Curators
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Sample of reported job titles:
Collections Curator, Collections Manager, Curator, Education Curator, Exhibitions Curator, Exhibits Curator, Museum Curator, Photography Curator, Vertebrate Zoology Curator
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
- Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
- Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
- Train and supervise curatorial, fiscal, technical, research, and clerical staff, as well as volunteers or interns.
- Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software:SAS software
- Calendar and scheduling software:Scheduling software
- Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD
- Data base user interface and query software:Artsystems Collections,Cuadra Associates STAR/Museums,Database software,Ex Libris Group DigiTool,FileMaker Pro,Gallery Systems EmbARK,Gallery Systems The Museum System,KE Software EMu,Microsoft Access,MINISIS MINT,PastPerfect Software PastPerfect,Questor Systems ARGUS,Re:discovery Software Proficio,Structure query language SQL,Vernon Systems Limited Vernon CMS,Willoughby Associates MIMSY XG
- Desktop publishing software:Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign,Desktop publishing software
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events:Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Documenting/Recording Information:Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Thinking Creatively:Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Detailed Work Activities
- Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
- Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.
- Develop library or archival databases.
- Direct activities of subordinates.
- Evaluate characteristics of archival or historical objects.
Work Context
- Electronic Mail:85% responded"Every day"
- Face-to-Face Discussions:81% responded"Every day"
- Telephone:76% responded"Every day"
- Structured versus Unstructured Work:74% responded"A lot of freedom"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:69% responded"Every day"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Speaking:Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Listening:Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Writing:Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Knowledge
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- History and Archeology:Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Fine Arts:Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
- Administration and Management:Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Sociology and Anthropology:Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 44%Master's Degree
- 35%Doctoral Degree
- 8%Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Interests
- Enterprising:Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Cooperation:Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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