Archivists perform some or all of the following duties:

• Develop policies and procedures for managing current and semicurrent archives, including cataloguing systems and records disposal
• Design programs for managing, disseminating, and storing archives of various formats such as documents, photographs, maps, and audio-visual materials
• Plan and implement computerized management systems for electronic archives
• Appraise and acquire archival materials to build and develop collections for research purposes
• Authenticate documents and research the origins and significance of archival materials
• Organize noncurrent archives and develop retrieval systems to enable access for users

These are the typical employment requirements and benefits associated with this occupation in Canada:

• A bachelor's degree with a minor in archival studies or a university degree with a certificate in archival studies is required
• A master's degree in archival studies, information science, library science, or history is often required for professional positions
• Specialized experience in digital preservation or specific media types may be required
• Employers typically offer stable employment with benefits in public institutions, universities, and cultural organizations