Archivists, Curators, and Museum Technicians

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Archivists — one of 3 occupations here: Archivists, Curators, Museum Technicians and Conservators.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.96
Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.94
Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.93
Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.90
Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.90
Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.87
Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.83
Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.81
Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.73
Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.72
Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes.72
Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.64

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Select and edit documents for publication and display, applying knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques.53
Write grants and apply for funding to support archival work.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening72
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.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking63
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning60
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking60
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving56
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.

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Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation38
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Analysis28
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Science22
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring19
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting16
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

History and Archeology84
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Customer and Personal Service74
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.
English Language74
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics70
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management68
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Administrative63
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Education and Training61
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Law and Government56
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Personnel and Human Resources48
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Communications and Media47
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sociology and Anthropology41
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Public Safety and Security40
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

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Geography39
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Mathematics32
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Economics and Accounting28
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Foreign Language28
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sales and Marketing28
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Telecommunications28
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Philosophy and Theology27
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Chemistry25
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Production and Processing25
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Fine Arts23
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Design22
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Psychology20
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Engineering and Technology17
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Building and Construction15
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Transportation14
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Mechanical13
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Physics7
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Therapy and Counseling7
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Biology6
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry5
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Category Flexibility75
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering72
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension69
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning66
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning63
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Problem Sensitivity50
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

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Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Flexibility of Closure38
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed35
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visualization35
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Mathematical Reasoning28
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility25
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity25
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination25
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Static Strength25
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength25
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Auditory Attention22
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception22
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Stamina19
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Control Precision16
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Gross Body Coordination13
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium13
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Documenting/Recording Information94
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working with Computers88
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information86
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information85
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge84
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization78
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work78
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems76
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others74
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People74
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships73
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public72
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Developing Objectives and Strategies70
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Handling and Moving Objects70
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Analyzing Data or Information68
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Thinking Creatively68
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards65
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Training and Teaching Others65
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Scheduling Work and Activities63
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates61
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing Administrative Activities61
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others60
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Coaching and Developing Others59
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources59
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others58
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams57
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings57
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information55
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Staffing Organizational Units54
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others50
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing General Physical Activities47
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials40
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Assisting and Caring for Others33
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Controlling Machines and Processes28
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others27
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment21
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment19
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment17
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment17
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail96
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity79
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Intellectual Curiosity78
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cautiousness69
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation61
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Perseverance54
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation50
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Initiative47
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Innovation42
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Leadership Orientation40
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Sincerity40
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity39
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Self-Confidence30
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Social Orientation29
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Adaptability28
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Self-Control27
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Humility23
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Stress Tolerance21
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Empathy20
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism7
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional83
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative62
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social33
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic32
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Realistic31
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising14
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day97%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day89%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day69%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important35%
- Very important45%
- Important19%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day39%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others39%
- Contact with others most of the time35%
- Contact with others about half the time23%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom19%
- Some freedom65%
- Limited freedom16%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually26%
- More than half the time52%
- About half the time23%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom23%
- Some freedom58%
- Limited freedom16%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important32%
- Very important39%
- Important25%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important42%
- Very important26%
- Important23%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important24%
- Very important38%
- Important28%

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Written Letters and Memos
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results13%
- Important results16%
- Moderate results52%
- Minor results19%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive24%
- Moderately competitive48%
- Slightly competitive14%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important11%
- Very important36%
- Important21%
- Fairly important29%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually16%
- More than half the time26%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time32%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours97%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time23%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time39%
Time Pressure
- Once a month or more but not every week61%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)71%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)21%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never14%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious17%
- Serious28%
- Fairly serious38%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week39%
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility43%
- Limited responsibility43%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time36%
- Less than half the time61%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility23%
- Limited responsibility48%
- No responsibility19%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month68%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated31%
- Slightly automated52%
- Not at all automated17%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
- Never32%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month65%
- Never16%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never29%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month61%
- Never23%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time71%
- Never19%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time74%
- Never19%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
- Never29%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time61%
- Never29%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time79%
- Never18%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never53%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month54%
- Never36%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never50%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never65%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time32%
- Never64%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never65%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month37%
- Never63%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never68%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never75%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never81%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never79%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never83%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all90%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never93%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)97%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Master’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Post-master’s certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Archivists' Toolkit, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, PREMIS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop Pro
Geographic information system
Esri ArcGIS, Geographic information system GIS systems
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Omeka software
Video creation and editing software
Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro
Web platform development software
Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML, Hypertext markup language HTML
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Development environment software
Encoded archival system EAD
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.
Organize informational materials.
Help patrons use library or archival resources.
Collect archival data.
Write informational material.
Develop library or archival databases.
Direct activities of subordinates.
Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display.
Evaluate characteristics of archival or historical objects.
Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
Research topics in area of expertise.

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Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Digital Archivist

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology