Just to add my 2p worth to this interesting debate - the latest economic
downturn (like the previous ones) goes across the age range and also
includes people like me, a member of the Society of Old(er) British
Archivists. It can be disheartening to realise that for every job applied
for, there are several younger brighter sleeker 'models' going for the same
vacancy. It has got to the stage where just getting an interview appears to
be a major achievement.
To the young 'uns or others out there I would say, don't get too
downhearted. Keep on top of the jobs vacancies by using tools such as Google
Reader, RSS feeds and the various social networks. Make the most of
voluntary posts - they get you out of the house, you meet different people,
you network more and raise your profile. Voluntary work is also a useful
item to have on your CV. I've found that networking is a major factor in
gaining employment, but I realise that this may not be much help to those
who have recently qualified as archivists and haven't had the chance yet to
build up friends and contacts.
I'm old enough to have lived through previous downturns and spent almost two
years unemployed after graduating in the mid-1980s. I got my break in
archives via a Manpower Services Commission scheme to fund work for the
long-term unemployed. As a result of that I got paid work at what is now the
Centre for Kentish Studies, and the rest is history etc.
End of wander down memory lane.
Gary
Gary Collins
16 Clifton Road
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 3QF
01788 542887
07932 747649
[log in to unmask]
www.brasspaperclip.co.uk
On 16/09/2010 15:57, "John Smith" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear all,
>
> For anyone interested, I'd like to point out a couple of things in connection
> with the recent discussions on the employment situation for archival
> graduates.
>
> Firstly, in connection with the recent discussions we've set up a facebook
> group under the name 'The Society of New Archivists'. We hope that this will
> provide a forum for newly qualified archivists and those working to enter the
> profession to discuss relevant issues, find support or advice and air any
> particular grievances. This is not just about the jobs issue but about all
> issues which are particularly relevant to new archivists looking to establish
> themselves in the profession - I'm sure we'll all agree that there are a
> number of these. We would greatly appreciate the support of anyone who thinks
> they would benefit from such a group. Please find us on facebook under 'The
> Society of New Archivists' (and tell your friends).
>
> Secondly, I've come across this fantastic blog by Lance Stuchell, an American
> archivist, which perfectly encapsulates all of the issues discussed in
> connection with the job situation. http://newarchivist.com/). Anyone concerned
> by the issues faced by new archivists will find this of particular interest.
> It's certainly interesting how similar many of the conclusions he draws are to
> those suggested by nra list members, showing how similar the situation is on
> the other side of the pond. Rebecca Goldman's archives comic blog is
> definitely worth a look too (here -
> http://derangementanddescription.wordpress.com/) particularly her 'Howl!'
> comic (here -
> http://derangementanddescription.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/post-saa-howl/).
>
> I'm currently putting together a blog which will take a similar approach but
> with a British slant (to be called 'New British Archivist' - solely to
> distinguish it from 'New Archivist'). When this is set up I'd welcome
> contributions from anyone who would like to post on particular issues.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> John Smith
> (The Society of New British Archivists - join it now!)
>
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>
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