This was in the careers section on Saturday.
Jobs worth: Archivist
Nick Pandya
Saturday September 13, 2003
The Guardian
If your image of an archivist is someone shuffling piles of yellowing papers
around, think again. Stella Rimmington, the former head of MI5, trained as
an archivist. After the Hutton Inquiry, its mountain of documents will keep
several archivists busy cataloguing and evaluating items that may have a
value to posterity.
Sounds a bit monotonous?
Archivists are expected to have good communication skills, not just anal
personalities with a meticulous mind for filing. They are often required to
educate, entertain and give talks about the historical objects in their
care. Most organisations have grasped the commercial value of their archived
material and expect archivists to have some flair for business. Requests for
information, say, from TV researchers or advertising directors wanting retro
ideas to use in their campaigns provide nice little earners.
Will my earnings stretch to getting a mortgage?
Salaries range from £15,000 to £30,000. Corporate libraries, central
government and universities may be higher.
Most of the better paid and more interesting jobs are in the private sector.
If you are into film, newsreel company British Pathe exploits its own
archive at Pinewood Studios for documentaries and also provides footage for
other film-makers.
Who are the major players in this business?
Any organisation that wishes to preserve its records for posterity...local
authorities, government departments, businesses, charities, educational
institutions, museums, libraries. Many companies appreciate the value of a
professionally-organised archive of manuscripts, deeds, maps and diaries to
photographs, film and electronic records.
Have I got to serve time at university?
Afraid so, at least a 2.1 honours degree is normally required, entry without
a degree or at least HND is unlikely. Most records clerks and archive
assistants have at least a degree.
Plus, today's archivist also needs a combination of enthusiasm, sharp memory
and IT skills. Mature graduates are welcome with many mid-life career changers.
The Society of Archivists runs short training courses and workshops on
topics and relevant skills. And the Business Archives Council provides
training courses.
Is there a downside?
Weekend working is common in local government. Some tasks, such as salvaging
records, can be physically demanding and you may have to work in cramped
conditions. Most new hopefuls tend to be on short-term contracts.
Where can I find out more?
Society of Archivists, Executive Secretary, Priory Field House, 20 Canon
Street, Taunton, Somerset TA1 1SW or at www.archives.org.uk
Business Archives Council, The Clove Building, 4 Macquire Street, London,
SE1 2NQ Tel: 020 7407 6110 or at www.archives.gla.ac.uk/bac
For people considering a move to archives within their company, the BAC runs
beginners' training days and looks at specific issues like handling disasters.
|