Archives Analyst | Archivist | Archives Support Assistant
As an archives analyst, Alison works as part of a team providing a primary point of contact for government, giving advice on creating and maintaining standards for effective recordkeeping systems.
“I like helping people by giving them best practice advice. I get a real sense of achievement by taking on a recordkeeping mess and giving it a sense of order. In that way, it’s there in a useable format for future generations and I feel I have contributed to the bigger picture — the creation of culture and history,” says Alison.
With a MA in Archives Management and Records from Monash University, Alison’s career has included roles at the Hocken Library in Dunedin, the Public Records Office in Victoria, Australia, as well as other experience overseas. She has been an archives analyst at Archives New Zealand since 2000.
When asked to describe her job in five words Alison replied: “challenging, satisfying, stimulating, learning and contributing”.
“Generally people who work at Archives New Zealand are passionate about what they’re doing. They are intelligent solution finders who can take part in a good argument or discussion — basically they’re the type of people who would provide interesting dinner party conversation,” she says.
Alison says being an archives analyst requires knowledge of recordkeeping, archives and government. “A lot of people move into archives after studying arts, but the most critical skill to have is a solving and tracking analytical mind. A sense of the importance of history helps, but most of all, you’ve got to have the passion — that’s why we do it,” she says.
As an archivist in the Christchurch office, Triona works as part of a team in the provision of recordkeeping services to government offices in the region. “We arrange and describe government records transferred to our office, and provide reference services such as on-site reference, remote reference, tours and exhibitions,” says Triona.
Originally from Ireland, Triona’s background includes gaining a BA in History and English Literature, prior to strarting work as an education officer/archivist in the Famine Museum at Stokestwon Park, County Roscommon. Falling in love with a kiwi led her to the other side of the world — and to a job at Archivies New Zealand.
In describing her current role, Triona says her work is satisfying and diverse. “In a regional office you really need to be a jack of all trades — one minute I can be in the back office researching, then I’m out taking a group of students on a tour of our facilities,” she says.
Triona believes one of the challenges faced by the profession is the advent of electronic records. “Keeping up-to-date with digitisation and preservation strategies, and other issues around custody, maintenance and care of e-records has motivated me to develop my own skills in information technology and management.”
Triona says Archives New Zealand provides an excellent platform to learn about archiving. “Given the shortage of professional archivial training in this country, it’s great to work in a place offering a continual learning platform. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about archives and records management, and specialise in areas such as access, preservation, or government recordkeeping. That’s what’s good about my job — there's always room to develop,” she says.
“Interesting, challenging, diverse, significant and rewarding” — this is how Joan Martin describes her job as Archives Support Assistant, based in Archives New Zealand Wellington office.
Joan has worked at Archives New Zealand for around six years. During that time she has provided on-going administrative support to the Reference (Access) section and Outreach service. The majority of Joan’s day is taken up with the retrieval of archives for customers and researchers in the main Reading Room. In addition, Joan spends her time carrying out re-shelving, reprographic, digital and laser copying duties.
There is a big writing component to her job. “I research and answer a variety of written reference enquiries from customers (public, government and corporate) — either in person, via email or as written correspondence,” she says.
Over her years at Archives New Zealand Joan has from time to time also acted as Government Loans and Reference Officer.
On leaving school, Joan undertook a work based training course and has previously worked as an office assistant at Pember House. She says she finds the work at Archives New Zealand rewarding, and especially enjoys the research component of her role. “Knowing you’ve helped someone in some way by providing good service is great. This is often demonstrated through recognition, appreciation and satisfaction from my customers,” she says.
The majority of Joan’s flexible 40-hour week is team focussed. However, when undertaking research she says it is much easier and effective to work by herself.
In recommending a career in the field of archives, Joan says the important thing is to keep an open mind. “Be patient, always have a willingness to learn and never doubt your worth. Take whatever chances come your way, and be prepared for challenges and new experiences,” says Joan.