Internet Archivist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of information, the role of Internet Archivists has become crucial than ever before.

As the digital realm expands, the demand for skilled professionals who can catalog, preserve, and protect our digital history grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What is really expected from an Internet Archivist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of Internet archiving,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Internet Archivist job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Internet Archivist Duties and Responsibilities

Internet Archivists play a key role in preserving digital content for future reference, research, or historical documentation.

They are responsible for organizing, cataloging, and ensuring the long-term preservation of digital data, which ranges from web pages and online articles to digital images and multimedia files.

The duties and responsibilities of an Internet Archivist include:

• Collect, manage, and store digital content from various internet sources
• Use specialized software to create and maintain digital archives and databases
• Ensure the integrity and security of archived materials through regular audits and backups
• Perform data migration to ensure the longevity of digital files as technology evolves
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as historians or researchers, to determine the significance and relevance of digital content
• Create metadata for archived materials to facilitate easy search and retrieval
• Assess and implement procedures and tools for digital preservation and disaster recovery
• Provide access to digital archives for researchers, students, or the general public
• Stay updated with the latest digital preservation techniques, standards, and best practices
• Document procedures and protocols for collecting, preserving, and accessing digital content

 

Internet Archivist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Internet Archivist to collect, manage, and preserve digital materials from the web.

The Internet Archivist’s responsibilities include identifying and evaluating materials for archival value, organizing and classifying archives, and ensuring that archival materials are properly preserved.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of data management and digital preservation techniques.

Familiarity with metadata standards and schema, and experience with web archiving tools and technologies are desirable.

Ultimately, the role of the Internet Archivist is to ensure the longevity and accessibility of valuable digital information.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify and capture web-based content of enduring value.
• Organize and classify archival materials to optimize accessibility.
• Preserve and manage digital materials to ensure their long-term usability.
• Maintain the integrity and safety of archived materials.
• Create and update archival records and databases.
• Contribute to the development of collection policies and procedures.
• Provide access to archives for researchers and the public.
• Collaborate with other archivists and librarians to develop and implement best practices.
• Stay up-to-date with developments in digital preservation, metadata standards, and web archiving tools and technologies.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an archivist, preferably digital or internet archivist.
• Knowledge of archiving principles and techniques.
• Familiarity with metadata standards and schema.
• Experience with web archiving tools and technologies.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Degree in Archival Science, Library Science, Information Management or a related field.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Internet Archivist
• Work Environment: Library or archival setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for meetings or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head Archivist or Library Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $48,000 minimum to $70,000 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 Internet Archivist Do?

Internet Archivists work to collect, curate, and preserve digital artifacts.

These may include websites, email correspondence, social media posts, digital photographs, and other digital content that has historical, cultural, or evidentiary value.

They often work for organizations, libraries, museums, or government entities that aim to preserve digital records for future generations.

Internet Archivists might use web scraping tools to capture and save websites or use other software to download and store digital files.

They are responsible for creating metadata about these digital objects to make them easier to find and understand.

They also focus on the long-term preservation of digital artifacts.

This means they have to consider issues like file format obsolescence and data degradation.

They might need to migrate digital artifacts to new formats or platforms to ensure their continued accessibility.

Internet Archivists often collaborate with other professionals like librarians, IT staff, or content creators to develop policies and procedures for managing digital collections.

They may also assist researchers or the public in accessing and using digital collections.

Ultimately, the goal of an Internet Archivist is to ensure that today’s digital information remains accessible and understandable to future generations.

 

Internet Archivist Qualifications and Skills

Internet Archivists require a mix of technical skills, a deep understanding of digital preservation and excellent attention to detail, such as:

• Understanding of Internet technologies and protocols to effectively archive web content
• Proficiency in database management to store, retrieve and manage the archived data
• Digital preservation knowledge to maintain the integrity of archives over time
• Research skills to identify valuable and relevant web content that should be archived
• Attention to detail to ensure all aspects of web content are captured accurately, including text, images, videos, and metadata
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise during the archiving process
• Communication skills to work collaboratively with other archivists, web administrators, and stakeholders
• Understanding of copyright laws and regulations related to web content archiving
• Experience with digital archiving tools and software to automate and streamline the archiving process

 

Internet Archivist Experience Requirements

Internet Archivists typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Computer Science or a related field.

This often includes hands-on experience with digital archiving, data management, and web technologies.

For an entry-level position, candidates might need 1 to 2 years of relevant experience, which could be gained through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer work in libraries, museums, or other institutions with archival departments.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often expected to have a higher level of understanding of digital preservation strategies, metadata standards, and technical aspects related to the internet.

This could be gained in roles such as Digital Librarian, Data Manager, or Digital Preservation Specialist.

For those with more than 5 years of experience, it is often expected that they have led some digital archiving projects, managed teams, or contributed to the development of archival policies.

These individuals are typically eligible for senior roles or management positions within the archiving department.

In addition, understanding of copyright laws and digital rights management, as well as familiarity with programming languages like Python or XML, can also be beneficial.

Continued professional development in this rapidly evolving field is crucial for maintaining expertise.

 

Internet Archivist Education and Training Requirements

Internet Archivists typically require a bachelor’s degree in library science, computer science, history, or a related field.

They require a strong background in data management, including understanding databases, metadata, and digital preservation standards.

Knowledge of HTML, XML, and other web technologies is also essential.

Courses in digital library management, archival science, digital preservation, or similar areas are beneficial.

They help in building expertise in organizing, storing, and retrieving digital content.

Many positions may also require a master’s degree in library or information science, with a concentration in archival studies or digital curation.

This provides a deeper understanding of the technologies and methodologies used in digital archiving.

Certification from a recognized body, such as the Academy of Certified Archivists or the Society of American Archivists, may be required or beneficial.

These certifications can highlight a candidate’s specialized skills and dedication to the profession.

Continuing education and staying updated with emerging trends and technologies in digital archiving, including machine learning, AI, blockchain, and others, are recommended to excel in this role.

 

Internet Archivist Salary Expectations

An Internet Archivist can expect to earn an average salary of $51,907 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can differ based on factors such as experience, educational qualifications, the size and nature of the employing organization, and the location of work.

 

Internet Archivist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Internet Archivist need?

An Internet Archivist should have strong technical skills, including proficiency in information technology and software used for digital archiving.

They should have a keen eye for detail to accurately categorize and store online content.

Strong organizational and analytical skills are also essential to manage and retrieve digital information effectively.

Additionally, they should have good interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with other professionals and explaining complex information in simple terms.

 

Do Internet Archivists need a degree?

Yes, most Internet Archivists require a degree in library science, information science, or a related field.

Some positions may prefer or require a master’s degree in these areas.

Knowledge in areas such as data management, electronic records management, digital preservation, and information policy is often necessary.

 

What should you look for in an Internet Archivist resume?

An Internet Archivist resume should highlight technical skills, including the use of software and systems relevant to digital archiving.

It should also demonstrate experience in archiving, categorizing, and retrieving digital information.

Look for degrees in relevant fields and any certifications related to digital archiving or records management.

Additionally, the resume should showcase the candidate’s organizational and analytical skills.

 

What qualities make a good Internet Archivist?

A good Internet Archivist is methodical, detail-oriented, and able to handle large volumes of information effectively.

They should possess strong technical skills and stay updated with the latest digital archiving technologies and trends.

They should have strong problem-solving skills to address any issues related to digital information storage and retrieval.

Additionally, good Internet Archivists are committed to preserving online information for future use and research.

 

Is it challenging to hire Internet Archivists?

Hiring Internet Archivists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a unique blend of technical skills, understanding of archiving principles, and familiarity with specific software and systems.

However, the demand for these professionals is growing with the increasing need to archive digital information, so more candidates are specializing in this area.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the mystery behind what it truly entails to be an Internet Archivist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about storing data.

It’s about safeguarding the digital heritage, one byte at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Internet Archivist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why just stop at that?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating laser-focused listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every byte of data is a piece of our digital history.

Let’s preserve that history. Together.

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