Archivist- The New York Public Library
Elanor Spring
Archivist- The New York Public Library
About the Position
This position is as an archivist for the New York Public Library. Archivists have a fascinating job: they work to obtain new materials (literature, works of art, photographs, films, diaries, etc.) and preserve them for future generations. While this may seem trivial with our heightened technologies; it’s crucial to preserve, restore, and understand these documents in order to expand fields of study and stories we might not otherwise hear. As a society, we benefit from the past and rely on it to inform our future.
This position is interesting to me because I would work with first-hand documentation and play a role in understanding literature. Furthermore, research has shown that archivists have a high rate of satisfaction with their work and get to explore new aspects of it daily. As we hurtle into the digital age, archival work is more important than ever. The job is reminiscent of the famous adage: “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Question & Answer
Summarize the Minimum Qualifications and emphasize the skills relevant to language majors.
The minimum qualifications for this job are obtaining a Master’s degree in library studies or liberal arts, successful completion of archival training, two years of archival experience, library experience, and written, oral, communication, and interpersonal skills to work with patrons and documents.
Summarize the Preferred Qualifications and emphasize the skills relevant to language majors.
The preferred qualifications for this job include experience gained through work or an internship in a museum or archive, voluntary certification to show knowledge in a certain field of study and potentially obtaining a certified archivist credential.
How did you find this position?
I found this position using Glassdoor.
What might be helpful to prepare for this field? Anything interesting to share about the position?
To prepare for this field, it would be helpful to begin looking for an internship or a summer job in a museum (maybe Boise Art Museum!) in order to build experience in this field. It would also be helpful for me to specify the kind of archival work I would be most interested in. This position is an amazing opportunity to build knowledge and resources around specific topics and offers travel opportunities around New York’s libraries and museums.
How is proficiency in another language useful or important in this position?
Proficiency in another language would be helpful in this position if I chose to do work that specifies with foreign languages. French is a common language throughout many countries, giving me the opportunity to connect with foreign cultures and texts all throughout the world. It gives me a strong foundation in terms of building expertise in archival materials.
How is the ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds useful or important in this position?
The ability to communicate with others from different cultural backgrounds is crucial in this position, especially considering that the position is offered in New York City, which is famous for having multiple languages and cultures represented by the people who live there. In terms of building relationships with patrons, it’s crucial to be able to understand a new culture and norms in order to provide knowledge and experiences for patrons.
What are some other skills that are important for success in this field?
Other skills that seem important for success in this field are the ability to research topics deeply and with a greater purpose in mind. Furthermore, it feels necessary to be able to identify and fill gaps in knowledge and literature to the best of one’s ability.
About the author
name: Elanor Spring
institution: Boise State University
