Film Archivist Onboarding Checklist

Film Archivist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Film Archivist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Art onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Film Archivist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Film Archivist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Film Archivist Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new film archivist attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Introduction to the Film Archive: The film archivist is given a comprehensive tour of the film archive facility, including the storage areas, preservation labs, and digitization studios. This task is usually performed by a senior film archivist or a supervisor.

3. Review of Archiving Policies and Procedures: The new film archivist is provided with a detailed overview of the company’s archiving policies and procedures. This includes information on handling, cataloging, and preserving film materials. The task is typically performed by a senior film archivist or a supervisor.

4. Training on Film Handling and Preservation Techniques: The film archivist receives hands-on training on proper film handling techniques, including inspection, cleaning, and storage. They also learn about preservation techniques such as film restoration and digitization. This task is performed by experienced film archivists or preservation specialists.

5. Familiarization with Archiving Software: The new film archivist is trained on the company’s archiving software, which is used for cataloging and managing film collections. They learn how to input metadata, create records, and retrieve information. This task is usually performed by an IT specialist or a designated software trainer.

6. Introduction to Film Cataloging Standards: The film archivist is introduced to industry-standard cataloging systems and metadata standards, such as MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) or PBCore (Public Broadcasting Metadata Dictionary). They learn how to apply these standards to accurately describe and classify films. This task is performed by a senior film archivist or a cataloging specialist.

7. Collaboration with Curators and Researchers: The new film archivist is introduced to the curators and researchers within the company. They learn about their roles and responsibilities and how to collaborate effectively to fulfill research requests or curatorial needs. This task is typically performed by a supervisor or a senior film archivist.

8. Understanding Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights: The film archivist receives training on copyright laws and intellectual property rights related to film materials. They learn how to navigate copyright issues when using or providing access to films. This task is performed by a legal specialist or a designated copyright officer.

9. Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recovery: The new film archivist is trained on emergency preparedness protocols and disaster recovery procedures. They learn how to handle potential risks such as fire, water damage, or natural disasters to protect the film collection. This task is typically performed by a preservation specialist or a designated safety officer.

10. Introduction to Film Preservation Organizations and Networks: The film archivist is introduced to relevant film preservation organizations, networks, and conferences. They learn about the importance of professional development and staying connected with the broader film archiving community. This task is performed by a senior film archivist or a supervisor.

11. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The new film archivist receives clear performance expectations and is informed about the evaluation process. They learn about key performance indicators, goals, and milestones to ensure they understand what is expected of them in their role. This task is typically performed by a supervisor or the HR department.

12. Introduction to Company Culture and Team Building: The film archivist is introduced to the company’s culture, values, and team-building activities. They learn about social events, team outings, and any other initiatives aimed at fostering a positive work environment. This task is performed by the HR department or a designated culture ambassador.

13. Ongoing Professional Development Opportunities: The new film archivist is informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, or training programs. They are encouraged to continue learning and enhancing their skills in the field of film archiving. This task is typically performed by a supervisor or a senior film archivist.

14. Introduction to Film Archiving Equipment and Technology: The film archivist is familiarized with the various equipment and technology used in film archiving, such as film scanners, digitization tools, and preservation software. They learn how to operate and maintain these tools effectively. This task is performed by a preservation specialist or an equipment technician.

15. Introduction to Film Archiving Ethics and Best Practices: The new film archivist is educated on the ethical considerations and best practices in film archiving. They learn about issues such as privacy, cultural sensitivity, and responsible access to film materials. This task is performed by a senior film archivist or a supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Film Archivist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Film Archivist up to speed and working well in your Art team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.