The archivist is the custodian of documents. Since ancient times, the achievements of human thought have been carefully preserved in museums, libraries and book depositories. In our age of global informatization, the functions of archivists have become noticeably more complex and diversified. Today, such specialists are needed not only by museums and libraries, but also by ordinary enterprises, organizations and institutions.
An archivist (aka archivist, actuary) is an archivist, keeper of archival documents. The main task of the archivist is to properly organize the work of the archive and manage its document flow. By the nature of the work, the archivist belongs to the category of performers, by the subject of work - to the category of "man - a sign system".
History of the profession
The profession of "archivist" was introduced in Russia by Tsar Peter I and enshrined in the "General Regulations" of 1720. The regulation established archives in government bodies and introduced the position of a civil servant who was supposed to "collect letters diligently, repair the registers and re-mark the sheets …". Since 2002, the professional holiday of archivists has been celebrated on March 10.
Job responsibilities
The archivist is responsible for the reception, registration, storage, examination of the value of documents, their issuance at the request of legal entities and individuals and destruction after the expiration of the storage period. Sometimes archivists deliver archival documents at the request of legal entities and government agencies.
Working conditions
The archivist works in the archive room. In its working area there is a desk, a personal computer, a printing device, shelves for storing documents, small office equipment and lighting fixtures. In fulfilling his official duties, the archivist interacts with people, while professional communication takes place through direct contact.
Specialization
In large archives, work with documents is decentralized, while some archivists specialize in receiving and registering documents, others in binding and gluing them, others form a scientific reference card index, others give out materials for temporary use, and so on. In small archives, archivists perform all functions at once, or several similar functions.
Personal qualities
The archivist needs such personal qualities as accuracy, responsibility, discipline, pedantry, perseverance, good memory, analytical thinking and the ability to concentrate.
Must know
The archivist must know the normative legal acts, instructions and regulations for the organization of archival affairs. He must have a competent speech, confidently own a personal computer, know electronic document management systems and applications for working with text and numerical information Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Education requirements
An archivist may have primary vocational education or higher vocational education in the specialties "Documentation", "Archival business", "Documentation support of management". The employer sets specific requirements for the education of a candidate for the position of archivist.