Project Archivist

The Declaration of Independence, community phone listings from the last century, or soon-to-be-famous works of art—how are they stored and cared for so that the next generation can access and enjoy them? Well, each project is a little different, which makes the job of a Project Archivist so interesting. By definition, a Project Archivist “archives,” or stores, documents, photographs, microfiche, and other forms of record.

As a Project Archivist, you might work for a university, a research facility, a library, or a museum. But because the job is project based, you might move from one opportunity to the next, relying on temporary positions. Although this could cause a fluctuation in income, it also offers you great variety in your work.

Once you’re hired for a project, you use your understanding of archival techniques to sort and organize materials. For example, you might historicize a pile of architectural blueprints or scan county records.

Of course, the Historian or Chief Librarian who hired you isn’t going to be happy if you leave your fingerprints all over the only copy of a classic novel, so you observe proper handling techniques. Such techniques include wearing gloves, using special tools to handle fragile papers, and transferring documents to long-lasting papers.

Not all of the projects you handle involve disintegrating documents, though. In fact, you might not handle paper at all. Instead, you might focus on artifacts made with yarn, fabric, leather, clay, or myriad other materials.