Interested in working in Archive and Records Management

[Greycat100]

Hello, I am currently volunteering in this sector and I am looking at pursuing further study and/or work in this field, has anyone had experience in this area. Please could anyone offer any advice?

Maybe start here?

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/archivist

And here:

https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/subject-guides?query=Archivist

Thank you @MetaDaughter

Have you talked to the staff at the institution you volunteer with? They should have a good idea of the current best routes into relevant jobs.

And what are the skills you bring to volunteering? Hands-on practise? Theoretical research? Languages? Data management? (I have very little idea what’s involved.)

You are right, I need to make more contacts at the place where I volunteer. The thing is, I don't really see that many people whilst working in the stores.

I have a degree in History and a career background in project management and, with the volunteering role, I am using data management skills, writing catalogue entries and researching pictures. I am looking at postgraduate courses in this area but the cost is putting me off.

You are aware of

Government Postgraduate Loans?

Hi and thank you @MetaDaughter. I am looking into these loans.

Ah! Well I hope lots of posters who have used them (as I did, in middle age, nearly thirty years after my first degree) will come and tell you of their experiences.

@MetaDaughter Please tell me your experience of Master's Loans. I am worried about getting into debt but on the other hand, it could be a very worthwhile investment.

There’s nothing to worry about. Just as with undergraduate student loans, you don’t start repaying until your income reaches a certain threshold. If you never reach that threshold you are never required to pay anything back.

It wouldn’t really be possible to ‘get into debt’ as repayments would be taken automatically from your salary - it is essentially a tax on income.

For me it was a godsend. Decades after my first degree it enabled me to study a niche subject at a specialist institution - something that was both more terrifying and more fun than anyone could imagine.

The postgraduate loan covered all my fees, but not maintenance - and this aspect can obviously be tricky for a mature adult if you need to study full time away from home. But on the other hand it can work well for people who are able to continue with part time or even full time employment while studying.

A better route however might be to have an employer pay for a postgraduate course. It sounds as if you’re doing valuable work as a volunteer - if there is a career structure you might slot into your institution may very well be willing to invest in your career progression.

Look at the ARA website (this is the professional body for archivists): Are you looking for career opportunities in the record-keeping sector? — Archives & Records Association

You might like to look for archive assistant roles where you could study part time; there are distance learning courses, eg Aberystwyth, which are best done while working in the field; or to save a bit before applying for one of the residential courses.

Also there is a new apprenticeship route being developed: Archivist and Records Manager apprenticeships - Archives sector (nationalarchives.gov.uk)

Definitely have a chat with the person in charge of your current project/other staff.

Be aware you may need to relocate.

Can you talk to the people you're volunteering with and ask to shake some different roles occasionally? Is there a staff room where you can be introduced to more people in the team? Personally, I think if an organisation is taking advantage of unpaid labour they should be very clear eyed about why you're there, and be doing their best to be helpful. Volunteering for the experience is good, but you should also be able to access the networking and advice other staff members are able to give you

Shake = shadow

@MetaDaughter, I am glad to hear that the government loan enabled you to study. I'd love to know what and where you studied. The loan would enable me to get the qualification and sounds viable, in that I wouldn't have to pay back till I earn enough. The dream scenario would be to get an employer to pay for the postgraduate.

@Ellmau, I am familiar with the ARA website but need to look again. Thanks for advising about the Archive Assistant jobs. I need to focus on applying for these and look at a Postgraduate distance learning course like the ones at Dundee or Aberystwyth.

@Evolutionarygoals, you are absolutely right, I am doing them a favour and, as soon as I can, I resolve to discuss routes into the sector with the people who work there. There are whole company events that I can attend that will give me the opportunity.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to advise me. Your replies have enabled me to see a much clearer path for what I need to do.