2 answers
Kalea Jafer
Student
6
Questions
Updated
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what are the pros and cons of an archival job?
are there anything I should look out for
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2 answers
Jordan Meyerl
3
Answers
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Pros:
Work with historic materials in a number of formats
Preserve history
Often work with passionate individuals
Use lots of critical thinking skills
Learn project management
Be able to think big-picture
Cons:
Often lack of funding, which translates into not being able to put as much time and effort into each project as you would like (never processing things to perfection, just as much as you can)
Lack of understanding of what an archivist does from colleagues
Can be somewhat physically taxing (there is an expectation that you will be able to lift up to a certain weight and maneuver on ladders/stools)
Field can be hard to break into, and can be expensive to obtain the degrees needed
Work with historic materials in a number of formats
Preserve history
Often work with passionate individuals
Use lots of critical thinking skills
Learn project management
Be able to think big-picture
Cons:
Often lack of funding, which translates into not being able to put as much time and effort into each project as you would like (never processing things to perfection, just as much as you can)
Lack of understanding of what an archivist does from colleagues
Can be somewhat physically taxing (there is an expectation that you will be able to lift up to a certain weight and maneuver on ladders/stools)
Field can be hard to break into, and can be expensive to obtain the degrees needed
Mrinalini Singh
Project Manager
125
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hello Kalea,
An archivist should be skilled in areas such as archival science and record keeping, as well as being knowledgeable about the relevant rules, regulations, and guidelines. Here are some key objectives to keep in mind:
- Efficiently processing and incorporating documents into the archive
- Organizing the archive and maintaining its storage
- Overseeing office tasks
- Transferring necessary documents to state archives
- Creating reference materials for documents within the archive
- Receiving and, if needed, adding incoming documents to the archive
Besides these primary responsibilities, an archivist typically needs to encrypt documents, ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, and provide document copies when requested. If you excel in these areas, you'll definitely have many advantages. On the other hand, if you struggle with these tasks, you'll know the challenges to overcome. Stay positive and keep learning!
An archivist should be skilled in areas such as archival science and record keeping, as well as being knowledgeable about the relevant rules, regulations, and guidelines. Here are some key objectives to keep in mind:
- Efficiently processing and incorporating documents into the archive
- Organizing the archive and maintaining its storage
- Overseeing office tasks
- Transferring necessary documents to state archives
- Creating reference materials for documents within the archive
- Receiving and, if needed, adding incoming documents to the archive
Besides these primary responsibilities, an archivist typically needs to encrypt documents, ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, and provide document copies when requested. If you excel in these areas, you'll definitely have many advantages. On the other hand, if you struggle with these tasks, you'll know the challenges to overcome. Stay positive and keep learning!