Power
As the keeper of documents both ancient and unique, you might expect to have Dumbledore-like power. But unless you stumble upon an original copy of the Book of the Dead, your power level is just a step or two below a bank manager's. You've got all the keys to open all the doors, and you know where everything is (or at least how to find it quickly), but nothing is yours and you don't get to keep any of it. Where your power lies is in helping others access the items you've oh-so-carefully organized.
Now, maybe you're the type who will abuse your power, whatever level it may be. Well, while you're dangling your vault keys in front of those poor research students like they're some kind of cats in lab coats, just remember that there is actually a power higher than you within the world of archives. There is a Code to which all professional archivists must keep, much like pirates. Also much like pirates, they're a bunch of scallywags and sea dogs out for loot and plunder.
The Code is a set of guidelines (actually, they're more like hard-and-fast rules) that dictate how an archivist should act, when and how they should help, and to whom help should be offered. It covers a wide range of topics, including professionalism, diversity, advocacy, service, and social responsibility, among others.
The Code is a way for archivists to maintain a level of commitment to, and respect for the important and historical work they do. It will also help you keep some level of dignity when you're slaving away in a poorly-ventilated glorified storage locker.