Some Archival Career Advice

Some Archival Career Advice

In honor of
American Archives Month
, we’re highlighting career tips from archivist Jennifer Wright. Jennifer leads the
Archives and Information Management Team within our
Smithsonian Institution Archives
.
The
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
receives dozens of inquiries every year from students and recent graduates about the archives profession and how to become an archivist. Since this is such a popular topic, we decided to make our responses to the most common questions available to a wider audience. While the responses below are intended to address the archival profession in general, they ultimately reflect my own experiences and those of my immediate colleagues.
Records storage at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
What does an archivist do?
Archivists perform a wide variety of tasks. In a smaller archives, a few individuals may do everything while, in a larger archives, archivists may specialize in specific aspects of the work. Traditionally, an archivist works with donors or the staff of its parent institution to acquire new collections; organizes and rehouses collections (also known as processing); describes collections and writes finding aids; and assists researchers in using the collections. Some archivists specialize in the acquisition, management, description, and preservation of born-digital files, web-based content, photographic materials, or audiovisual recordings. Other aspects of the job may include records management, digitization, metadata creation, public outreach, research, writing, or teaching.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy learning about a wide variety of topics within the collections I process. I also enjoy going behind the scenes and exploring our museums and research centers from the inside out.
What qualities are employers looking for in an archivist?
Many employers will be looking for applicants who can work both independently and on a team; demonstrate strong research and writing skills; exhibit attention to detail; are creative problem solvers; and show a natural curiosity. Many positions will require data management, digitization, and digital preservation in addition to working with digital files for the purposes of appraisal and reference. A solid background in basic technical skills will be essential. Some employers may also be looking for knowledge of a particular topic related to their collection, such as local history or aviation. Intern, volunteer, or other hands-on experience will often be a critical factor in deciding which applicant to hire. The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives offers several
internship programs
each year, as do other archival repositories around the Institution.
Diskettes from the Smithsonian’s Office of Facilities Engineering and Operations.
What degree do you need to be an archivist?
Many, but not all, employers will require a Master of Library Science, a Master of Library and Information Science, “or equivalent.” A Master…