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Storing History A career with archives...
They preserve history in the form of records, documents and manuscripts. From schools to colleges to government offices and corporate institutions, archival repositories are as diverse as the institutions and people they serve. And the people who maintain them are the archivists.
Archival records are the fruits of everyday activity. The primary task of an archivist is to establish and maintain control, both physical and intellectual, over records of enduring value. Archivists select records, a process that requires an understanding of the historical context in which the records were created, the uses for which they were intended, and their relationships to other sources. He then arranges and describes the records, in accordance with accepted standards and practices; ensures the long-term preservation of collections; assists researchers; and plans and directs exhibitions, publications, and other outreach programmes to broaden the use of collections. Records may be saved on any medium - paper, film, audio or videotape, electronic disc or computer.
Archival repositories range from large, well-funded operations providing a variety of archival services to limited activities dependent upon a part-time volunteer staff. Archives can be located in central, state, and local governments; schools, colleges, and universities; religious institutions; businesses; hospitals; museums; and historical societies -- wherever it is important to retain the records of people or organisations.
Career attributes
Salaries, benefits, and working conditions for archivists vary greatly, depending on the size and nature of the employing institution. Most government archivists have civil service status, and archivists in academic institutions often have faculty status. Archivists can find employment with libraries, museums, and historical societies or even with the archival division of a large organisation. Grant-funded projects too come their way.
Attention to detail and analytical skills are required for all the research, sorting and listing work. In many situations a willingness to undertake hard, physical work is also necessary. A certain degree of technical competency in methods of preservation is also essential. If you are enthusiastic, committed and have a genuine interest in the past, archival management can be a very rewarding career. Often archivists specialise in the management of current records especially in business and industry.
The National Archives of India (NAI), with its four regional branches -Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Jaipur and Pondicherry is involved in the preservation and maintenance of records. The NAI provides technical help to institutions and individuals in the conservation of records. It also undertakes training in archives administration, records management, reprography and repair and conservation of books, manuscripts and records.
Academic qualifications
Most entry-level positions require a graduate degree, together with archival coursework and a practicum. Although graduates from any field can work as archivists a degree in History or Library Science is preferable. Other useful specialisations include Public Administration and Political Science. A Ph.D. is preferred for higher-ranking positions in academic institutions. For some specialised posts a background in science or medicine is required. In depth knowledge of specific domain subjects may be important for work in archives that have specialised topical emphasis. Training and experience in conducting research is also helpful.
Some of the institutions in India that train archivists are School of Archival Studies New Delhi, Annamalai University Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry University and Gujarat Vidyapith Ahmedabad. One can often find work with a sizeable organisation in a supervisory position. A small and exclusive discipline, it demands a strong academic background.
TINA MARIAM JACOB
tina.mas@cnkonline.com
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