How to Become an Archives Technician (Unlock Secrets of Past)
If you’ve ever been fascinated by historical records or wondered what it takes to become an archives technician, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll explore the EXACT steps you need to take to launch your career as an archives technician. We’ll discuss:
- The skills you need.
- The education that will pave your way.
- How to land a job as an archives technician.
So, whether you’re a history enthusiast or a detail-oriented individual seeking a new career path, stay tuned.
We’re about to reveal the step-by-step guide to becoming an archives technician.
Let’s dive in!
Steps to Become an Archives Technician
Step 1: Understand the Role of an Archives Technician
Before you begin your journey to becoming an Archives Technician, it’s important to understand the job and its responsibilities.
An Archives Technician organizes and preserves materials that have historical importance, such as photographs, documents, and records.
They work in museums, libraries, government institutions, and other places that need to conserve historical items.
They are required to categorize items, create digital records, assist researchers in finding materials, and sometimes perform minor restorative work on damaged documents.
Good attention to detail, organizational skills, and an interest in history are crucial for this role.
Understanding the role of an Archives Technician will help you choose the right educational path and guide your career choices.
Consider what you find appealing about the job and identify the areas where you need to develop your skills or knowledge to be successful in this field.
Step 2: Acquire a Relevant Educational Background
To become an Archives Technician, you must obtain a relevant educational background.
Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a field such as History, Library Science, Archival Science, or a related field.
These programs provide you with the essential skills in research, preservation, cataloging, and digitization of various historical documents and materials.
For some positions, especially those in more specialized archives, you might need a master’s degree in library science (MLS), history, archival science, or records management.
These degrees often offer opportunities to specialize further in areas like digital archiving or conservation.
While you’re pursuing your degree, you might want to choose courses that cover topics such as archival practices, record management, digital preservation, and cataloging and classification.
Acquiring knowledge and skills in these areas will be beneficial when you start your career as an Archives Technician.
Consider doing internships or part-time jobs in libraries, museums, or archives to gain practical experience in the field.
This could give you a significant advantage when applying for jobs after graduation.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
In order to excel as an Archives Technician, you need to gather practical experience in the field.
This can be accomplished through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work in libraries, museums, historical societies, or other archival institutions.
This real-world experience will not only allow you to apply the theories and skills you have learned from your degree, but it will also expose you to the everyday operations and challenges faced in archival work.
You may be tasked with tasks such as arranging, describing, preserving, and digitizing collections, or assisting researchers and visitors in their use of archival materials.
These experiences will enhance your understanding of archival standards and best practices, and can help you develop your own strategies for problem-solving and decision-making in archival work.
Moreover, having practical experience on your resume can make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs, as many employers prefer candidates who have experience in the field.
It may also open opportunities for networking and professional development within the archival community.
Remember, the more hands-on experience you get, the better prepared you’ll be for your future role as an Archives Technician.
Step 4: Develop Technical Skills
As you are working towards your degree and gaining experience in archives and records management, it is crucial to develop your technical skills.
Archives technicians often work with digital archiving systems, so it’s important to have a solid understanding of how to operate and manage these systems.
You may need to learn specific software used for cataloging and preserving digital records.
Some commonly used software includes PastPerfect, Archivists’ Toolkit, and Archon.
Understanding metadata, the information that categorizes and describes data, is also important as it aids in the retrieval of digital files in the archive.
In addition, learning about digitization of physical documents can be beneficial.
This includes understanding best practices for scanning documents to ensure preservation and readability.
You will also need to learn how to handle fragile and old documents to prevent damage during the digitization process.
Finally, developing skills in research and writing are crucial for archives technicians as they often need to describe and contextualize the items in the archives.
This can involve researching the history of the items, understanding their significance and writing descriptions that will help future researchers find and understand the items.
These skills can often be developed through internships or entry-level jobs in libraries, museums, or archives.
Alternatively, you may choose to take specific courses in these areas as part of your degree program.
Step 5: Consider Certification or Continuing Education
Archives Technicians often find that pursuing certification or continuing education can enhance their career prospects and job performance.
There are several professional organizations, such as the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) and the Society of American Archivists (SAA), that offer certification programs.
These programs test your knowledge and skills in areas such as archival ethics, appraisal and selection, archival description, and preservation management.
Continuing education is another great way to deepen your knowledge of the field.
This could involve attending workshops, seminars, or conferences; participating in webinars; or taking additional college or university courses.
Subjects could range from records management to digital preservation to historical research methods.
Additionally, staying updated on the latest archival software and technology can be a significant boost to your skill set.
Remember, the field of archival work is continuously evolving, especially with the rapid advancements in digital technologies.
Therefore, lifelong learning is vital to stay relevant and competitive in the job market.
Continuing education and certification not only expand your knowledge and skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
Step 6: Build a Specialization
As an Archives Technician, you will have the opportunity to specialize in a particular type of collection or a specific archival method.
For instance, you may choose to focus on digital archives, manuscript collections, or photographic materials.
You could also specialize in a specific period or genre, such as medieval documents, modern art, or political archives.
Building a specialization can help you stand out in the field and can be particularly beneficial if you wish to work in a specific type of institution, such as a museum, historical society, or university.
You can build your specialization through further studies, job experiences, or even by volunteering at relevant institutions.
It’s also important to stay updated with the latest advancements in archival science and technology.
This could include learning about new digital preservation techniques, metadata standards, or database management systems.
Additionally, joining professional organizations and attending conferences or seminars can help you network with other professionals and stay informed about the latest trends and issues in the field.
Step 7: Join Professional Organizations
Joining professional organizations can greatly enhance your career as an Archives Technician.
Such organizations offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and access to job listings that may not be publically available.
In addition, they often host events such as conferences and workshops where you can learn about the latest developments in the field and meet other professionals.
The Society of American Archivists (SAA) is one such organization that any aspiring Archives Technician should consider joining.
They offer a range of resources for its members including an annual meeting, online learning opportunities, and a variety of publications.
You can also join local or regional archival organizations to connect with professionals in your area.
These organizations also provide opportunities for certification and continuing education.
Staying updated in the field and enhancing your skills can give you an edge in the job market and open doors for career advancement.
The SAA, for example, offers a Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) certificate, which demonstrates your competence and commitment to the field of digital archiving.
In conclusion, joining professional organizations is a valuable step towards solidifying your career as an Archives Technician.
They offer a wealth of resources and opportunities that can help you to grow professionally and personally in your chosen career.
Step 8: Create a Professional Resume
In order to apply for the role of an Archives Technician, you need to create a professional resume that highlights your skills, education, and experience relevant to the field.
This is the first impression you make on potential employers and hence needs to be carefully crafted.
Start with your personal details followed by a succinct career objective that explains your career goals as an Archives Technician.
It’s important to mention any specific area of interest within the archival field such as digital archiving, preservation, or cataloging.
Next, list down your educational qualifications starting from the highest degree you hold.
Be sure to include any coursework relevant to archival studies.
If you’ve completed an internship in any archival institute, this should be highlighted in your education or experience section.
The Experience section should include all your job positions related to archival work.
Detail your roles, responsibilities, and achievements in these positions.
Be specific about the type of archival systems you’ve worked with and any specific projects you handled.
If you have any certifications related to archival studies, they need to be listed separately.
This might include certifications in digital archiving or preservation techniques.
Don’t forget to include any technical skills that are relevant to the job such as proficiency in archival software, database management, digital preservation tools, and cataloging techniques.
Finally, include any membership in professional archival organizations, and references from past employers or educators.
Proofread your resume multiple times to ensure it is free of errors and presents a professional image.
Remember, a well-crafted resume could be your ticket to landing your dream job as an Archives Technician.
Step 9: Apply for Internships
Securing internships is a critical step in your journey to becoming an archives technician.
By offering real-world experience, internships can provide invaluable insights into the industry and help you develop your skills in a practical environment.
Internships often occur in museums, libraries, universities, or government agencies that house historical documents and artifacts.
These experiences allow you to learn about the daily duties of an archives technician, such as cataloging items, preserving documents, and assisting researchers.
During your internship, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with archival materials, learn about the latest archival software, and understand more about the importance of archival work in preserving history.
This on-the-job training gives you a chance to apply the theoretical knowledge you gained during your academic coursework.
Keep an eye on job boards, reach out to professional networks, and leverage your school’s career center to find internship opportunities.
Some internships may even lead to job offers upon completion, so approach each opportunity as a potential stepping stone to your career as an archives technician.
Remember, even if the internship is unpaid, the experience and connections you gain can be invaluable for your future career.
Make the most of these opportunities by demonstrating your enthusiasm for the field and your commitment to learning.
Step 10: Apply for Jobs
After completing your education and gaining relevant experience, the next step is to start applying for jobs as an Archives Technician.
Look for job postings on career websites, online job boards, at your university’s career center, and on the websites of museums, libraries, universities, and government agencies.
Craft a professional resume highlighting your degree, the courses you have taken related to archiving, your internship or work experience, and the skills you have acquired.
The skills may include knowledge of archival science, use of archiving tools and technology, and abilities like attention to detail and organization.
Write a customized cover letter for each job application.
This should explain why you are interested in the position, how your qualifications match the job requirements, and what you can bring to the role.
Remember to follow up with employers after submitting your application.
If called for an interview, prepare thoroughly by studying the institution and its collections, and be ready to discuss your experiences and skills in detail.
Lastly, keep in mind that it may take time to secure your first job as an Archives Technician.
Stay patient and persistent, and continue to expand your skills and network in the field.
Step 11: Continuously Develop Your Skills
In the field of archives technology, there is always room for growth.
You should always strive to develop your skills and stay updated with the latest practices, tools and technologies relevant to this field.
Conferences, webinars, professional magazines, and online courses can be excellent sources of information.
Joining professional organizations such as the Society of American Archivists (SAA) or the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) can provide valuable networking opportunities and resources for ongoing learning.
You can also attend workshops offered by these organizations or others to expand your skills and knowledge.
Additionally, you may consider learning a new language, enhancing your digital preservation skills, or taking courses in a related field like history or library science.
These additional skills can increase your versatility as an Archives Technician and open up new job opportunities.
Just as the world evolves, so do the methods for preserving its records.
In order to stay competitive in the field, it’s crucial to keep learning and refining your skills as an Archives Technician.
Step 12: Advance Your Career
As an Archives Technician, there are several ways you can advance your career.
You could consider specializing in a specific area such as digital archiving or conservation.
As digitization becomes more prevalent, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can manage digital records.
Similarly, the need for specialists who can preserve and restore historical documents and items is also high.
Consider pursuing further education or certification in these areas to enhance your skills and become more marketable.
These could be postgraduate degrees or certificate programs offered by universities and professional organizations.
Another way to advance your career is by gaining experience in leadership roles.
You could aim for positions such as Head Archives Technician, Archives Manager, or even Curator in a museum or library.
These roles often involve managing a team, making strategic decisions and handling more complex tasks.
Finally, continuous learning is crucial in this field.
Engage in research, attend workshops, join professional organizations, and subscribe to industry publications to stay updated on new trends and technologies in archival science.
This will not only help you enhance your skills but also demonstrate your dedication and passion for the field, which can open doors to more opportunities and higher roles.
Archives Technician Roles and Responsibilities
Archives Technicians are responsible for the organization, maintenance, and provision of access to historical documents, artifacts, and records.
They work in museums, libraries, governmental agencies, corporations, and other institutions that require preservation of important documents.
They have the following roles and responsibilities:
Document Management
- Arrange, describe, catalog, and preserve valuable documents and records.
- Classify and arrange archival materials for accessibility and future use.
- Establish and implement document management policies and standards.
Preservation
- Assess the condition of archival materials and determine preservation needs.
- Perform tasks to ensure the long-term preservation of archival materials.
- Use appropriate methods and materials for preservation and restoration.
Access Provision
- Provide assistance to researchers and visitors in accessing the archives.
- Respond to requests for information from the public, staff, and other professionals.
- Perform research to answer specific inquiries related to the archives.
Record Keeping
- Keep detailed records of the archive’s holdings and its activities.
- Maintain databases and create inventories to catalog items.
- Prepare detailed finding aids and write descriptive metadata.
Exhibits
- Assist in planning, preparing, and setting up exhibits using archival materials.
- Ensure all items are displayed securely and in a manner that doesn’t risk damage.
Digitization
- Digitize documents and records for online access and preservation.
- Maintain digital archives and ensure their functionality and accessibility.
Research and Advocacy
- Stay updated on the latest archival standards and best practices.
- Advocate for the importance of archives and archival work.
Training and Consultation
- Train staff and volunteers in the handling and use of archival materials.
- Consult on matters related to document preservation and information retrieval.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
- Prepare and deliver presentations about the archives to various audiences.
Continuous Learning
- Maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills.
- Participate in training, workshops, and professional networking opportunities.
What Does an Archives Technician Do?
Archives Technicians work primarily in institutions such as libraries, museums, historical societies, corporations, or government agencies that require preservation and organization of historical documents and records.
They are responsible for cataloguing, processing, and arranging documents and artifacts, utilizing database systems to track and manage these items.
Archives Technicians also assist researchers in locating archival materials, providing necessary context or background information about the item in question.
They may also digitize physical records to ensure their preservation and accessibility.
In addition, they may be tasked with carrying out conservation measures on documents and artifacts, ensuring that these items are stored in conditions that will minimize decay or damage.
Archives Technicians might also be involved in the planning and execution of exhibitions or displays that feature the archival materials, highlighting their historical importance.
Essential Archives Technician Skills
- Organizational Skills: Archives technicians are responsible for cataloging, storing, and retrieving documents. An aptitude for sorting and organizing material in a logical and easily retrievable manner is crucial.
- Attention to Detail: Technicians must be able to work with a high degree of accuracy to ensure that records are catalogued and stored correctly, and that no information is lost or misplaced.
- Research Skills: Archives technicians often aid researchers and the public in locating necessary documents. This requires strong research skills and the ability to understand and interpret archival material.
- Communication: Technicians often interact with members of the public, students, or researchers looking for specific documents. Good communication skills are essential for explaining the archival process and assisting with inquiries.
- Preservation Techniques: Understanding and applying appropriate preservation techniques to maintain the integrity and longevity of archival materials is an important part of an archive technician’s job.
- Computer Literacy: Technicians must be comfortable using computer systems to catalog and locate materials, and may need to digitize documents. Familiarity with databases, digitization software, and general computer skills are essential.
- Understanding of Archival Standards: Knowledge of archival standards and practices, including description standards and metadata schemas, is important to ensure consistency and accessibility of the archives.
- Historical Knowledge: A good understanding of history, particularly the history relevant to the documents they are working with, can help technicians understand and interpret the materials.
- Physical Stamina: The role often involves moving heavy boxes and climbing ladders to retrieve materials. Physical fitness and the ability to handle these tasks are necessary.
- Problem-solving: Technicians may need to figure out the best ways to preserve damaged documents or find missing information. This requires creativity and good problem-solving skills.
- Patience: Given the nature of the work, which often involves repetitive tasks and dealing with old, delicate materials, patience is a valuable quality for an archive technician.
- Confidentiality: Technicians often work with sensitive and confidential materials, so they must understand and adhere to ethical guidelines regarding privacy and confidentiality.
Archives Technician Career Path Progression
The Foundation: Entry-Level Archives Technician
The journey usually begins as an Entry-Level Archives Technician.
At this stage, you’re absorbing knowledge about archival science, cataloging, and preserving historical documents.
Responsibilities may include assisting with basic archival tasks, cataloging materials, and supporting more experienced technicians.
Here are some tips to succeed in this role:
- Develop Research Skills: Gain expertise in conducting historical research and understanding primary documents.
- Learn Archival Software: Familiarize yourself with various archival software and databases.
- Detail-Oriented: Pay attention to details as accurate cataloging and preservation are crucial.
The Ascent: Archives Technician
As you gain experience and confidence, you transition into the role of an Archives Technician.
You will handle more complex tasks like organizing collections, creating finding aids, and preserving materials.
Here’s how to thrive in this stage:
- Archival Standards: Understand and implement archival standards in cataloging and preservation.
- Teamwork: Collaborate with other archivists and librarians to manage and curate collections.
- Communication: Communicate effectively with researchers and other users of the archive.
Reaching New Heights: Senior Archives Technician
The next step is the Senior Archives Technician position.
At this stage, you’re recognized for your expertise and leadership within the team.
You may guide collection decisions, advise on preservation techniques, and interact with a variety of stakeholders.
To excel as a Senior Archives Technician:
- Mentorship: Share your knowledge and help entry-level technicians grow.
- Project Management: Oversee larger archival projects and ensure they are completed efficiently.
- Advocacy: Advocate for the importance of archives and the preservation of history.
Beyond the Horizon: Archivist or Special Collections Librarian
As your career progresses, you may move into roles such as an Archivist or Special Collections Librarian.
These positions require a deeper understanding of archival science, management of larger collections, and strategic decision-making.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Technical Expertise: Continue to improve your skills in preservation techniques and archival software.
- Management Skills: Develop strong leadership and communication skills to manage your team effectively.
- Engagement: Engage with the broader archival community to stay abreast of new trends and technologies.
Pinnacle of Success: Director of Archives
You may reach roles like Director of Archives at the pinnacle of the archives technician career ladder.
Here, you’ll be responsible for guiding the overall strategy of the archive, making critical decisions regarding acquisitions and preservation, and managing a team of archivists and technicians.
Archives Technician Salary
Entry-Level Archives Technician
- Median Salary: $30,000 – $35,000 per year
- Entry-level archives technicians typically have 0-2 years of experience and may hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in history, library science, archival science, or a related field.
Mid-Level Archives Technician
- Median Salary: $35,000 – $45,000 per year
- Mid-level technicians have 2-5 years of experience and often take on greater responsibility in the maintenance and organization of archival materials.
Senior Archives Technician
- Median Salary: $45,000 – $55,000 per year
- Senior technicians possess 5+ years of experience and are responsible for overseeing the archival process, training new technicians, and may manage certain collections or projects.
Lead Archives Technician / Archives Supervisor
- Median Salary: $50,000 – $65,000+ per year
- These roles come with significant experience and often involve managing the archives department, making administrative decisions, and supervising other technicians.
Archives Director / Head Archivist
- Median Salary: $65,000 – $80,000+ per year
- These high-level positions require extensive experience, deep knowledge of archival science, and often involve setting strategies for the organization and preservation of a company or institution’s archival materials.
Archives Technician Work Environment
Archives Technicians work primarily in libraries, government agencies, museums, and universities where they manage and preserve collections of historical records and documents.
Their work environment tends to be quiet, orderly, and climate-controlled to ensure the protection and longevity of valuable documents and artifacts.
The work typically involves a lot of independent and detail-oriented tasks, though collaboration with other specialists may be necessary for large or complex projects.
Archives Technicians usually work standard business hours, but some institutions may require evening and weekend shifts, especially for those open to the public.
Occasionally, they may need to travel for research purposes or to attend conferences and workshops.
With experience and further education, an Archives Technician may progress to a more senior role, such as Archivist or Records Manager.
FAQs About Becoming an Archives Technician
What qualifications do I need to become an Archives Technician?
To become an Archives Technician, you typically need to have a degree in library science, history, or a related field.
Some positions may also require a master’s degree in archival science.
In addition to your academic qualifications, you should also have excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in using archival databases and software.
Experience gained through internships, volunteer work, or employment in libraries, museums, or other cultural institutions can be beneficial.
How long does it take to become an Archives Technician?
The time to become an Archives Technician can vary depending on your educational path and experience level.
If you pursue a bachelor’s degree, it will typically take four years, and if you decide to pursue a master’s degree in archival science, it may take an additional one to two years.
Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time work can also help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for this role.
Can I become an Archives Technician without a degree?
While some roles may require a degree, there are opportunities to become an Archives Technician without one.
Practical experience is highly valued in this field, so gaining experience through volunteer work or internships in libraries, museums, or other cultural institutions can be very beneficial.
You will need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of archival principles and practices.
Is being an Archives Technician a stressful job?
Being an Archives Technician can be demanding at times as it involves managing large volumes of documents, maintaining strict organizational and preservation standards, and meeting project deadlines.
However, if you enjoy working with historical documents and have a keen interest in preservation, you may find the role rewarding and satisfying.
The level of stress can vary based on the specific role, the organization, and individual work-life balance.
What are the future prospects for Archives Technicians?
The demand for Archives Technicians is expected to remain steady, with opportunities in universities, government agencies, libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions.
The rise in digitization projects may also create new opportunities for professionals with skills in digital archiving and preservation.
It’s a role that plays a crucial part in preserving history and making it accessible to future generations.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Embarking on the journey to become an Archives Technician is no small task, but it’s certainly gratifying.
Equipped with the appropriate skills, education, and persistence, you’re well on your way to making a substantial impact in the world of archiving.
Remember, the journey might be daunting, but the opportunities are boundless. Your efforts could lead to the preservation and discovery of crucial historical documents that shape our understanding of the past.
So, take that initial leap. Immerse yourself in learning. Connect with professionals in the field. And most importantly, never cease curating and preserving.
Because the world is waiting to learn from the past you help to unveil.
If you’re seeking personalized guidance on kick-starting or advancing your career as an Archives Technician, check out our AI Career Path Advisor.
This complimentary tool is crafted to offer tailored advice and resources to help you navigate your career path effectively.
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