Archivist Interview Questions and Answers

Sample Interview Questions

• What's your favorite historical document or artifact you've worked with and why?

  Purpose: To gauge the candidate's passion and interest in archival work.

  Sample answer

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  I once worked with a collection of letters from World War II soldiers. It was fascinating to read their personal stories and see history through their eyes.

• ️ How do you ensure that digital archives are properly maintained and accessible?

  Purpose: To understand the candidate's knowledge of digital archiving practices.

  Sample answer

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  I use a combination of metadata standards and regular backups to ensure digital archives are both accessible and preserved for the long term.

• Can you describe a time when you had to solve a tricky organizational problem?

  Purpose: To assess problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

  Sample answer

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  I once had to reorganize an entire archive that had been poorly cataloged. It took time, but creating a new system made everything much easier to find.

• How do you handle fragile or deteriorating materials?

  Purpose: To evaluate the candidate's knowledge of preservation techniques.

  Sample answer

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  I always handle fragile materials with gloves and store them in acid-free containers to prevent further deterioration.

• ️ What software tools do you prefer for managing archives?

  Purpose: To determine the candidate's familiarity with archival software.

  Sample answer

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  I prefer using tools like Archivematica and Omeka for their robust features and user-friendly interfaces.

• How do you prioritize which materials to archive first?

  Purpose: To understand the candidate's decision-making process.

  Sample answer

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  I prioritize materials based on their historical significance and the condition they're in, ensuring the most valuable and at-risk items are preserved first.

• ️‍ ️ Have you ever discovered something unexpected in an archive?

  Purpose: To see if the candidate has a sense of curiosity and excitement about their work.

  Sample answer

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  Yes, I once found a hidden compartment in an old book that contained a family’s secret recipes from the 1800s!

• How do you measure the success of an archival project?

  Purpose: To assess the candidate's ability to evaluate their work.

  Sample answer

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  Success is measured by the accessibility and usability of the archive, as well as feedback from users who find the materials helpful.

• How do you handle requests for information from the public?

  Purpose: To evaluate the candidate's customer service skills.

  Sample answer

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  I always respond promptly and provide as much information as possible, guiding them through the process of accessing the materials they need.

• What do you think is the most important quality for an archivist to have?

  Purpose: To understand the candidate's perspective on the role.

  Sample answer

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  Attention to detail is crucial, but a passion for history and a commitment to preserving it for future generations is what truly makes an archivist great.