Archivists manage the records of our history, whether it is a personal account of a major event or photograph of something that no longer exists today. Archivists secure and preserve information, especially primary sources, so they will be available for future use. In a sense, they are the guardians of the past to help us use the past to build the future. Below is a real job posting for an archivist at Wayne State's Reuther Library. Thanks is given to Dr. Louis Jones for allowing this job posting to be used in this entry.

Essential Duties

Provides access to the institutional history of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) through the organization and preservation of its records and the creation of finding aids, inventories, databases, or other reference tools. These duties can be represented through completing coursework in the archival administration specialization. Courses most representative of these duties are archival administration (which should be a required course for any archival program) and electronic archives where you learn about arranged description used to create the aforementioned items.

Interacts with SEIU, including occasional travel to SEIU's international and affiliate headquarters regarding their records program and related projects. You will want to have strong communication and presentation skills when working with this organization. These skills are frequently utilized in most LIS programs and you will be prepared to carry out these tasks.

Appraises, retrieves and examines records regarding SEIU. These skills should be covered in any archival program.

Performs other related duties as assigned. There many things you may be required to do that you may or may not have done before. The good news here is that the duties will be related to archives meaning you should be able to complete them with the knowledge and experience you already have in archival administration.

Performs extensive outreach by curating and promoting SEIU exhibits, disseminating information about the SEIU Archives and working on publicity-related projects. Once more, archival administration, strong communication and presentation skills are important along with the ability to work in teams to complete projects. All of these skills can be acquired through completing a degree in LIS.

Creates and manages digital content for the Reuther Library's Web site. Knowledge of digital content management, curation and preservation will come handy for this task. Several kinds of digital content classes are offered at SLIS. You may also want to gain experience through a practicum.

Assists with records management and electronic records archiving. Any archival program reflective of the technological advancements in archives should have a course in electronic archives.
Manages reference requests from inside and outside of SEIU. A reference course in addition to archival coursework would be useful here. Reference is usually covered in an MLIS program.

Supervises students, volunteers, and interns assigned to work with the SEIU Archives. Experience where you served in a managerial capacity would enable to fulfill this duty. If you don't have this experience, emphasize your experiences that speaks to your leadership qualities such as serving as an officer for a professional organization.

Participates actively in the shared decision-making for library planning, resource management, and program and policy development. Collection development and library management courses will give you the knowledge to complete these duties.

Skills

Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of users, donors, and constituencies. Draw upon any personal and/or professional experiences where you work or have worked with people from diverse backgrounds in various settings.

Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Ability to set digitization priorities and programs (preferred). Project management experience is a key skill here. Experience managing and prioritizing projects at work and in college should be accentuated in addition to your experience with digitizing materials.

Familiarity with 20th century labor history (preferred). This comes from having a strong affinity for 20^th century labor history. Labor history buffs and those who have a degree in this area would definitely want to apply.

Education

Education needed is pretty much self-explanatory: you must have the education and certification needed to manage archives, especially those in electronic form.

ALA-accredited Master's degree in Library Information Science or an advanced degree in a related disciplinary field with archival management coursework and/or experience.

Knowledge of archival administration, including the selection, processing and preservation of historical, valued and sensitive documents.

Clear understanding of issues relating to digital records management and electronic records archiving

Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) certification.