Audiovisual Archivist

Archivists and record managers help organizations maintain and preserve their important records so that they are available to researchers, scholars, and the general public.

What does an audiovisual archivist do?

Audiovisual archivists are responsible for the care, management, and preservation of cultural heritage in the form of audio and video (collectively known as audiovisual) recordings. They may work in a variety of institutions, such as film archives, television archives, museums, libraries, public broadcasting stations, and private corporations.

Audiovisual archivists perform many tasks, including:

• Documenting and safeguarding both newly acquired and existing archival material.
• Cataloging and organizing recordings so researchers can discover and access them efficiently.
• Preserving and restoring audiovisual materials to ensure their long-term accessibility.
• Providing research and reference services to professionals and students.
• Maintaining climate-controlled storage facilities designed to help preserve the quality of physical materials.

How do I become an audiovisual archivist?

Audiovisual archivists typically have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as library science, information science, or communications. They may also have a master’s degree in archival studies or a related field.

Additionally, audiovisual archivists may need to have specialized knowledge of:

• The history and preservation of audiovisual media
• Storage and preservation technologies
• Cataloging and description techniques
• Copyright and intellectual property law

Many audiovisual archivists also gain experience through internships or volunteer work at archives, libraries, or museums.

What is the job outlook for an audiovisual archivist?

The job outlook for audiovisual archivists is expected to be fair through 2029. As more and more audiovisual materials are created and shared, there will be a continued need for professionals who can preserve and manage them.

What are the benefits of being an audiovisual archivist?

Audiovisual archivists enjoy several benefits, including:

• Job security: Archivists are responsible for preserving important cultural heritage, so there will always be a need for their services.
• Intellectual stimulation: Archivists get to work with a variety of materials and learn about different cultures and historical periods.
• Making a difference: Archivists help to ensure that important historical and cultural materials are preserved for future generations.
• Working with a variety of people: Archivists work with researchers, scholars, students, and the general public.
• Helping to preserve the nation’s history: Archivists help to preserve the nation’s history by preserving the documents and records that tell our story.

What are the challenges of being an audiovisual archivist?

Audiovisual archivists face a number of challenges, including:

• The need to keep up with changing technologies: Audiovisual materials are constantly changing, so archivists need to keep up with the latest technologies to ensure that they can preserve and manage them.
• The need to balance access and preservation: Archivists need to make sure that audiovisual materials are accessible to researchers and the public, while also ensuring that they are preserved for future generations.
• The need to work with a variety of people: Archivists work with a variety of people, including researchers, scholars, students, and the general public. This can be a challenge, as each group has different needs and expectations.
• The need to work with small budgets: Archivists often work with small budgets, which can make it difficult to acquire and preserve audiovisual materials.
• The need to work with fragile and deteriorating materials: Many audiovisual materials are fragile and deteriorating, which can make it challenging to preserve them.

Is being an audiovisual archivist the right career for me?

Audiovisual archiving is a great career for people who are interested in:

• History
• Preservation
• Technology
• Working with people
• Helping to make a difference

If you are interested in a career as an audiovisual archivist, I encourage you to learn more about the field.

Self-guided projects to prepare for a career as an audiovisual archivist

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for a career as an audiovisual archivist. Here are a few suggestions:

• Volunteer at an archive. This is a great way to learn about the day-to-day work of an archivist and to gain some hands-on experience.
• Take courses in archival studies. Many colleges and universities offer courses in archival studies. These courses can teach you about the history and theory of archival science, as well as the practical skills you need to work as an archivist.
• Attend conferences and workshops. There are a number of conferences and workshops on archival studies that are held throughout the year. These events are a great way to learn about the latest trends in the field and to network with other archivists.
• Read books and articles about archival studies. There are a number of books and articles about archival studies that can help you learn more about the field.
• Join professional organizations. There are a number of professional organizations for archivists, such as the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA). These organizations offer a variety of resources and benefits to their members, including networking opportunities, continuing education, and job listings.

Can online courses help me prepare for a career as an audiovisual archivist?

Online courses can be a great way to learn about the field of archival studies and to gain the skills you need to work as an audiovisual archivist. Many online courses offer:

• Lecture videos that provide an overview of the field
• Projects and assignments that allow you to apply your knowledge
• Quizzes and exams that test your understanding of the material
• Discussions that allow you to interact with other students and the instructor
• Interactive labs that allow you to practice your skills

Taking online courses can help you to learn about the field of archival studies and to gain the skills you need to work as an audiovisual archivist. However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to prepare you for a career in this field.

In addition to taking online courses, you should also volunteer at an archive, take courses in archival studies at a college or university, attend conferences and workshops, read books and articles about archival studies, and join professional organizations.