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Archivist
Archivists appraise, organise, store and provide access to records and documents of historical or research value. They also provide advice and assistance to individuals and organisations.
Archivist
Tasks and duties
Archivists may do some or all of the following:
• evaluate records to be kept or destroyed when they are no longer used
• liaise with government departments businesses
• arrange and describe records and other materials to enable public access
• advise on suitable storage environments for archives
• package and store archives for long-term preservation
• organise exhibitions and displays
• help people find information for their research
• answer written and telephone enquiries
• give talks on archives to community groups, and give guided tours on archival displays.
Skills and knowledge
Archivists need to have:
• knowledge of how to organise, store and find archival information
• an understanding of the historical and potential research value of materials
• sound analytical and research skills
• the ability to use archival information management systems
• good communication and people skills
• problem solving and decision making skills
• organisational and time management skills.
Archivists may also need to have knowledge of New Zealand history and government departments, and Maori language and culture.
Personal qualities
Archivists need to be:
• patient, thorough and able to work methodically
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• able to keep information private
• able to work well under pressure
• motivated and persistent
• versatile.
