Archivist Career Guide

Archivists manage and preserve records and collections that have long-term historical, legal, or research value. Day-to-day duties include appraising and accessioning new materials, organizing and describing items with standardized metadata and finding aids, monitoring environmental conditions, performing conservation and digitization tasks, managing digital repositories, responding to research inquiries, and developing outreach or exhibition programs. Archivists collaborate with librarians, curators, IT staff, faculty and donors, balancing preservation priorities with access needs and institutional policies.

What skills does a Archivist need?

Archival description & metadata standards (Dublin Core, EAD, MARC)Records management and appraisalDigitization and digital preservation (OAIS, repository workflows)Conservation basics and handling of physical materialsResearch support and reference servicesAttention to detail and organizational skillsOral and written communication for outreach and documentationFamiliarity with archival management systems (e.g., ArchivesSpace)

How do I become a Archivist?

Build foundational knowledge

Earn a bachelor's degree in history, information science, museum studies, or a related field. Take courses in archival theory, cataloging, history, and information technology. Start learning metadata standards and records management basics.

Get practical archival experience

Complete internships, volunteer roles, or part-time work in archives, libraries, museums, or records centers. Gain hands-on exposure to accessioning, finding aids, digitization, and reference services to build a portfolio of projects.

Advance your credentials

Pursue a master's degree (MLIS/MLS with an archives specialization or an MA in Archives/Records Management) or accredited certificate programs. Focus on courses in digital preservation, archival description, and records appraisal.

Specialize and network

Develop a niche—digital curation, conservation, institutional archives, or oral history. Join professional associations (SAA, ALA regional chapters), attend conferences, publish case studies, and build relationships with mentors and hiring managers.

Land an entry-level role and grow

Apply for positions such as archival technician, records assistant, or project archivist. Use on-the-job experience to develop supervisory, grant-writing, and program development skills, moving toward archivist or head of archives roles.

What education do you need to become a Archivist?

Recommended: Bachelor's degree in history, library science, archival studies, or related field; Master's degree (MLIS/MLS with archives specialization or a specialized MA in Archives/Records Management) is often required for professional positions. Alternatives: graduate certificates in archives/records management, on-the-job training, internships, and MOOCs for digital preservation and metadata to strengthen applications.

Recommended Certifications for Archivists

Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) Certification
Certified Records Manager (CRM) — for records management specialization
Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) — Society of American Archivists
Information Governance Professional (IGP) — ARMA International

Archivist Job Outlook & Demand

Demand for archivists is steady with modest growth, particularly in digital archives, cultural heritage institutions, universities, and government agencies. Over the next decade, positions emphasizing digital preservation, data curation, and electronic records management are expected to grow as organizations digitize legacy collections and manage born-digital materials. Competition exists for permanent professional roles, so practical experience, technological skills, and certifications improve employability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Archivist

What does an archivist do?

An archivist acquires, organizes, preserves, and provides access to historical records and collections; they appraise materials, create metadata, manage digital and physical storage, and support researchers and educators.

How long does it take to become an archivist?

Typically 2–6 years: a bachelor's degree plus a 1–2 year master's in library/information science or archives-focused graduate training, with internships or entry-level experience adding practical skills.

Do archivists need a master's degree?

Many professional archivist roles require a master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a related graduate degree with archival coursework; smaller institutions may accept a bachelor's plus experience or certificates.

What skills make a strong archivist?

Top skills include archival description and metadata, records management, preservation techniques, digital curation, attention to detail, research support, and strong communication for public access and outreach.