth University.
APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
There is a new Level 7 Archivist and Records Manager apprenticeship available, which provides an alternative entry route into the profession. Apprenticeships combine paid work, training on the job and a qualification.
For more information :
https://findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/courses/668
Archive and information apprenticeships such as the Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services (LIAS) Assistant apprenticeship offer another way into archive work.
Apprenticeship Finders
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Interview Help
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/archivist-interview-questions
employers
Competition for jobs is strong and you may move from one sector to another and work for a range of employers during your career. With experience, it may be possible to work as a self-employed archivist.
Opportunities are available with:
local government
The National Archives and the National Records of Scotland
The British Library and the national libraries of Scotland and Wales
the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)
cultural institutions such as museums and art galleries
universities and independent schools
large charities
central government and government agencies
hospitals
religious foundations
media organisations
professional organisations
specialist repositories within the private sector in large corporations, businesses and industrial organisations
private institutions, families and individuals.
Look for job vacancies at:
ARC Recruitment - the Archives and Records Association's recruitment bulletin
IRMS Jobs - the Information and Records Management Society jobs website
Vacancies are also advertised on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and in the local and national press.