Archives (Archival Science / Studies)

Introduction:

History of every place is embedded in thousands of manuscripts, records, inscriptions, documents, etc. These unique records scientifically preserved and restored called archival records, help to understand the history of a particular region and society; to provide evidence for legal purposes; to prove ownership and rights; to demonstrate how organizations operate and how people lived etc. Archives alias Archival Records is the store house of historical records/ documents and the physical place they are located. The word 'archive' is derived from the Greek source arkheia ( pl. of arkheion) meaning public office or town hall, in which important official state documents were filed and interpreted under the authority of the Archon (ruler or lord, frequently used as the title of a specific public office). Usually archives consist of records that have been selected for permanent or long-term preservation on the ground of their enduring cultural, historical or evidentiary value. 

The term archives can mean different things and can be defined in three ways namely ;
- Historical record collections

- Repositories (Physical facilities)
- Organizations
Though archives are found in many different contexts, all archival programs have the same fundamental goal; i.e preservation of records about history and cultural heritage. 

Eligibility: 

Most colleges and universities teach Archival Science as a subsidiary subject with Information Science, or paired with a History program. Graduates in history, library science, political science, archival science or a similar discipline can start off their career as an archivist with archival coursework and some practical knowledge. The minimum educational qualification required to join for the above mentioned courses is 10+2 or its equivalent.  On completion of the bachelors degree, one can go for masters in the respective field and can further enroll for M.Phil or Ph.D. 

Some institutes in India offer Certificate and diploma courses in Archival Science such as PG Certificate in Archives, Post Graduate Diploma in Archives Studies, Post Graduate Diploma in Archives Keeping, Post Graduate Diploma in Archives and Documentation & Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Archival Science and Manuscriptology etc. These courses enable a student to gain knowledge of basic archival theory, methods, and/or practice of appraisal, including records management, aspects of library and information science management, and historical and research methods. 

Job Prospects and Career Options in Archival Studies:

Graduates in archival studies can find openings in corporate organizations handling any kind of data. Many people start off their career as assistant archivists. Trained and qualified archivist with proficiency in handling and maintenance of records and manuscripts are needed for preserving and handling various data and information records of historical as well as of national importance. Archivists can find openings in the archival units of various organizations such as museums, government agencies, colleges  and universities, industrial and commercial firms, hospitals, historical societies, charities, corporations and any institution whose records may potentially be valuable to researchers, exhibitors, genealogists, or others who would benefit from having access to original source material. 

Those who seek employment in government sectors must have to pass the examinations conducted by Union Public Service commission or Staff Selection Commission. National Archives of India, an attached office of the Ministry of Culture, which manages all the important documents and archives of the nation offer various job opportunities to qualified candidates in its various units. Indian Council for Historical Research appoint candidates to various posts include Archivists, Assistant Archivists, Director of Archives, Assistant Director of Archives for Records and Publication and Keeper of Records. Those with second class Master's Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognized University or equivalent with Knowledge of Archival Science and experience in relevant field are eligible for the posts. Archivists with a PhD degree are offered higher ranked positions in educational institutes with faculty status. 

Their work profile may include : 

Ø  Film Archivist

Ø  Reference Archivist

Ø  Photographic Archivist

Ø  Appraisal Archivist

Remuneration:

Pay packages offered to archivists differ largely, based on the nature of the employers. A fresher can earn a starting salary ranging from Rs. 10000 to Rs. 15000 per month. Experienced and qualified professionals can get higher salary packages of about Rs.20,000 per month. With increase in experience, one can easily get more. The initial pay scale of Assistant Archivist in the universities and institutes range from Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 20,200/-. The pay scale of Assistant Archivist (general), for the Office of Director General, Archeological Survey of India range from Rs. 30,000 – 35,000. The pay scale of archivists in Central and State Governments ranges from Rs. 25,000/- – 50,000/-. In Reserve Bank of India (RBI/Bank)  the chief archivist (Deputy General Manager) will draw a starting basic pay of Rs. 35,000/- p.m. They will also be eligible for dearness allowance, local allowance, house allowance, family allowance, Grade Allowance as per rules in force from time to time.

Courses:

Ø  B.A. Archival Science

Ø  Certificate Course in Care and Conservation of Books, Manuscripts and Archives

Ø  Diploma in Archives and Documentation

Ø  Diploma in Archives and Records Management

Ø  M.Phil Archival Science

Ø  P.G. Diploma in Archival Studies and Museology

Ø  Post Graduate Certificate Course in Archives

Ø  Post Graduate Diploma in Archival Science and Manuscriptology

Ø  Post Graduate Diploma in Archival Studies

Ø  Post Graduate Diploma in Archives, Documentation and Management.

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