Occupation AtlasArchivists

O*NET · 25-4011.00

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

Also called Accessioning Archivist · Archives Specialist · Archives Tech · Archives Technician (Archives Tech) · Archivist · Digital Archivist · Digital Asset Archivist · Digitization Assistant
17 more

Document Management Tech · Document Management Technician (Document Management Tech) · Document Scanner · Film Archivist · Image Archivist · Museum Archivist · Processing Archivist · Project Archivist · Records Associate · Records Clerk · Records Management Specialist · Records Manager · Records Specialist · Reference Archivist · Registrar · State Archivist · University Archivist

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code CIS35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Insurance Underwriters

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CISConventional · Investigative · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.97
  • I Investigative4.72
  • S Social2.96
  • A Artistic2.89
  • R Realistic2.88
  • E Enterprising1.83

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree7%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate3%
  • Master's Degree84%
  • Post-Master's Certificate7%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (36%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (32%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (26%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
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  • CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • InstructingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • NegotiationImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • TroubleshootingImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
  • InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • RepairingImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

13 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.Importance 4.8
  2. Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.Importance 4.8
  3. Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.Importance 4.7
  4. Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.Importance 4.6
  5. Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.Importance 4.6
  6. Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.Importance 4.5
  7. Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.Importance 4.3
  8. Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.Importance 4.2
  9. Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.Importance 3.9
  10. Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.Importance 3.9
  11. Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes.Importance 3.9
  12. Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.Importance 3.6
Show the other 1
  1. Select and edit documents for publication and display, applying knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques.Importance 3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • History and ArcheologyImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.5Level 5.6
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
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  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • GeographyImportance 2.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.6Level 2.7
  • MathematicsImportance 2.3Level 2.8
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.1Level 2.6
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • ChemistryImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • TransportationImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • MechanicalImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • PhysicsImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Category FlexibilityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 3.8
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  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • VisualizationImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • StaminaImportance 1.8Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.7Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.4Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
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  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 5.7
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.8Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.2Level 2.9
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.6Level 2.7
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.2
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Telephone Conversations4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.0
  • Spend Time Sitting4.0

Technology

30 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Archivists' Toolkit

Hot (10; 3 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (16)
  • Adlib Information Systems Adlib Archive
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Archon
  • Corel Paint Shop Pro
  • Database software
  • DiMeMa CONTENTdm
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • Encoded archival system EAD
  • Esri ArcGIS
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Gallery Systems The Museum System
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Omeka software
  • PREMIS
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.