Archivist and Curator
Archivists and curators play vital roles in preserving and interpreting human culture, history, and the natural world. They collect, appraise, organize, and maintain a wide variety of documents, artworks, and specimens for educational and historical purposes. Archivists primarily focus on historical documents, while curators manage cultural or biological collections, such as those found in art museums or nature centers. These professionals work in diverse environments, including libraries, universities, museums, and government depositories, often balancing independent projects with public engagement.
A career as an archivist or curator typically requires a master's degree, with strong emphasis on history, art history, or natural sciences, along with relevant experience, such as internships. Essential skills for success in these fields include organization, critical thinking, and effective communication. Daily responsibilities may involve assessing potential acquisitions, authenticating provenance, preserving items, and cataloging collections for accessibility. Additionally, archivists and curators may engage in public outreach, including tours and presentations, and handle administrative tasks. This profession not only values the preservation of significant items but also fosters appreciation for cultural and scientific heritage.
Archivist and Curator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, Hospitality & Tourism
Interests: History, culture, art, preserving documents, organizing information, research, communication
Earnings (Yearly Median): $57,120 per year $27.46 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 10% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Master's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Archivists and curators are preservationists of human culture, history, and the natural world. They collect, appraise, organize, and preserve documents, artwork, specimens, ephemera, films, and many other objects for historical and educational purposes. Archivists usually handle documents and records that are of historical value. Curators are more likely to manage cultural or biological items, such as artwork or nature collections.
Work Environment. Archivists work in libraries, government depositories, universities, and historical museums, while curators are more often employed in art museums, zoos, nature centers, and other cultural or scientific institutions. Each typically divides the workweek between independent projects and interaction with other staff and outsiders, such as dealers, researchers, and the public.
Occupation Interest. People interested in archivist or curator positions value the contributions of humans or the natural world and realize their importance in research. They are scholars who possess good organizational skills and a knack for handling irreplaceable items that are often fragile and extremely valuable. They need to be both detail-oriented and aware of larger cultural, scientific, and/or historical contexts. Other important traits include critical thinking, leadership ability, oral and written communication skills, and a high level of integrity.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Archivists and curators build on their institution’s collections by purchasing items or receiving them as gifts, often the result of bequests. A collection donated by a celebrated author might consist of boxes of unpublished manuscripts and drafts, personal correspondence, publishing contracts, and other printed matter. A collection obtained from a philatelist might include rare postal stamps, philatelic books and journals, microscopes, antique magnifying glasses, and other materials.
The archivist or curator is usually responsible for deciding what items to keep based on physical condition, financial, historical, and cultural value, and relevance to the institution’s mission or purpose. While assessing each item, he or she authenticates its provenance (date and origin) and researches the item for any additional relevant information. The archivist or curator also determines how best to preserve and store items. For example, special cabinets may have to be ordered or an item may be given to a conservator for repairs.
Next, the archivist or curator catalogs or classifies items in a database so scholars can access the information. These databases also allow archivists or curators to keep track of their collections, provide reference services, and plan exhibits. Many different classification systems are used, although the most common one in the United States is the Library of Congress Classification System. Some items may be given a taxonomic classification as well as a call number.
Curators and archivists have other tasks in addition to their preservation work. Curators and archivists often write articles, grant proposals, and annual reports. Depending on their work environment, they may give tours and presentations to the public. Curators and archivists may also take care of other administrative duties or oversee assistants who handle some of these responsibilities, or they may do everything themselves.
Art Conservators (102.167-010). Art Conservators coordinate the examination, repair and conservation of art objects.
Historic-Site Administrators (102.167-014). Historic-Site Administrators manage the overall operations of a historic structure or site.
Museum Registrars (102.167-018). Museum Registrars maintain records of the condition and location of objects in museum collections and oversee the movement of objects to other locations.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Archivists and curators tend to work at least part of the time in climate-controlled storage facilities. They may have to wear white gloves or masks to protect items from human contamination. They sometimes deal with dust, mold, and insect infestations. Fieldwork may include visits to off-site locations such as auctions, schools, and private residences.
Human Environment. Archivists and curators usually report to a director and may supervise assistants, volunteers, or interns. In some cases, the curator is the director and reports to a board of administrators. Archivists and curators also interact with clerical staff and fellow preservation professionals, such as librarians, conservators, or museum technicians. They also work with researchers and other members of the public who use their facilities.
Technological Environment. Archivists and curators rely heavily on computers for research, database management, file sharing, and communication. They also use a variety of digitization equipment for preservation purposes, including digital photography and video cameras. Microscopes are often used for detailed work. In many cases, they must be familiar with radio-frequency identifications (RFIDs) and other inventory control and anti-theft systems.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Archivist and curator positions require advanced education. A strong college preparatory program with electives in the areas of professional interest will provide the best foundation for post-secondary studies. History courses are especially important for aspiring archivists and curators. Students interested in becoming a curator of art should take art history and appreciation courses. botany, zoology, and other natural sciences are important for curators of natural history. Students should also consider volunteering or working part-time in a library, museum, or other similar institution.
Postsecondary. A bachelor’s degree in history, art history, botany, political science, or other relevant discipline, with additional coursework in archival or museum studies, is the minimum requirement; however, most positions require a master’s degree or doctorate in the specialized discipline or a master’s degree in library science, archival studies, or museum studies. Business and public administration courses may also be useful. An internship or other work experience in a related institution is typically required for employment. Continuing education courses are expected as part of ongoing professional training.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"25-4011 Archivists." Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes254011.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept. of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm. Accessed 10 Sept. 2023.