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Roxy
Student
Frankfort, Kentucky
2
Questions
Asked
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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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1 answer
Johnson Tran
Tutor
29
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 Outdated Technology and Unstable Media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 Outdated Technology and Unstable Media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.