Competencies, skills, and personal attributes in job advertisements for archivists and records managers in Finland

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to increase knowledge of archives and records management as a profession by examining which kinds of competencies, skills and personal attributes employers expect of and appreciate in archives and records-management professionals in Finland. Design/methodology/approach: This work compiled and analysed advertisements (201 in total) of open archive and records-management positions in Finland, then subjected these to qualitative data-based content analysis with supplemental quantitative analysis. This paper illustrates the findings via tables, charts and excerpts from the advertisements. Findings: Analysis revealed the public sector to be Finland’s largest employer of archives and records-management professionals. This study indicates that employers value an academic degree with some additional archive-related and records-management education and strong practical experience of similar duties. Both knowledge of legislation and language skills are appreciated. The general skills most valued by employers are interaction and co-operation abilities and skills in information technology, in customer service and in the development of work methods. Personal attributes especially valued in prospective archive professionals and records managers are independence, accuracy, self-motivation and flexibility. Originality/value: This study adds to knowledge of the archives and records-management profession of the 2020s. Findings from this work may be of particular value for curriculum development.