Archivists are responsible for the establishment and maintenance of physical and intellectual control over the records in their care. As part of their work, they appraise documentation to determine its value, arrange and describe the material, refer for repair and preservation of the records as needed, and make the material available for users. Each state has some type of official archives. In addition to the well-known National Archives, many federal agencies maintain archives for their own use. Entry-level positions generally require at least a B.A., more often an M.A. in history or a related social science, and a basic knowledge of archival skills.
Records management is distinct from archival management.
Records managers are concerned with the economical and efficient creation, use, and maintenance of the records of organizations as well as the disposition of these records. Librarians comprise perhaps the most visible component of the information management community. They can be found in educational institutions, public libraries, historical societies, museums, state government, and business. But several organizations and libraries do recruit persons holding highschool diplomas and college degrees as library assistants and aides. For those interested in both history and the library profession, a few graduate schools offer students the opportunity to complete both an M.A. and an M.L.S. degree.