Levéltáros

A levéltáros, often translated as archivist or curator of records, is a professional responsible for the appraisal, acquisition, arrangement, description, preservation, and access of historical records and documents. Their primary role is to ensure the long-term survival of significant information and make it available to researchers, the public, and future generations.

Levéltáros work in various institutions, including national archives, municipal archives, university archives, corporate archives, and museum archives. The types of materials they manage can range from governmental documents and personal papers to photographs, maps, audio-visual recordings, and digital records.

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing policies for records management, assessing the historical value of records for permanent retention, and creating finding aids or inventories to facilitate research. Preservation activities involve controlling environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, performing conservation treatments on damaged materials, and implementing digitization projects. Levéltáros also assist patrons in locating and using archival materials, adhering to access policies and ethical guidelines. The profession requires a strong understanding of history, information management, preservation techniques, and relevant legal and ethical frameworks.