Identifying New Skills
•
Understanding the role of an archivist
What Does an Archivist Really Do?
Archivist jobs are more diverse than many people realize. Whether working in a city public library, a state university, or a special collections department, archivists are responsible for managing, preserving, and providing access to valuable records and documents. Their work supports research, policy development, and public services. In places like York, archivists collaborate with librarians, records managers, and digital management specialists to ensure that archives remain accessible and secure.
Key Environments and Roles in Archives
Archivists work in a range of settings, including university libraries, public libraries, government agencies, and private organizations. You might find an assistant archivist helping with document management, a project archivist overseeing a digitization initiative, or a senior librarian coordinating access services. At a state university, for example, the archives team could include a management coordinator, an assistant librarian, and a digital archivist, all working together to maintain archives special collections and support academic research.
Responsibilities Beyond Preservation
The role of an archivist goes beyond simply storing records. Archivists develop policies for records management, provide reference services to researchers, and coordinate annual meetings or group projects. They may also train staff, manage digital archives, and implement new technologies to improve access. In some cases, archivists serve as management specialists, overseeing large-scale projects or acting as a bridge between departments such as access services and document management.
How Reskilling Opens New Doors
As the field evolves, the demand for digital skills and management expertise is growing. Many jobs now require knowledge of digital archives, records management systems, and data privacy regulations. This shift means that reskilling is crucial for those looking to enter or advance in archivist roles. For a deeper look at how career transitions can be managed in related fields, check out this resource on seamless career transitions.
Why reskilling is essential for aspiring archivists
Adapting to a Changing Landscape in Archives
The world of archives and records management is evolving rapidly. Digital transformation, new compliance policies, and the growing importance of data access are reshaping how archivists, librarians, and records managers work. For those considering jobs in archives—whether at a city public library, a state university, or a special collections department—reskilling is no longer optional. It is essential for staying relevant and competitive in the job market.
Many traditional archivist roles are expanding to include digital archives, document management, and even project coordination. For example, a senior librarian or assistant archivist may now be expected to manage digital records, implement new reference services, or oversee access services in addition to classic archival duties. This shift means that professionals must develop new skills to meet the demands of modern archives jobs, especially in dynamic environments like York or other major cities.
- Digital literacy is now a core requirement for roles such as digital archivist, management specialist, or records manager.
- Understanding policy and compliance is crucial for anyone handling archives records or managing special collections.
- Project management and coordination skills are increasingly valued, especially for those aspiring to become a management coordinator or services librarian.
Reskilling also opens doors to new opportunities. For example, assistant librarians or library assistants who invest in learning about digital archives or records management can move into more senior positions or transition to specialized roles like assistant professor or management coordinator. The demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional archives and digital services is growing across universities, public libraries, and even private sector document management services.
For those interested in how adaptability training can support this career shift, adaptability training courses can be a valuable resource. These courses help professionals build the flexibility and resilience needed to thrive in evolving roles, whether as a project archivist, records management coordinator, or senior librarian.
Key skills needed for archivist jobs
Core Competencies for Modern Archivist Careers
Archivist jobs have evolved, especially in dynamic environments like city archives, state universities, and public libraries. Today, professionals in these roles need a blend of traditional and digital skills to manage archives, records, and special collections effectively. Whether you are aiming for a position as an assistant archivist, records manager, or digital archivist, understanding the required competencies is essential for a successful transition.
- Records Management and Organization: Proficiency in organizing, cataloging, and maintaining both physical and digital records is fundamental. This is crucial for roles such as records manager, management specialist, and document management coordinator.
- Digital Literacy: With the increasing digitization of archives, familiarity with digital archives systems, metadata standards, and electronic records management is now a must. Digital archivists and project archivists, in particular, are expected to handle digital preservation and access services.
- Research and Reference Services: Archivists often assist researchers, students, and the public in accessing information. Skills in reference services, often seen in services librarian and access services roles, are highly valued in university and public library settings.
- Policy and Compliance Knowledge: Understanding legal and ethical standards for records retention, privacy, and access is vital. This expertise is especially important for those working in state or city archives, where policy and compliance shape daily operations.
- Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is needed for coordinating with colleagues, management, and the public. Roles such as management coordinator, assistant librarian, and senior librarian require strong interpersonal skills to facilitate teamwork and outreach.
- Project and Change Management: As archives increasingly adopt new technologies and workflows, project management skills are becoming more relevant. Experience in leading or supporting change initiatives can set candidates apart, particularly for senior and coordinator positions.
It’s important to note that applicant tracking systems (ATS) are now widely used in recruitment for archivist and library jobs. Understanding how these systems work can help you tailor your resume and applications to improve your chances of landing interviews. For more insights, check out this resource on how applicant tracking systems are making job searches more challenging.
Developing these key skills can open doors to a variety of roles, from assistant professor in archives special collections to senior librarian or management coordinator in a state university or public library. As the field continues to adapt to digital transformation, ongoing reskilling remains essential for career growth and job security in archives and records management.
Challenges faced when reskilling for archivist roles
Barriers to Entering the Archivist Profession
Reskilling for archivist jobs, whether in a city library, a state university, or a public records office, can be a rewarding path. However, it is not without its hurdles. Understanding these challenges can help aspiring professionals prepare and persist.
Adapting to Evolving Digital Demands
Archivist roles have changed dramatically with the rise of digital archives and records management. Many traditional assistant archivists or records managers now need to master digital tools, metadata standards, and electronic document management systems. This shift can be daunting for those coming from non-digital backgrounds, such as assistant librarians or services librarians in public libraries. The need for ongoing digital literacy is a common challenge across the sector.
Navigating Certification and Education Requirements
Many jobs in archives, especially at the university or state level, require specific qualifications. For example, a project archivist or management specialist position may ask for a master’s degree in library science or archival studies. Those reskilling from unrelated fields often find the education pathway time-consuming and costly. Additionally, some roles, like senior librarian or management coordinator, may require specialized training in records management or policy development, which can be difficult to access for those outside academic environments.
Gaining Practical Experience
Hands-on experience is highly valued in archives and special collections. Yet, gaining this experience can be tough for newcomers. Entry-level opportunities, such as assistant or reference positions, are limited and often competitive, especially in large cities like York or at major institutions. Volunteering or internships can help, but not everyone has the flexibility to work unpaid or part-time while reskilling.
Keeping Up with Policy and Best Practices
Archivists must stay current with evolving standards in records management, access services, and privacy policy. For those transitioning from other jobs, understanding the nuances of archives records, document management, and compliance can be overwhelming. Annual meetings, professional groups like group York, and online resources are helpful, but the volume of information can be a barrier for those new to the field.
- Digital archivist roles require ongoing tech training
- Records manager and management coordinator jobs often need formal education
- Gaining experience in special collections or archives special is highly competitive
- Understanding policy and reference services is essential for compliance
Despite these challenges, many have successfully transitioned into rewarding careers as assistant professors, senior librarians, or access services coordinators. With the right resources and determination, overcoming these obstacles is possible for those committed to reskilling in the archives field.
Training options and resources for reskilling
Where to Find Training and Support
Reskilling for archivist jobs means tapping into a wide range of resources, whether you are aiming for roles in a city public library, a university archives department, or a digital records management team. The landscape is rich with options, but knowing where to look can make all the difference.
- University Programs: Many state universities and colleges offer specialized degrees or certificates in archives, records management, or library science. These programs often include hands-on experience in archives special collections, digital archives, and document management.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and ALA eLearning provide flexible, self-paced courses in digital archivist skills, records management, and library services. These are ideal for those balancing current jobs or family commitments.
- Professional Associations: Organizations such as the Society of American Archivists and the American Library Association offer workshops, webinars, and annual meetings. These events are valuable for networking and staying updated on policy and technology changes in the field.
- On-the-Job Training: Many assistant archivist or assistant librarian roles provide entry-level experience. Working under a senior librarian, management specialist, or project archivist can help you build practical skills while earning a salary.
- Mentorship and Peer Groups: Joining a group york or local archives network can connect you with experienced professionals. Peer support is especially helpful when navigating challenges unique to archives records or digital services.
- Workshops and Short Courses: Public library systems, city archives, and state library services often run short-term training on topics like access services, reference management, and policy development.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Goals
When selecting training, consider your target job—whether it is a management coordinator, records manager, or services librarian. Digital skills are increasingly important, especially for digital archivist and document management roles. For those interested in teaching or research, assistant professor positions in library and information science may require advanced degrees.
It is also wise to review job postings from major employers, such as state university archives or large public libraries, to identify the most in-demand qualifications. Many roles now require familiarity with digital archives, records management software, and policy compliance.
Making the Most of Available Resources
Reskilling is not just about formal education. Volunteering at a local archives or public library, attending an annual meeting, or participating in a project as a coordinator can provide valuable experience. Many services librarian and management coordinator roles value practical skills gained outside the classroom.
Ultimately, the path to becoming an archivist, records manager, or senior librarian is shaped by a mix of formal training, hands-on experience, and ongoing professional development. By leveraging the right resources, you can build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in archives and records management.
Real-life stories of successful career transitions
From Library Assistant to Digital Archivist: A Journey of Growth
One of the most inspiring examples comes from individuals who began their careers as assistants in public libraries or university archives. By leveraging resources such as online courses in digital records management and participating in annual meetings organized by state university archives groups, they gradually built expertise in digital archives and special collections. This transition often involved mastering new digital tools and understanding evolving policy requirements for document management. The move from assistant librarian to digital archivist highlights how reskilling can open doors to senior roles in archives management and access services.
Transitioning from Records Coordinator to Records Manager
Many professionals working as records coordinators in city or state services have successfully advanced to records manager positions. This shift often requires developing a deeper understanding of archives records, reference services, and compliance with state policy. Through targeted training in records management and active participation in professional groups, these individuals have expanded their responsibilities to include overseeing document management systems and coordinating with senior librarians and management specialists. Their stories underscore the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the evolving landscape of archives jobs.
Academic Paths: From Assistant Professor to Special Collections Management
Some career changers come from academic backgrounds, such as assistant professors or research coordinators, who discover a passion for archives special collections. By engaging with university library resources and collaborating with services librarians, they acquire the skills needed for project archivist or management coordinator roles. This often involves hands-on experience with digital archives and participation in group york initiatives focused on improving access services. Their journeys demonstrate that academic expertise, combined with targeted reskilling, can lead to fulfilling careers in archives and records management.
Leveraging Public Library Experience for Senior Roles
Professionals with backgrounds in public library services have found opportunities to move into senior librarian or management specialist positions within archives. By attending workshops on digital archives and document management, and utilizing resources provided by state and city archives, they have developed the competencies required for leadership roles. Their experiences highlight the value of practical, on-the-job learning and the importance of staying updated with the latest trends in archives and records management.
- Access to ongoing training and professional development is key for successful transitions.
- Networking with peers at annual meetings and through professional groups in york and other cities supports career growth.
- Hands-on experience in archives, records, and digital management is highly valued by employers.
