Case studies: Archive assistant: Rachel Barrett

Rachel has a BA History and an MLitt History from Trinity College Dublin. She also has an MLitt Archive and Records Management from the University of Dundee, which she did by distance learning. She is an archive assistant in the National Monuments Service (NMS) Archive, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

After graduating from my undergraduate degree, I was employed on summer work experience placements with National Monuments. I then successfully applied for an advertised position of archive assistant in this section. I was able to access the Refund of Fees scheme, whereby employers sponsor further education and training requirements in order to develop new skills and qualifications in the area they work, and begin a qualification in archive and records management at the University of Dundee .

I found that the fact I was working in an archive while studying was particularly beneficial as I was able to implement my skills and experience gained during this degree and assist in improving and developing the NMS Archive.

I'm responsible for the management of around 150,000 paper files of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, relating to archaeological monuments in Ireland. One ongoing part of my job is that any new files created, or information to be added to these, have to be processed and prepared for scanning prior to being incorporated. Our document management system has recently been updated and we need to carry out a check of hard copy files against files scanned and uploaded onto this.

We're also in the process of developing an archaeological archive for material, other than finds and environmental samples, from licensed excavations. This is the area where skills gained during my studies have been particularly useful, as I have developed documentation and procedures for the transfer of such archives. I have also assisted in decisions on how best this national repository for excavation archives should be established.

As my role has developed, my responsibilities have increased - my duties are those of an archivist despite my job title being archive assistant - but this is largely due to my willingness to input into the improvement and development of the archive. In the future, I hope to be regraded as an archivist, although this will depend on the economic situation.

I love the fact that the knowledge and skills I developed from the MLitt can be directly implemented into improving how NMS Archive operates. Having studied history in college, I find that I am working in an area that is perfectly suited to me and is exactly what I want to be doing.
 
The lack of funding and resources available is frustrating and makes it difficult to bring the archive up to recommended standards. However, we've learned to expect this and adapt as best we can without exposing the records to undue risk or damage. Getting the archive unit recognised as a key part of the section is also challenging, and making it a priority in terms of the allocation of resources is an aspect that we continue to argue for.
 
Whichever type of archive you find work in, you are always aware that your actions are towards the preservation of a historical record for future generations, which makes the work rewarding. The drive and enthusiasm displayed by other professionals in the sector is also encouraging for a recent graduate, despite the economic challenges facing this sector.

If you are pursuing a qualification in archive studies or records management, I highly recommend finding a placement for work experience/part-time work in an archive at the same time, where you can put your skills to use and gain experience in how an archive operates.
 
You should be prepared for employment on short-term contracts in order to work in this sector. Being flexible and even willing to undertake work above and beyond your duties in order to gain valuable experience in the sector will ultimately make you stand out.