The future of Japanese archivists

Professional or non professional?

Abstract

The education of professional archivists is essential for the establishment and development of archives. At present in Japan, those who work in and manage archives are not regarded as professionals. Some people insist that education for archivists as professionals is essential for establishing and developing creditable archive institutions in this country.Following Prof. R.H. Hallʼs theory, the issues of professionalization must be evaluated from the viewpoint of social structure and individual behaviour within Japanese archives institutions and among archivists. As a result of an analysis of the situation, being an identifiable occupation, the existence of professional schools, professional associations and an ethical code are required in order that archivists may be considered as a profession. As for the issues of a social behavior index, there are the uses made of professional organizations, the principle of service to the public, insistence on selfregulation, a specialist mission, and the autonomy as a profession. Thus, this author concludes Japanese archivists are only part of the way towards becoming a profession.