Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working Life
Archivists select, store, care for and provide access to records including written documents, maps, photographs, tapes and films. Archivists may keep records for churches, businesses, family estates, courts, councils, hospitals, charities or government agencies.
Archivists record and catalogue each document, identify those that need repairing, and select the best way to store them. Archivists do not do repairs but they may tell conservators which documents most need repairing. They also decide which documents to keep for their historical value and which to discard.
Archivists provide a service for customers. They answer written, phone and face-to-face enquiries. They show people relevant sources and help to interpret difficult documents. Archivists also give talks, produce written materials and information about collections, and mount exhibitions. For each exhibition they select and prepare materials. They also write texts to explain the materials.
The time archivists spend on these activities varies depending on where they work. In local record offices, archivists work with a variety of local records. Those who work in the national libraries often look after literary
manuscripts or private specialist collections.
University archivists may manage university records, or look after collections that belong to former academic staff and those relating to specific subjects. In businesses, archivists look after records about company history and product development.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Organise archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
- Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
- Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
- Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
- Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
- Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
- Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
- Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.
- Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.
Further Information
Qualities - Archivist
As an archivist, you need to be methodical and pay attention to detail. An interest in history is useful as is good literacy skills, and you need competent communication skills to supervise staff, advise the public and give lectures.
You may have to work in dirty conditions and carry heavy volumes. Research skills are important in this work as you need to find out about the background of materials. You need to be aware that some documents are confidential.
Interests - Archivist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Archivist
Librarianship/Archivist is a graduate profession. Entrants must first complete an undergraduate degree and then pursue a postgraduate masters or doctoral degree.
Full details of all acceptable qualifications for entry as a Librarian are available from The Library Association of Ireland here.
Recruitment as a Librarian/Archivist is usually confined to those who hold a professional qualification in Librarianship recognised by the LAI. Posts in the public the private sectors are typically advertised in the national and local media. Advertisements normally indicate the qualifications required and the salary scales offered. See also online website library jobs.ie or University Vacancies.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: cross discipline courses in college can be undertaken in your research area of interest.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: masters programmes are available in Ireland.
Dublin Business School Master of Science (MSc) Information & Library Management
UCD Masters in Library & Information Studies
University of Ulster Library and Information Management (M.Sc and Postgraduate Diploma).
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Each College providing post graduate study to qualify for Librarianship/ Archivist / Curator require certification in both: Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Archivist & Records Association of Ireland the principal professional body for archivists, archive conservators and records managers in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Archivist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €69k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, sessional rates, and role.
Data Source(s):
Payscale / Indeed/ PAS
Last Updated: June, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Archivist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Records clerks and assistants; Library clerks; Assistants Human resources; administrative occupations; Sales administrators; Other administrative occupations n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
This is the largest of the administrative occupations, with employment spread across all sectors of the economy. Employment grew strongly between 2019 and 2020 but has only seen marginal growth in employment levels since then. Despite this, there was a high level of recent job hires indicating that job churn is a significant feature of this occupation.
Skills for Growth data points to some difficulties in filling a small number of administrator roles where skills such as digital, numerical, MS Office, and communications were in particular demand. Job opportunities are likely to continue for this role given its large size and the demand across sectors, even if employment rs as demand for skills outstrips supply across occupations.
Useful Contacts - Archivist
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National Archives of Ireland
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Archives Dept UCD
