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Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
  • Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
  • Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
  • Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
  • Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
  • Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
  • Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
  • Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.9 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

4.7 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.9 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.0 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.8 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

6.0 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2024-08

4.1 / 5

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2024-08

3.9 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2024-08

3.9 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2024-08

3.5 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2024-08

3.4 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2024-08

3.4 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2024-08

3.3 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2024-08

3.1 / 5

Service Orientation

Actively looking for ways to help people.

2024-08

3.1 / 5

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

2024-08

3.0 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 5 of 5 · 2024-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Archives/Archival Administration →

Historic Preservation and Conservation, General →

Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis →

Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other →

Museology/Museum Studies →

Digital Humanities and Textual Studies, General →

Digital Humanities →

Textual Studies →

Art History, Criticism and Conservation →

Public/Applied History →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 25-4011.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.