Archives safeguard treasures, including objects like the founding documents of a nation and photographs of defining cultural moments. These holdings inspire a sense of connection to the past, and at the heart of that work are archivists whose expertise brings these collections to life.
Although much of their labor happens behind the scenes, archivists continue to expand public understanding of their contributions and strengthen the profession through innovation.
Growing Engagement, Lagging Recognition
Engagement with archives has grown in recent decades. For example, students examine primary sources for coursework, and researchers explore collections to uncover the roots of social justice movements. As use increases, so does the opportunity to highlight the skilled labor that makes access possible. The profession is steadily pushing back against the culture of “doing more with less” by advocating for the essential nature of archival expertise.
Archives rely on professional interventions at every stage of their development. Appraisal identifies what archivists should preserve. Archival arrangement and description provide order and context, helping researchers understand the creation and use of records. Preservation safeguards materials against deterioration and disasters. Outreach and reference services connect communities with their heritage, ensuring that records remain relevant and accessible.
These functions enable archives to grow into well-organized, accessible spaces where collections can be put to meaningful use.
Increased Understanding
Many archivists still find themselves explaining the breadth of their work, but each conversation presents a chance to build understanding and appreciation. Administrators increasingly recognize that archives thrive through the knowledge and judgment of trained professionals. As awareness grows, institutions are placing greater value on the labor required to provide meaningful access to collections.
The invisibility of archival labor also perpetuates misconceptions about access to information. In an era of instant information, users often fail to recognize the considerable effort that goes into preparing collections for use. Processing involves decisions about arrangement, the creation of descriptive metadata, and the assessment of preservation needs. These tasks demand time, judgment, and expertise. When researchers encounter well-organized collections or seamless digital platforms, they rarely see the labor that makes such access possible.
While archival labor has often gone unseen, growing recognition of its importance is creating new opportunities for the profession. As institutions better understand the value of archivists’ expertise, they are increasingly exploring ways to strengthen compensation, create stable positions, and build teams that can sustain long-term stewardship. Investing in people allows archives to meet the rising demand for digital access and meaningful community engagement. With continued support, the field can attract new professionals, retain experienced staff, and build a resilient, innovative workforce prepared to shape the future of archival practice.
Archival Labor Supports Cultural Memory
Recognizing archival labor strengthens cultural memory itself. Archivists build infrastructure that allows communities to connect with their histories, scholars to conduct original research, and institutions to preserve their legacies. Their expertise transforms raw records into sources of knowledge and creativity.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the invisibility of archival labor. As institutions transitioned their programs online, archivists swiftly adjusted their workflows to ensure continued access. This crisis revealed the resilience of archivists and the fragility of the systems that support them, emphasizing the extent of unseen archival labor.
Archival Work is Essential, Not Incidental
For archives to thrive, society must acknowledge the work of archivists as essential rather than incidental. Doing so requires institutional investment in staff and ongoing efforts to educate the public about the value of archival labor. Advocacy, professional organizations, and partnerships with communities help make the work of archivists more visible and valued.
Archivists ensure that history is preserved and celebrated. Their work keeps the past alive in ways that empower the present and inspire the future. As recognition of their contributions grows, so too does the strength and vitality of the archival profession.
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