Workers seeking jobs as archivists are likely to face strong competition because qualified applicants generally outnumber job openings. Graduates with highly specialized training, such as master's degrees in both library science and history, with a concentration in archives or records management, extensive computer skills, and volunteer experience, should have the best job opportunities. Job opportunities for those who manage electronic records are expected to be better than for those who specialize in older media formats.
Archives can be subject to cuts in funding during recessions or periods of budget tightening, reducing demand for archivists. Although the number of archivists who move to other occupations is relatively low, the need to replace workers who retire will create some job openings.
Employment of archivists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Jobs for archivists are expected to increase as public and private organizations require organization of, and access to, increasing volumes of records and information. The growing use of electronic records will cause demand for archivists who specialize in electronic records and records management to grow more rapidly than demand for archivists who specialize in older media formats.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, United State Department of Labor
At Clayton State University
ArchivalStudies.com is a record of my academic coursework, including my notes, papers and articles written in pursuit of a master of Archival Studies degree at Clayton State University in Georgia. In September 2012, Paul was recognized for his academic achievement and granted membership into the Golden Key International Honor Society.
In The Current Semester: Digital Preservation and Graduation in December 2013!
Professional organizations, such as the Society of American Archivists (SAA), seek to foster study and professional development. In 2002, the SAA published guidelines for a graduate program in Archival Studies, but these guidelines have not been adopted by the majority of universities. As a result, practitioners of archival science may come from a varied background of library, history, or museum studies programs. See Programs of Archival Studies
