Careers in Archive Conservation
The job
An archive conservator is responsible for the preservation and conservation of archives. They are responsible for a wide range of material such as manuscript books and documents, maps, photographs, film and possibly magnetic recordings and machine readable records, such as computer punch cards.
The skills
Archive conservators need to have a unique combination of skills. A high level of manual dexterity is obviously necessary, an understanding of chemistry and a lot of patience and concentration. Conservators also need to develop an ability to work as part of a professional team where management skills, such as running a conservation section, control of budgets and developing preservation policy, will be required.
The way in
Training posts are occasionally offered by record offices wherein the trainee undertakes the Society of Archivists Conservation Training Scheme. The scheme provides a three-year block release course giving practical and theoretical training by certified instructors.
S/NVQs are available in Collections Care and Conservation at Levels 3-5. Contact the Cultural Heritage National Training Organisation for further details.
Another approach is to take a more general course in conservation and specialise in books and archives. Colleges that offer such courses are:
- Camberwell College of Arts, London
- De Montford University (Lincoln)
Entrance requirements naturally vary from course to course and you must make enquiries to each college. As far as the Society''s scheme is concerned candidates should have at least 5 ''O'' Levels/GCSEs, including English Language. It would be useful to demonstrate craft skills and to have an appreciation of the intrinsic value of historical material.
The Society of Archivists, in common with ICON the Institute for Conservation, offers Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers (PACR) to those who are suitably experienced. PACR is a national and internationally recognized scheme to verify the competence, skills and continual professional development of conservators. It entitles them to use the letters ACR (Accredited Conservator-Restorer) after their name.
The market
Many archive conservators work in local authority archives, library and university archives, local history centres and museums. Employment possibilities don''t just end in this country, as many trained conservators have found work all over the world, particularly in Europe , and Australasia .
Some conservators choose to work on a freelance basis, working for organisations or private individuals. As freelance work can be particularly challenging, it is advisable to gain some experience before considering the pressures of working independently. PACR accredited conservators can apply to the Institute of Conservation for inclusion in the Conservation Register which is a means of promoting businesses to organisations and private individuals.
Most local authority and university jobs are advertised through the Society of Archivists publication ARC Recruitment/ARC Recruitment plus, which is sent to all members of the Society. Jobs are also advertised in the ICON Institute of Conservation Newsletter and occasionally in the national press, particularly The Guardian.
Last modified 31/08/2007
