Archivist

a guide to: Career

What is Archivist?

Archivists preserve and manage valuable records and historical documents. They appraise, organize, describe, and ensure the long-term accessibility of these materials, making them available for research, education, and public use. Archivists often work with a variety of formats, from paper documents to digital files.

Why is Archivist Important?

Archivists are essential for preserving our history and cultural heritage. They ensure access to primary sources, enabling research, understanding our past, and informing the future. Their work safeguards authentic records and promotes transparency.

Preservation of History:
Archivists protect irreplaceable historical documents and records.
Access to Information:
They make these resources accessible for research and education.
Cultural Heritage:
Archivists safeguard cultural heritage and collective memory.
Transparency and Accountability:
Their work supports transparency and accountability by preserving authentic records.
Education Pathways

Option 01

  • 10th Class

    after

  • Certification

    in Archivist

Option 02

  • 10th Class

    after

  • 10+2

    in Arts Stream

  • Bachelor's Degree

    in History, Library Science, Information Management

Option 03

  • 10th Class

    after

  • 10+2

    in Arts Stream

  • Bachelor's Degree

    in History, Library Science, Information Management

  • Master's Degree

    in Archival Science / Library Science

Stream
Important Subjects
# Subject
1 Archival Theory: Principles and philosophy of archival science.
2 Records Management: Managing creation, use, and disposal of records.
3 Appraisal: Evaluating records for long-term preservation.
4 Arrangement & Description: Organizing and describing archival materials.
5 Preservation: Protecting archival materials from deterioration.
6 Access & Use: Making archival materials available for research.
7 Digital Preservation: Managing and preserving digital records.
8 Archival Technologies: Using technology for archival tasks.
9 History: Understanding historical context of records.
10 Library & Information Science: Cataloging, metadata, classification.
11 Research Methods: Techniques for conducting historical research.
12 Ethics & Legal Issues: Ethical considerations and legal frameworks for archives.
Where to study?
University of Madras, Chennai University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad Cochi University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Cochi Banaras Hindu University (BHU) - Southern Campus Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), New Delhi Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady Jain University, Bengaluru Annamalai University, Chidambaram
Career Progression for an Archivist

Entry-Level Archivist:

Job Role:

  • Junior Archivist
  • Assistant Archivist
  • Archives Technician

Education Required:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Library Science, Information Science, Archival Studies, or a related field (MLISc or MA in Archival Science).

Mid-Level Archivist:

Job Role:

  • Archivist
  • Digital Archivist
  • Senior Archivist
  • Records Manager

Education Required:

  • Master’s degree in Library Science, Information Science, or Archival Science. Certifications in archival management or digital archives are beneficial.

Senior Archivist/Archivist Manager:

Job Role:

  • Senior Archivist
  • Head of Archives
  • Archive Manager
  • Head of Records Management

Education Required:

  • Master’s degree in Archival Science or Information Science, with several years of experience. Additional certifications (e.g., Certified Archivist) may be required.

Archivist Director/Head of Archives:

Job Role:

  • Director of Archives
  • Head of Records Management
  • Archivist Consultant

Education Required:

  • Advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.), along with significant experience in archival work. Leadership and management skills are crucial.

Specialized Archivist or Consultant:

Job Role:

  • Specialist Archivist
  • Preservation Consultant
  • Digital Archives Consultant
  • Museum Archivist

Education Required:

  • Master’s or Doctoral degree in Archival Science, Information Science, or History, with expertise in a specific area (e.g., digital archiving, museum studies).
Expected Salary

Entry-Level

  • ₹5 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs per annum.

Mid-Level

  • ₹8 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum.

Senior-Level

  • ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per annum.

Established-Level

  • ₹15 - ₹25 lakhs per annum

International

Entry Level

  • $30,000 - $45,000 per annum

Mid/Senior Level

  • $45,000 - $150,000 per annum
Sectors Offering
  • Government and Public Sector
  • Cultural and Heritage Institutions
  • Academic and Research Institutions
  • Corporations and Business Archives
  • Libraries and Information Centers
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Media and Broadcasting
  • Digital Archives and Technology Firms
  • Legal and Judicial Institutions
  • Libraries and Archives for Religious Institutions
  • Private Consulting and Freelance Archivists
  • Film and Media Archives
  • Health and Medical Archives
  • Corporate and Commercial Archives
  • International Organizations and NGOs

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