Archivists

Overview

Archivists manage, process, store and disseminate information contained in an organization's archives. They acquire, store and research textual material, pictures, maps, architectural documents, electronic materials, films and videos, and sound recordings and multimedia materials. They are employed in archives, in the public and para-public sectors and in private sector organizations.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Develop policies and procedures for managing current and semicurrent archives, in particular corporate cataloguing systems, records scheduling and disposal, and finding aids

  • Design programs for managing, disseminating and storing archives of all types (documents, photographs, maps, audio-visual materials, manuscripts, etc.)

  • Plan the computerized management of archives and the management of electronic archives

  • Appraise and acquire archival materials to build and develop an archival collection for research purposes

  • Authenticate documents and records, and research the origins and significance of archival materials

  • Organize noncurrent archives and develop cataloguing and retrieval systems to allow access to archival materials

  • Assist people with their searches.

Job titles

  • archivist
  • assistant archivist
  • collections archivist
  • corporate archivist
  • fine arts archivist
  • historical archivist

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

-

Median

$78,565

High

-

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

23

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree with a minor in archival studies or A university degree with a certificate in archival studies is required.

  • A master's degree in archival studies, archival studies and information science, library science or history may be required.

Additional information

  • Progression to archive management positions is possible with experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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