Will AI replace Archivists?

AI can do 81% of the work Archivists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 13 tasks, while 8 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 2 still need a person.

AI is already doing this2 · 13% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.Mostly automated10% of time
  • Select and edit documents for publication and display, applying knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques.Mostly automated3% of time

AI could do this next8 · 68% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.18% of time
  • Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.16% of time
  • Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.13% of time
  • Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.5% of time
  • Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes.5% of time
  • Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.4% of time
  • Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.4% of time
  • Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.3% of time

Robots can technically do this1 · 8% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.Robots: purpose built settings8% of time

Still needs a person2 · 12% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.6% of time
  • Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.5% of time

Your week is not the average

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What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 13 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 8 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 2 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Curators84%Museum Technicians and Conservators39%Library Technicians82%Librarians and Media Collections Specialists84%Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary81%Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary81%

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