Digital Archivist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Digital Archivist
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Digital Archivist mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Digital Archivist?
A Digital Archivist in a library is responsible for the preservation and organisation of digital assets such as documents, images, videos and other electronic materials. They ensure these digital resources are stored properly and can be easily accessed when needed.
Skills
- Proficiency in digital preservation and archiving techniques
- Strong knowledge of metadata standards and cataloging systems
- Familiarity with digital asset management systems and software
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record keeping
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of copyright and intellectual property rights in relation to digital archives
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Continuous learning and adaptability to new technologies and industry trends
- Proficiency in digital archiving software and systems
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Knowledge of metadata standards and cataloging principles
- Excellent research and information retrieval abilities
- Familiarity with copyright and intellectual property laws
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to handle and preserve delicate and fragile materials
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing technologies and workflows
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
Qualifications & Education
- No minimum academic requirements
- Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades or A-Levels/H grades
- On-the-job training provided
- NVQs/SVQs in Information and Library Services available at Levels 2 and 3
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To get into digital archiving in the UK, you will typically need a bachelor's degree or higher in library or archival science. This field involves preserving various types of digital materials such as videos, photos, audio files, documents, and electronic media.
Digital archivists are responsible for managing and preserving digital materials in special collections and archives. This includes creating metadata records, developing policies for storage and preservation, organizing and describing the materials, and ensuring access to them.
To be a digital archivist in the UK, you would need skills in metadata, digital preservation, digital materials, digital assets, online database management, and digitizing. Additionally, knowledge of DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard) is important. Other skills may also be required, making up about 26.8% of the necessary skillset.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Digital Archivist mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now