An archivist is responsible for organizing, acquiring, appraising, preserving and providing access to specific historical records and materials. This role, also called the “keepers of memory,” is important because it protects vital records with significant historical, cultural or legal value for future generations.
Demand for skilled archivists across institutions and organizations is growing, largely due to the need to preserve increasing volumes of information in both analog and digital formats. The online Master of Arts (MA) in History program at Eastern Washington University (EWU) gives you a deeper understanding of the past to help pave your way toward a future career as a professional archivist.
What is an Archivist and What Do They Do?
An archivist manages the lifecycle of records, from their acquisition or creation to their long-term conservation. Core responsibilities include:
- Acquisition and appraisal: This responsibility includes evaluating potential materials to determine their legal, historical or informational value and deciding which items should be permanently archived.
- Organizing: Once records are acquired and appraised, archivists sort and organize them according to the principles of provenance (origin), then catalog them to make them searchable.
- Preserving and conserving: Archivists ensure the long-term survival of records by storing them in appropriate, climate-controlled environments, using acid-free materials or managing their conservation digitally.
Archivists work with a wide range of records, including historical documents, photographs, digital files, audio-visual recordings and historical artifacts. They may work in a variety of settings, such as museums, libraries, schools, government agencies and institutions, universities, or corporations.
What Skills and Education Does an Archivist Career Require?
Most employers require archivists to hold a graduate-level degree in history, library science or archival science. A bachelor’s degree in political science, history or a related field is also required as a foundation before moving on to higher-level education.
Key skills in research methodology, analytical thinking, digital preservation and appraisal are particularly valuable. Soft skills, including attention to detail, organization and communication, are also essential in this role.
Hands-on experience through internships, practicums or volunteer work in archive management is also valuable, as it demonstrates professional knowledge. While certification isn’t always required, holding Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) certification is a significant advantage.
What Job Opportunities Are Available for Archivists?
Job opportunities are available for archivists in educational institutions, corporations and government agencies. Potential roles include curator, corporate archivist, genealogist, digital archivist, records manager and special collections librarian.
Digital archivists manage, preserve and ensure long-term access to digital materials like images, records and websites using specialized knowledge of metadata, digital storage systems and file formats to maintain the integrity of collections. Records managers organize, secure, and maintain physical and digital information through its lifecycle, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Special collections librarians manage, preserve and provide access to rare books, photographs and other archives in academic, public and research libraries with specialization in storing, handling and cataloging those records.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for archivists was $57,100 in 2024. However, higher-paying roles such as postsecondary history instructors and professors, historical consultants, and archivists working as government analysts are also available. Overall employment of archivist roles is projected to grow 6% through 2034, a faster rate than the average for all occupations.
How is Technology Shaping the Archivist Profession?
Digitization and digital preservation are transforming careers in archive management, shifting the focus from preserving the physical custody of records to a more hybrid, tech-focused approach. Roles involving metadata creation, virtual access and digital-born data management are increasing.
Technical skills in relevant software, IT and digital sustainability are often required. New, emerging AI-driven and automated tools and platforms are increasingly used to catalog and provide access to collections, like Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR), semantic search and linked data. Open-source, web-based tools and applications are also increasingly common.
There is a growing need for archivists who can bridge traditional methods with modern technology, as more organizations face a massive wave of digital data that must be assessed, organized and preserved. The need for digital preservation is more important than ever to ensure that the cultural heritage of historical records stays accessible, correct and relevant.
Why is a Career in Archiving a Rewarding Choice?
Archivists are the guardians of history and have an important duty to preserve cultural heritage and institutional memory. Archival work has a significant, meaningful impact on vital manuscripts, photographs, artifacts and records, ensuring that important historical, scientific and artistic information is not lost.
The engaging role of an archivist involves high-level intellectual work and a variety of specializations, including appraisal, cataloging, processing and conserving. In today’s increasingly data-driven world, the need for and relevance of archival work are more pertinent than ever.
Start Preserving History as an Archivist
The archivist career path is one of cultural stewardship, high intellectual satisfaction and a strong projected job outlook. Growing technical and digital-focused opportunities give graduates even greater access to satisfying, dynamic careers.
EWU’s online MA in History degree is a flexible and accessible way to help you build expertise in this important field. Browse the program page to explore more details, and apply online to take the next step toward your archivist career today.
Learn more about EWU’s online MA in History program.
