Archivist
Organise collections of historical records and documents so that they are easy for people to study and enjoy.
Also known as: records manager, archive service manager, archive conservator
About the job
What it's like
You would organise collections of historical records and documents so that they are easy for people to study and enjoy.
You'd preserve the documents and make them easy for people to find, either physically or on the internet.
You'd work with all types of materials including:
Historical records and documents
Books and maps
Photographs and film
Audio and digital files
You would decide which materials should be kept in an archive. You'd use computer technology to create digital archives and convert physical materials into digital formats.
You would:
Store the materials correctly to keep them in good condition
Identify and date the items
Catalogue and index the materials
Help people to use the archives
Create records in other formats such as photocopies, microfiche and digital
Do research
Give talks and presentations
Organise displays and exhibitions
You would meet people who want to sell or donate items to the archive, assess the importance of the materials and negotiate a price.
At senior level, you might manage and supervise staff, manage budgets and put together bids for funding.
Hours
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but you may be able to do part-time hours. You may have to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Environment
You'll mainly be office-based. You could also spend time inspecting archives at other sites, giving presentations or setting up exhibitions. You might have to work with archives stored in dusty and cramped conditions. Some records may be heavy, and could be in poor condition.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- cataloguing
- archives
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- evaluating
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Classical Studies
English
History
Latin
An honours degree (SCQF level 10) and postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) recognised by the Archives and Records Association.
Alternatively you can enter as Archive Assistant and work towards Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services (a component in the level 3 Libraries, Archives, Records and Information Management Services Apprenticeship framework available in England).
To enter relevant postgraduate courses you require an honours degree at 2:1 or above in any subject, though particularly useful are:
History
Law
Classics (Latin is required for some specialisms)
Library studies or information science
A science degree may be required for scientific archive work.
Qualifications that show the ability to organise and share information such as the Participative Democracy Certificate (Youth Award). It may also help your application if you can demonstrate related experience such as in libraries or with the National Records of Scotland.
Once in work/qualified membership of the Archives and Records Association can support ongoing professional development.
Entry to postgraduate courses is very competitive therefore experience in this area is essential. This can be paid or voluntary.
The University of Glasgow offers a graduate archive trainee programme (GATP) which gives experience to graduates who are looking to apply for courses in archives and management.
There are normally two trainee posts for graduates who have at least a 2:1 honours degree ( SCQF level 10)
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