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Archivists, conservators and curators collect, appraise and preserve collections of recorded and other material of historical interest.

Main tasks

  • Answers verbal or written enquiries and gives advice on exhibits or other material.
  • Liaises with school and other groups or individuals, publicises exhibits and arranges special displays for general, specialised or educational interest.
  • Negotiates loans of material for specialist displays.
  • Develops and promotes ideas for exhibitions and displays.
  • Allows access to original material or material not on display for researchers.
  • Makes sure that storage and display conditions protect objects from deterioration and damage.
  • Examines objects to identify any damage and carries out necessary restoration whilst preserving original characteristics.
  • Maintains indexes, bibliographies and descriptive details of archive material and arranges for reproductions of items where necessary.
  • Classifies material and arranges for its safe keeping and preservation.
  • Examines, appraises and advises on the acquisition of exhibits, historic records, government papers and other material.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£49,067.94

Average earnings

£26,978.60

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Writing

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

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

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

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

History and Archaeology

Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 5 NVQ; Masters

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 2 1%
Level 3 9%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 9%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 32%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 44%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 6%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.