2 answers
Roxy
Student
Frankfort, Kentucky
2
Questions
Asked
297 views
What is something that archivists work with that the general public doesn't typically know about?
I'm trying to figure out a back-up plan from being a librarian, and I think archiving would be perfect for me. However, I'm trying to find niche/lesser-known duties of that career to see if I truly would enjoy all parts of it. Thanks!
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2 answers
Johnson Tran
Tutor
34
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Johnson’s Answer
Archivists handle unusual and often overlooked items that preserve history. Here’s a look at some of the unique aspects of their work:
1. Outdated Technology and Unstable Media
Archivists deal with obsolete items like:
- Old magnetic tapes, cassettes, and video reels.
- Floppy disks, ZIP disks, and old hard drives.
- Film negatives and nitrate film, which can be unstable and even dangerous.
Special equipment and controlled environments are needed to preserve these materials.
2. Digital Records
Archives aren't just about paper anymore. They include:
- Email archives.
- Server logs.
- Digital photos with hidden metadata.
- Old software that needs emulators to open.
This digital aspect is rapidly expanding.
3. Ephemera
Archivists save seemingly trivial items that can become important historical clues, such as:
- Ticket stubs, old posters, and pamphlets.
- Handwritten notes, receipts, and drafts.
- Objects from protests or community events.
4. Vault Work
Archivists often work in areas the public doesn’t see, like:
- Cold storage for films and photos.
- Using acid-free materials to protect paper.
- Monitoring humidity and temperature closely.
5. Confidential Collections
Archivists manage sensitive materials like:
- Confidential institutional records.
- Private papers with privacy rules.
- Legal or medical documents with strict donor agreements.
They ensure only authorized access to these materials.
6. Detailed Paperwork
Archivists handle a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks, including:
- Writing descriptions for easy access.
- Creating finding aids, or maps, for collections.
- Using specific terminology for researchers.
- Tracking provenance, which means knowing the origins of items.
1. Outdated Technology and Unstable Media
Archivists deal with obsolete items like:
- Old magnetic tapes, cassettes, and video reels.
- Floppy disks, ZIP disks, and old hard drives.
- Film negatives and nitrate film, which can be unstable and even dangerous.
Special equipment and controlled environments are needed to preserve these materials.
2. Digital Records
Archives aren't just about paper anymore. They include:
- Email archives.
- Server logs.
- Digital photos with hidden metadata.
- Old software that needs emulators to open.
This digital aspect is rapidly expanding.
3. Ephemera
Archivists save seemingly trivial items that can become important historical clues, such as:
- Ticket stubs, old posters, and pamphlets.
- Handwritten notes, receipts, and drafts.
- Objects from protests or community events.
4. Vault Work
Archivists often work in areas the public doesn’t see, like:
- Cold storage for films and photos.
- Using acid-free materials to protect paper.
- Monitoring humidity and temperature closely.
5. Confidential Collections
Archivists manage sensitive materials like:
- Confidential institutional records.
- Private papers with privacy rules.
- Legal or medical documents with strict donor agreements.
They ensure only authorized access to these materials.
6. Detailed Paperwork
Archivists handle a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks, including:
- Writing descriptions for easy access.
- Creating finding aids, or maps, for collections.
- Using specific terminology for researchers.
- Tracking provenance, which means knowing the origins of items.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
200
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I'd take another look or two at Johnson's answer. Quite a bit to work with there.
Now, with your situation. Frankfort Kentucky. Of course I have heard of it, but know little about it. I'd start with the main library. Make an appointment, preferably by going there in person, taking to someone at the main entrance, telling them of your interest and you wish to know if there would be an opportunity to do some volunteer work. In all probability there will be several archival projects that are on one list or another that have not been gotten to. And there you are. They probably have not been gotten to because they are not considered to be very important. But it's a start. And once you have been doing this for a while, people will begin to know you. And there's your chance to talk to them.
In addition. You never know, you may, not likely, but just maybe you will come across something. Like Really Something. I read newspapers, on line, extensively, and hardly a week goes by that I don't read of someone turning up something important, as in Very, and in some cases something no one knew existed.
Personally I like the idea of being an archivist. Mundane on the surface, but there may be hidden treasures here or there. Doing your job which allows one to hunt at the same time.
Now, with your situation. Frankfort Kentucky. Of course I have heard of it, but know little about it. I'd start with the main library. Make an appointment, preferably by going there in person, taking to someone at the main entrance, telling them of your interest and you wish to know if there would be an opportunity to do some volunteer work. In all probability there will be several archival projects that are on one list or another that have not been gotten to. And there you are. They probably have not been gotten to because they are not considered to be very important. But it's a start. And once you have been doing this for a while, people will begin to know you. And there's your chance to talk to them.
In addition. You never know, you may, not likely, but just maybe you will come across something. Like Really Something. I read newspapers, on line, extensively, and hardly a week goes by that I don't read of someone turning up something important, as in Very, and in some cases something no one knew existed.
Personally I like the idea of being an archivist. Mundane on the surface, but there may be hidden treasures here or there. Doing your job which allows one to hunt at the same time.