Whether sifting through handwritten correspondence, caring for glass plate negatives, digitizing obscure videos formats or creating emulated environments to render historical video games, all archivists share the work of preserving our collective social memory. Archivists conduct this work in distinct spaces called “archives” which are comprised of largely unpublished collections of primary sources that have historical value. Given their fundamental importance to society, archives can be found in a multitude of physical and virtual spaces including public libraries, academic libraries, museums, historical societies, religious organizations, businesses and corporations and state and federal government. Regardless of the type of institution, all archivists conduct the vital work of managing archival materials that collectively comprise the cultural heritage of society. In ensuring the continued access to these collections, archivists preserve our historical record and, in so doing, become active agents in shaping and interpreting the past for future generations.
Although archival work involves a diverse range of tasks and responsibilities, archivists primarily appraise, select, arrange and describe, preserve and provide access to collections that have enduring value. Given the importance of the role of preservation, archivists require a level of technical proficiency to help them understand, assess, and prioritize the needs of each archival collection in their care. At the same time, archivists are ethically required to promote the widest possible use of their collections while respecting access restrictions that are stipulated in federal and state laws, cultural protocols, donor agreements, and policies that safeguard privacy and sensitive information. With an eye for detail and a penchant for organization, those who pursue an archival career often have a unique skill set that includes the ability to engage in historical analysis and interpretation, well-developed problem-solving skills, and an aptitude to excel in collaborative environments.
In their work, archivists balance self-directed tasks with highly collaborative projects. Archival work involves active engagement with a host of donors, organizations, and communities. Job responsibilities may require meeting prospective donors in their homes, offices or creative work spaces. Additionally, archivists may find themselves embedded as consultants working to help communities mobilize volunteers to document historical events as they are happening. On any given day, an archivist may engage with a range of people and communities as well as a vast array of materials that span time periods, subjects, and formats.
One of the most compelling aspects of this work is that archivists get to work directly with historical materials. In addition to their informational content, archival collections derive meaning from their context and the interrelated relationships within and between archival collections. The work of an archivist involves deciphering these relationships and translating their larger historical meanings and significance to the public. Naturally inquisitive and curious, archivists are dedicated researchers who seek to understand the larger stories behind events, strive to document different perspectives, and appreciate the importance of documenting change over time. Archivists have to be continuous learners and build their knowledge and technical skills in order to document the rich complexity of society.
Because every collection is unique, most archivists find their work exciting and intellectually satisfying. This is often demonstrated by a passion for sharing archival collections with the public. Archivists provide access to collections by creating descriptive tools called finding aids, and they also engage in a range of public programs, work on digitization projects, serve on exhibition committees, are devoted educators, and are key stakeholders in the development of digital repositories.
Archivists’ professional code of ethics is a cornerstone of their work. Their code of ethics requires them to balance the rights, interests, and needs of all people and communities affected by their stewardship decisions. A key component of archival training focuses on developing ethical and professional judgement to ensure the responsible stewardship of archival collections. In addition to the continuous examination of current practices, this also means that archivists are accountable for addressing harmful legacy stewardship practices as a first step in the critical work of building (and sustaining) relationships with the diverse communities that they serve.
While the work of archivists has traditionally focused on managing print-based or analog collections in physical spaces, individuals should be aware that the future of archival work will be reliant on the ability to develop the specialized skills needed to manage digital collections in digital environments. Individuals who choose this career path will be ushering in an exciting new chapter for the archival profession. Future training will be marked by an openness to learn and implement new technologies, an awareness of digital preservation as well as the ability to forge new networked collaborations that will expand the reach and impact of archival collections across the globe.
Angela Fritz is a visiting assistant professor at SLIS, where she teaches courses including Archives: Theory & Practice. This course provides an overview of archival theory, practice, and professional ethics as well as engages students in critical thinking about the power of archives in sustaining social memory, fostering open government, and advancing inclusive interpretations of history. She also teaches SLIS 6145: Digital Preservation and Stewardship which explores the concepts, theories, and practices related to the preservation and continued stewardship of born-digital and digitized materials that are managed by libraries, archives, museums, and heritage sites.
Dr. Fritz has over twenty-five years of experience working with archives, museums, and special collections. She has a Ph.D. in public history from Loyola University-Chicago, where she was awarded a Crown Fellowship in the Humanities. She holds a master’s degree in library science with a concentration in archival administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Iowa. She is the author of Sustainable Enterprise Strategies for Optimizing Digital Stewardship: A Guide for Libraries, Archives, and Museums.
