Certified Archivist

Certified Archivist
Name	Certified Archivist
Occupation	Archival profession
Description	Professional responsible for appraising, acquiring, and preserving historical records and cultural heritage materials

Certified Archivist. A Certified Archivist is a professional responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and maintenance of historical documents, manuscripts, and other archival materials in libraries, museums, and archives such as the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress. They work with historians, curators, and conservators to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of cultural artifacts and historical records from institutions like the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. Certified Archivists also collaborate with information technologists and digital librarians to develop and implement digital preservation strategies for digital collections at institutions like the Internet Archive and the World Digital Library.

Definition and Purpose

A Certified Archivist is a professional who has obtained certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) or other recognized professional associations such as the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the International Council on Archives (ICA). The purpose of certification is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise and knowledge in the field of archival science and have committed to upholding professional standards and ethics as outlined by organizations like the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress. Certified Archivists work in a variety of settings, including universities like Harvard University and Stanford University, research institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, and cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Getty Museum. They may also work with government agencies like the National Park Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to preserve and provide access to historical records and cultural heritage materials.

Certification Process

The certification process for Certified Archivists typically involves meeting educational requirements, gaining professional experience, and passing a certification exam administered by the Academy of Certified Archivists or other recognized certifying organizations like the Society of American Archivists and the International Council on Archives. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of archival principles and best practices as outlined by organizations like the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress. The certification process may also involve completing continuing education requirements to stay current with new technologies and emerging trends in the field, such as digital preservation and data curation, as discussed by experts at conferences like the International Conference on Digital Preservation and the Annual Meeting of the Society of American Archivists.

Professional Standards and Ethics

Certified Archivists are expected to uphold professional standards and ethics as outlined by organizations like the Society of American Archivists and the International Council on Archives. This includes adhering to codes of ethics and best practices for the acquisition, preservation, and provision of access to historical records and cultural heritage materials, as well as respecting the privacy and intellectual property rights of donors and creators of archival materials, as discussed by experts at institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Michigan. Certified Archivists must also be aware of and comply with laws and regulations related to copyright, freedom of information, and cultural property protection, such as the Copyright Act of 1976 and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Roles and Responsibilities

Certified Archivists play a critical role in the preservation and provision of access to historical records and cultural heritage materials. Their responsibilities may include appraising and acquiring archival materials, processing and cataloging collections, and providing reference services to researchers and the public, as well as collaborating with curators and exhibition designers to develop exhibitions and public programs at institutions like the National Museum of American History and the Field Museum. They may also be involved in digital preservation and data curation efforts, working with information technologists and digital librarians to develop and implement digital preservation strategies for digital collections at institutions like the Internet Archive and the World Digital Library.

Comparison with Related Professions

Certified Archivists are distinct from but often work closely with other information professionals such as librarians, curators, and museum professionals, who work at institutions like the New York Public Library and the Art Institute of Chicago. While librarians are primarily responsible for the acquisition, organization, and provision of access to published materials, Certified Archivists focus on the preservation and provision of access to unpublished materials such as manuscripts, photographs, and oral histories, as collected by institutions like the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration. Curators and museum professionals, on the other hand, are responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and exhibition of cultural artifacts and art objects, as seen in institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Getty Museum.

History and Development

The profession of Certified Archivist has its roots in the 19th century, when historical societies and libraries began to collect and preserve historical records and cultural heritage materials, as seen in institutions like the Massachusetts Historical Society and the New York Historical Society. The development of archival science as a distinct field of study and practice emerged in the 20th century, with the establishment of professional associations such as the Society of American Archivists and the International Council on Archives. The certification of archivists began in the 1980s, with the introduction of the Academy of Certified Archivists certification program, which has since become a standard for the profession, as recognized by institutions like the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress. Today, Certified Archivists play a critical role in the preservation and provision of access to historical records and cultural heritage materials, working in a variety of settings and collaborating with other information professionals to advance the field of archival science.

Category:Archival profession