Name: Ruth Nitkiewicz

Position: Appraisal Archivist

Qualification:

Masters of Information Management, Queensland University of Technology

Bachelor of Arts, Literary and Media Studies, University of Queensland

Organisation: Queensland State Archives

Previous positions:

Reference Librarian, State Library Queensland

Research Officer, Queensland State Archives

What’s great about your job?

Archives and records management is an interesting and diversified field, and I am always learning something new from my work. I have a high-level of job satisfaction and I feel like I am making a contribution to the management of the State’s cultural and historical records. I also enjoy the variety of my work – I perform a wide range of tasks including research, writing, client interaction and giving presentations, and there are always opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge in new and different areas.

What’s the most fun experience you’ve had at work?

I really enjoy when a new exhibition is launched at Queensland State Archives. We have the largest and most significant documentary heritage collection in Queensland, so our displays are always innovative and enlightening and it’s a great way to learn more about our State’s history.

Describe a typical day at work.

When I get to work in the morning, I firstly check and respond to my emails (and there are always a lot of these!). My work involves giving advice to clients about the appraisal of public records and the development of retention and disposal schedules. I also regularly attend meetings to present papers on current and emerging issues in information management, which is a great way of raising awareness in the organisation of what’s happening in the broader information sector. Most of the time I’ll be working on one of my ongoing projects, but I also occasionally get to travel to attend professional conferences and meetings.

What do you find rewarding and challenging about your job?

Part of my work includes writing guidelines and advice on recordkeeping for government clients. This is challenging as it requires a good understanding of records management principles and practices, and a lot of my background has been in the library sector. I’ve found many of my skills transferable to the archives and records management environment, however, and this has helped me immensely.

The most rewarding aspect of my work is knowing that I am contributing in some way to the management and preservation of our cultural history. What I do is only a part of the broader picture of archives and records management, but it is still a significant and important aspect overall.

What are the personal skills & attributes that you need to do this job?

Appraisal work definitely requires persistence, attention to detail and a bit of innovative thinking. Also, I think it helps to have an interest in history and the workings of government.

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