Career as Archivist

Archivist 

As a storehouse of knowledge, archives have to be preserved and verified at regular intervals of time. The unique and valuable history can better be understood in the context of the modern world through archives. To help in understanding the records, professionals, known as archivists, are hired who exploit the archival heritage and convey the right information preserved by it to the world. As such, the main task of an archivist is to conserve, repair, rehabilitate, store, and handle the heritages scientifically. Besides, he/she also identifies and preserves a wide range of records, like historical letters, manuscripts, diaries, photographs, coins, maps, films, and video recordings by maintaining their originality. Today, almost every field needs an archivist to store its valuable records and documents professionally. Out of the enormous distinct opportunities available to make a flourishing career, one can opt for archival science and become a successful archivist.

Employment Opportunities for Archivist :

Almost all major colleges, institutions, and universities running regular arts and humanities courses offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs required to become an archivist. Apart from these, diploma, PG diploma, and certificate courses are offered at Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad; Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu; Gandhigram Rural Institute, Gandhigram; Osmania University, Hyderabad; Pondicherry University, Pondicherry; Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi University, Ajmer; and School of Archival Studies, New Delhi

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How to become an Archivist?

A graduate in history, political science, library science, public administration, and archival science can work as an archivist with archival coursework and some practical knowledge. The minimum qualification to get a bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned subjects is 10+2 pass. For some specialized courses, like science for reprography, students from science and medicinal background can also apply. On completing a bachelor’s degree in archival science, one can further enroll in MA, M.Phil, and Ph.D. programs in the same subject. Certain institutions offer other courses, such as PG certificate in archives, PG diploma in archives keeping, PG diploma in archives, documentation, and management, PG diploma in archival Science and manuscriptology, and PG diploma in archival studies. Some short-term certificate courses in servicing & repair of records, reprography, and archives management are also conducted. The basic idea behind enrolling in such courses is to gain knowledge of basic archival theory, methods, and/or practice of appraisal, including records management, aspects of library and information science management, and historical and research methods. These days, most archivists acquire fundamental computer soft skills, like XML, to work as researchers online.

Median Pay Scale/salary of Archivist :

Pay packages offered to archivists differ largely, based on the nature of the employers. To start with, an archivist can earn anywhere from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 8000 per month. With an increase in experience, one can easily generate lakhs of rupees per annum.

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