But as yet, there are no standards about the best way to maintain archival records. Discussions about standards are common at professional meetings, and standards are likely to evolve in the near future. For more information about the job of an archivist, read an Interview with Brent Sverdloff, Reference Archivist, Historical Collections, Harvard Business School. A small number work for large corporations or for religious or fraternal organizations, professional associations and research firms. Generally archivist and curator jobs requiring graduate education as well as significant practical or work experience.
Employers look for people with degrees in history or library science or, increasingly, both.
Some also require course work in archival science. As record keeping becomes more computerized, computer skills, knowledge of electronic record keeping, and experience with database development will be increasingly valuable and most likely provide a competitive edge. Average Annual Salaries Salaries vary widely by type of position, employer size, specialty and region of the country. Despite an increase in jobs for curators and archivists, competition for these jobs is likely to be keen. Graduates with specialized training or experience will have an edge, as will people with technical skills.