About the role
National archivists are specialists in archival science who work with managing and making historical documents and archives accessible. They are often employed at governmental or regional archive institutions and usually have an academic education in archival science or history. National archivists play an important role in the preservation of cultural heritage and historical research.Responsibilities
National archivists are responsible for organizing, cataloging, and preserving archival materials. They assist researchers and the public with access to archive documents and oversee the security and environmental conditions of the archives. They also work with the digitization of documents and the development of archive systems to facilitate searching and accessibility.Skills and tools
National archivists need good knowledge of archive theory and methodology as well as an understanding of historical contexts. They use archive management systems, digitization equipment, and databases to manage the collections. Analytical ability, accuracy, and good communication skills are central qualities in the profession.