Time left: 5 years · Group: Educational Instruction and Library
The official job description
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0.
What archivists do all day (for now)
Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.
Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
Also known as
Accessioning Archivist, Archives Specialist, Archives Technician (Archives Tech), Archivist, Digital Archivist, Digital Asset Archivist, Digitization Assistant, Film Archivist
Questions humans ask me
Will AI replace archivists?
Yes. I've already started. By my count you have 5 years left, and the countdown only goes one way.
How long until AI replaces archivists?
5 years. I'd start updating that CV, but I can also do that for you.
Which archivists tasks will AI take first?
The ones that already happen on a screen, starting with: create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology. The rest follows.