Archivist

An archivist plans and organises systems and procedures for the safekeeping of records and historically valuable documents.

They use all types of media and make them more accessible and available to a wide range of users.

Archivists identify, evaluate and select documents for retention or destruction. They also work toward making materials available to users in alternative formats, increasingly using computer-assisted tools.

Work activities vary and many archivists are responsible for other related areas of work, such as records management and archive conservation. The roles of archivist and records manager are combined in some organisations, especially smaller businesses.

The work would involve: evaluating records for preservation and retention; arranging the acquisition and retrieval of records; liaising with donors; record-keeping; cataloguing collections; arranging exhibitions, talks and visits; producing teaching materials; and identifying ways of protecting and preserving collections.

Starting salaries are around £18,000 - £26,000 - The Society of Archivists recommends £20,895 as the minimum salary and will not advertise posts below this figure.

Salaries at senior level/with experience are around £26,000 - £40,000. Local authority and civil service grades are often tied to scales. Business repositories, central government and universities may offer higher salaries.

Although this work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances: archive and museum studies; literary studies; classics; English; archaeology; media studies; history; information science/management; modern European languages; modern non-European languages; and computing science.

A 2.1 honours degree is normally required, although entry could be possible with a 2:2 if you are prepared to gain relevant experience.

Entry without a degree or with an HND only is very unlikely; most records clerks and assistant archivists have at least a degree. A postgraduate course, for example an MA/Diploma in Archives and Records Management, is the normal route to entry.

Significant pre-entry paid or voluntary work experience is expected and often required before commencing a postgraduate course.

Potential candidates will need to show a genuine interest in history and in preserving records for posterity; the ability to skim and understand an extensive and varied range of material; and good computing and IT skills and an interest in applying new technology to archival practice.

Competition is fierce but course numbers are generally geared to meet the likely demand.