Professional Archival Exam and Professional Titles as a Way of Educating Archivists

Abstract

The paper emphasizes the importance of conducting professional exams (for archivists and records managers) as part of education necessary for the process of performing archival activity. There is a different practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding archival studies and the acquisition of archivist vocations, which has a significant impact on the structure of archival personnel. In this paper, the author presents the positive experience of the Archives of Tuzla Canton, where exams are conducted on the basis of the provisions of the Act and bylaws, and in particular by the Program of professional exams, which are separately made for archive staff and records managers. Such practice has had a significant impact on raising the level of knowledge, which has contributed to the enhancement of archival activity. We believe this is a good way to educate and inform archive staff, but it is not complete jet. Therefore, the archival profession should strive for consistent educational processes and systems, which include the education of archival staff through all levels of the undergraduate, graduate, master and doctoral studies. Only in this way can we have educated and qualified personnel ready to professionally perform archival duties.