Archives hold a distinctive position in an institution of any modern state by acting as a storehouse of records not only present records, but past records as well. The term archive is derived from the Greek word ‘Archeion’, which means a town hall or public office. Archives include a wide range of materials like old hand-written manuscripts like computer discs, sound recordings, video recordings, microfilmed materials, photocopies materials, drawings, legal documents, clippings, diaries, plans photographs, maps, books, papers, letters and written manuscripts.

As archives include a vast storehouse of knowledge, they contribute a great share to a better understanding of our past, which laid the archivist foundation of modern world. The precious history of the nation has been embedded in thousands of documents, inscriptions, records, manuscripts, etc… most of which have to be restored and preserved.

Archivist as a profession:

Archivists are professionals, who exploits and preserves the archival heritage and offers access to information contained within. The fundamental task of an archivist is to maintain and establish control both intellectual and physical over records of enduring nature. This archivist include appraising and acquiring new collections, describing and arranging records, providing reference service and curatorial skills of selection of archives.

Where do archivists work?

Archivists working in cultural institutions or local governments frequently outreach or educational programs to further the ability of archive uses to access and understand information in their archivist collection. This includes activities like media coverage, promotional events or exhibitions. In addition, archivists at senior level carry out tasks pertaining to management that include control of budgets, strategy and staff. Professionals in the field of archivists work in archival units of libraries and educational institutions, historical societies, museums, religious institutions, charities, hospitals, universities, commercial and industrial firms, local authorities and government agencies, whose records might potentially be valuable for genealogists, exhibitors, researchers or others, who would benefit from having access to original source material. Alternatively, they could also work on collections of a large family or even an individual through an exclusive or small discipline.

Government jobs in the field of Archives:

Archivist are appointed by many government organizations and the latest job notification issued by some of the organizations working under the control of Government for jobs in Archives are given below:

• Archivist – Rajasthan Public Service Commission

• Chief Archivist Grade D – Reserve Bank of India

• Consultant – National Archives of India

Education in the Archives field:

The National Archives of India is the repository of the non-current records of the Indian Government and is holding them in trust for the use of scholars and administrators. It offers courses on Archival Studies through the School of Archival Studies and some of the courses offered by this institution are:

• One-year Diploma course in Archives and Records Management

• Short-term Certificate course in

o Achieves Management

o Records Management

o Reprography

o Care and conservation of books, manuscripts and Archives

o Servicing and Repair of records

Candidates taking up these courses can find job placement in the field of archives and they can find job placement in private and public sector as well.