An archivist is a professional who assesses, collects, organizes, preserves, maintains control over, and provides access to records and archives determined to have long-term value.
An archivist is essentially a history keeper! They are information professionals responsible for managing historical records and archives.
Their duties involve:
- Appraisal: Evaluating records and other materials to determine their archival value and whether they should be preserved permanently.
- Acquisition: Acquiring and transferring records and materials identified as having archival value to the archives.
- Arrangement and description: Organizing and describing archival materials using standardized systems to facilitate access and understanding.
- Preservation: Ensuring the long-term preservation of archival materials by implementing appropriate storage, handling, and conservation measures.
- Access: Providing access to archival materials for researchers, scholars, and the general public, while also ensuring the proper handling and security of the materials.
- Outreach and education: Promoting the use of archival materials through exhibitions, publications, tours, and educational programs.
Archivists work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, universities, historical societies, corporations, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. Their role is crucial in preserving historical records, personal papers, photographs, audio-visual materials, and other primary sources for future generations.