arkivister

Arkivister are professionals who manage archives and preserve records of enduring value. They work in libraries, museums, government agencies, universities, corporations, and national or regional archives. The core aim is to ensure the authenticity, integrity, and long-term accessibility of both paper records and digital materials.

Typical tasks include appraisal and acquisition of records, arranging and describing collections, creating finding aids and metadata, and providing reference services to researchers. They also oversee preservation work, implement digitization projects, and manage digital preservation strategies to keep material accessible as technologies evolve. Archivists may develop access policies, determine privacy or confidentiality restrictions, and ensure compliance with legal or regulatory requirements. They often collaborate with historians, researchers, and information technology specialists to support discovery and use of archives.

Professional practice is guided by standards and ethical principles that emphasize provenance, original order, and respect for rights and privacy. Archivists use established metadata schemas and cataloging rules, such as ISAD(G) and ISAAR(CPF), and may employ archival management systems and digitization workflows.

Education and training typically include a degree or equivalent in archival science, information management, or history, with additional credentials in digital curation and records management. The field continues to evolve with advances in digital preservation, born-digital records, and open access initiatives.