Archival Consultant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of information, the role of archival consultants has become increasingly crucial.

As the digital universe expands, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively organize, maintain, and protect our vast collections of information continues to grow.

But what exactly is expected of an archival consultant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the complex world of archival consulting,

You’ve landed in the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable archival consultant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Archival Consultant Duties and Responsibilities

Archival Consultants are responsible for organizing and preserving various types of historical records, documents, and artifacts.

They offer their expert knowledge in managing, digitizing, and preserving archival collections, as well as providing guidance on how to improve the accessibility and usability of archived materials.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the client’s archival needs and developing a strategic plan to address those needs
• Organizing, cataloging, and preserving archival materials in a manner that ensures their longevity and accessibility
• Developing and implementing systems for the collection, classification, and storage of archival materials
• Advising clients on the latest archival and preservation technologies and practices
• Digitizing archival materials to improve their accessibility and preserve their quality
• Training staff or volunteers on proper archival procedures and practices
• Developing disaster recovery plans to safeguard archival materials in case of emergencies
• Conducting research to authenticate and provide context to archival materials
• Ensuring the archival project complies with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards

 

Archival Consultant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable Archival Consultant to assist our organization in the management and preservation of our historical records and documents.

The Archival Consultant’s duties include evaluating, organizing, and classifying records, assisting with digitization projects, and providing guidance on archival best practices.

Our ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of archival theory and practice, expertise in the latest digitization techniques and software, and excellent attention to detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating, classifying, and organizing archival materials.
• Providing expert advice on preservation techniques and handling of historical documents.
• Guiding the digitization of archival materials and ensuring adherence to standards.
• Developing and implementing archival policies and procedures.
• Assisting with the development of finding aids, indexes, and other discovery tools.
• Training staff on best practices in archival management.
• Consulting on the design and implementation of archival storage systems.
• Conducting audits to ensure the integrity and safety of archival materials.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Archival Consultant, Archivist, or similar role.
• Knowledge of archival theory and practice.
• Familiarity with document preservation techniques.
• Experience with archival management software.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to train and guide others in archival best practices.
• Master’s degree in Library Science, History, or related field, with a concentration in archival studies.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Archival Consultant
• Work Environment: This position is typically office-based, with occasional visits to various storage locations. Some remote work may be possible.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Archival Manager or Director of Records Management.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Archival Consultant Do?

Archival Consultants typically work for libraries, museums, universities, government agencies, corporations, and private individuals.

They can also operate as self-employed individuals or run their own consulting businesses.

Their primary role is to help organizations manage, preserve, and make accessible their historical documents and other important records.

This includes providing advice on the best practices for archival management, from the physical storage of documents to digital preservation techniques.

Archival Consultants are also responsible for organizing and cataloging archives, ensuring they are easily accessible for research or reference.

They help develop archival policies and procedures, and provide training to staff on how to handle, store, and retrieve documents.

They may also be called upon to help with digitization projects, converting physical records to digital formats, and ensuring that digital archives are stored securely and backed up regularly.

Archival Consultants often work closely with historians, researchers, and other professionals who need to access the archives, providing them with the necessary support and guidance.

Their job is not only to preserve the past but also to make it accessible for future generations.

They ensure the integrity and continuity of an organization’s historical record, providing invaluable insights and information for decades to come.

 

Archival Consultant Qualifications and Skills

An effective Archival Consultant should possess a range of skills and qualifications, including:

• Knowledge of archival theories, methodologies, and practices to ensure records are managed and stored appropriately
• Strong attention to detail for the precise handling, preserving, and indexing of archival materials
• Exceptional analytical skills to assess, interpret, and evaluate archival materials
• Good communication skills to liaise with clients, helping them understand the importance of proper archival procedures and the significance of historical records
• Problem-solving skills to address complex issues regarding archival storage, digital preservation, and data recovery
• Proficiency in handling digital archiving tools and software, including database management systems
• Experience in project management to oversee the planning and execution of archiving projects
• Awareness of legal and ethical implications in archiving, including issues related to privacy, copyright, and access rights
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, especially in situations of urgent record recovery or restoration

 

Archival Consultant Experience Requirements

Archival Consultants typically have a bachelor’s degree in history, library science, or a related field, and they often pursue a master’s degree or higher in archival studies, library science, or information management.

Entry-level archival consultants usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through internships, part-time roles, or graduate assistantships in archives, libraries, or museums.

They may also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as a Records Manager, Collections Assistant, or Document Preservation Specialist.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in archival research, preservation techniques, digital records management, and cataloging.

They may have worked in roles such as Archivist or Records Manager.

Those with more than 5 years of experience likely have leadership experience, having overseen projects or supervised teams in their previous roles.

They may also have specific expertise in areas such as digital archiving, rare books, or special collections and may be prepared for senior consultant or managerial roles.

In addition, professional certifications in archival administration or records management may be required or preferred for certain roles, as these signify advanced knowledge and skills in the field.

 

Archival Consultant Education and Training Requirements

Archival Consultants generally hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as history, library science, or archival science.

In-depth knowledge about record management, cataloging, preservation techniques, and the latest archival technology is essential for this role.

Many roles may require a master’s degree in library science or archival studies.

This advanced study generally includes coursework in archival methods and theory, records management, digital archives, and preservation.

Archival Consultants also need to be familiar with various cataloging systems and have a sound understanding of metadata standards.

Certifications, such as the Certified Archivist (CA) or the Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) credential, can enhance an Archival Consultant’s profile, demonstrate their commitment to the profession, and may be preferred by some employers.

Continuing education is vital in this field to keep up-to-date with the latest preservation techniques and technologies, changes in regulations relating to records management, and best practices in digital archiving.

Having research skills and historical knowledge may also be beneficial for Archival Consultants, as they often work with historical documents and records.

 

Archival Consultant Salary Expectations

An Archival Consultant can expect to earn an average salary of $54,987 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, the scale of the project, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Archival Consultant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Archival Consultant need?

An Archival Consultant needs to have a strong understanding of archival theory and practice, and the ability to adapt these principles to different situations.

They should be well-versed in digital preservation, cataloging, and archival digitization standards.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as they’ll need to explain complex archival concepts to non-specialists.

Good analytical and problem-solving abilities are also essential.

 

Do Archival Consultants need a degree?

Most Archival Consultants hold a degree in library science, history, or a related field, and some positions may require a master’s degree.

Experience with archival work is often more important than formal education, but a degree can provide a solid foundation of knowledge.

Certification from a recognized archival institution can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in an Archival Consultant’s resume?

First, look for experience in managing, organizing, and preserving historical and contemporary documents, photographs, and other materials.

Proficiency in using archival software and databases is also important.

Check for a degree in a related field and any additional certifications.

You might also look for experience in a specific area related to your project, such as digital preservation or oral history.

 

What qualities make a good Archival Consultant?

A good Archival Consultant has a passion for history and a keen eye for detail.

They should be well-organized and able to manage multiple tasks at once.

Strong communication skills are important, as they’ll often need to collaborate with other professionals.

They should also be committed to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the archives they work with.

 

What is the role of an Archival Consultant in historical research?

Archival Consultants play an essential role in historical research.

They help to identify, collect, and preserve historical documents and other materials.

They also organize these materials and make them accessible to researchers.

Furthermore, they advise on the best practices for preserving and digitizing materials, ensuring that they’ll be available for future generations.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the crucial role of an archival consultant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about curating historical documents.

It’s about safeguarding our collective memory and heritage, one archive at a time.

With our ready-to-use archival consultant job description template and real-life examples, you’re all geared up for your next step.

But why draw the line there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating meticulously detailed listings or refining your resume to the tee.

Remember:

Every document archived is a piece of the larger historical puzzle.

Let’s preserve that history. Together.

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