Archivists work as part of government, corporations, museums, libraries, historical societies, and many other groups, to control and preserve the recorded memory of these organizations. ‘Recorded memory’ can consist of letters, photographs, electronic files, videos, DVDs, microfilm, documentary art, memos, and in many other forms.

In order to carry out this work, archivists perform varied tasks, including:

1. Appraising records with the help of those who originally received, created and/or used them. This process identifies which records have long-term value, and allows for their transfer to the archives.
2. Arranging and describing these selected records in order to allow efficient and effective access and retrieval.
3. Preserving records and applying conservation techniques to those which are damaged or deteriorating.
4. Providing expert advice on the care and management of specialized media, for example electronic records.
5. Facilitating the work of a variety of researchers with diverse topics of inquiry.
6. Meeting legal obligations in areas such as copyright, patent protection, privacy and freedom of information.
7. Offering records management advice to organizations, as required.
8. Encouraging public awareness of the cultural significance of archives through various outreach activities.

Essentially, through their work, archivists ensure that the records of today are preserved for future generations. The records can then be used to show the life, ideas and thoughts of their original creators, linking the past, present and future.

Developed by the ACA’s Public Awareness Committee

January 2004