How to Be Museum Registrar - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 21, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The increase in the number of visitors to museums has caused a need for museum registrars in order to manage the large influx of visitors and associated records. Museum registrars are responsible for overseeing the maintenance of records related to artwork, artifacts, and archives, as well as tracking any loans or transfers of items in and out of the museum. They also work with curators and other staff members to ensure the proper preservation and care of museum collections.

museum registrars are tasked with creating digital catalogs and databases in order to track the status of items, as well as assisting with educational programs and special events. As a result, museum registrars are essential for the successful operation of museums and their ability to provide educational opportunities to their visitors.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree. Most museum registrars have at least a bachelor's degree in history, anthropology, art history, museum studies, or a related field.
Gain experience. Many museums prefer prospective registrars to have at least two years of experience in a museum setting. This could include volunteer or paid experience in collections management, conservation, or curatorial work.
Pursue additional training. Many registrars pursue additional coursework in archival science, records management, and other related subjects to gain a better understanding of the work they will be doing.
Earn certification. Although certification is not necessary to become a museum registrar, it can be beneficial to demonstrate expertise and knowledge in the field. The American Institute for Conservation offers a Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies in Objects Conservation.
Apply for open positions. Registrars can search job postings in the museum field to find available positions. It is important to have a strong resume and cover letter when applying for jobs.

Time management is essential for staying ahead and efficient. Properly planning tasks and allotting sufficient time for each can help to ensure that projects are completed on time. Breaking down bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces can help to keep focus and make the job more manageable.

staying organized can go a long way in ensuring that all the pieces of a project come together in the right way. Keeping a detailed list of tasks and their associated deadlines can save time and energy when it comes to project completion. Finally, it is important to have an open line of communication with colleagues when working on a project, as this helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that any issues can be dealt with quickly.

All of these factors, when combined, can help to make sure that projects are completed efficiently and ahead of schedule.

You may want to check Librarian, Historic Preservation Architect, and Archival Digitization Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Manage and process museum collections and records
Assist with the acquisition, documentation, and cataloging of collection items
Ensure accuracy and completeness of all collection-related information
Monitor and maintain museum database
Generate reports for museum staff
Develop and update policies and procedures for collection management
Prepare and present information about collections to museum visitors and staff
Participate in the development of educational materials
Provide guidance to staff on collection management issues
Maintain security of collections and storage areas

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of museum collections management systems, software and databases
Knowledge of cataloguing standards and regulations
Understanding of museum policies, procedures and protocols
Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Ability to research, analyze and interpret data
Ability to write reports and create presentations
Knowledge of conservation techniques and practices
Ability to provide training and guidance to staff
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Experience supervising and leading staff

Organizational skills are the most important skill for a Museum Registrar to have. Without organization, a Museum Registrar would not be able to effectively manage their time, resources, and workflow. This would lead to inefficiencies in the day-to-day operations of the museum and could result in lost or misplaced artifacts, improper record-keeping, and an overall lack of productivity.

it is important that a Museum Registrar have good communication and interpersonal skills, as they are responsible for interacting with staff, patrons, and other museums or institutions. Without proper communication, a Museum Registrar may not be able to effectively collaborate and coordinate with other museum personnel or institutions regarding the acquisition or preservation of artifacts. Furthermore, a Museum Registrar must have a knowledge base of museum collection procedures and practices.

Without the understanding of these procedures and practices, a Museum Registrar may not be able to properly catalogue and store artifacts, which could lead to the deterioration or destruction of valuable pieces of history.

Historic Real Estate Appraiser, Museum Educator, and Historical Research Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with a museum's collections?
How do you maintain accurate records and track museum artifacts?
What methods do you use to protect and preserve artifacts?
How do you stay current with changes in museum standards and regulations?
What strategies do you use to communicate effectively with other museum staff?
How do you ensure the security of the museum's artifacts and collections?
What techniques do you use to create and manage a database of museum artifacts?
How do you handle delicate and sensitive artifacts?
How do you deal with difficult visitors or members of the public?
Describe a challenging situation you faced as a Museum Registrar and how you overcame it.

Common Tools in Industry

Collection Management Software. A computer system designed to help museums store and organize information about their collections. (eg: TMS Collection Management Software)
Digital Asset Management Software. A computer system used to store and retrieve digital media such as photographs, videos, and documents. (eg: Adobe Experience Manager)
Imaging Software. A computer system used to convert physical objects into digital images. (eg: Adobe Photoshop)
Inventory Management Software. A computer system used to track items in a museum's collection. (eg: ArtBase Inventory System)
Database Management Software. A computer system used to store and manage data within a museum's collection. (eg: Oracle Database)
Preservation Software. A computer system used to monitor and protect the condition of artifacts in a museum's collection. (eg: Museum Preservation Suite)
Accessioning Software. A computer system used to track the acquisition of artifacts into a museum's collection. (eg: Past Perfect Accessioning Software)
Exhibition Design Software. A computer system used to plan and design museum exhibitions. (eg: Exhibit Pro Exhibition Design Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
International Council of Museums (ICOM)
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG)
American Association of Museums (AAM)
Association of Museum Professionals (AMP)
National Association for Museum Exhibition (NAME)
International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
National Association for Museum Exhibition Professionals (NAMEP)
Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA)

We also have Heritage Manager, History Conservator, and Historic Preservation Planner jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Collection Management. The management of a museum's collection, including acquisition, documentation, research, conservation, and interpretation.
Collections Database. An electronic system that stores information about an institution's collection, such as artwork, artifacts, or objects.
Documentation. The process of recording information about an item in a museum collection, such as its provenance, condition, and history.
Cataloging. The process of assigning descriptive information to an item in a museum collection, such as its size, medium, and subject.
Deaccessioning. The process of removing an item from a museum collection for any number of reasons, such as condition or relevance.
Provenance. The documented history of an object's ownership, including its acquisition by the museum and its origin.
Conservation. The process of preserving an object in a museum collection to ensure its longevity.
Preservation. The process of protecting an object from damage or deterioration through preventive measures such as climate control and storage solutions.
Accessioning. The process of formally integrating a new item into a museum collection through documentation and cataloging.
Interpretation. The process of providing contextual information to understand and appreciate an object in a museum collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Museum Registrar? A1: A Museum Registrar is a professional responsible for the acquisition, documentation, care, and tracking of a museum's collection. Q2: What skills do Museum Registrars need? A2: Museum Registrars need to have excellent organizational, record-keeping, and research skills as well as knowledge of museum standards and regulations. Q3: How many objects can a Museum Registrar manage? A3: A Museum Registrar typically manages hundreds or even thousands of objects in a collection. Q4: What are the duties of a Museum Registrar? A4: The duties of a Museum Registrar include cataloging and documenting objects, researching and verifying provenance, arranging loans, negotiating contracts, and assisting with exhibitions. Q5: What qualifications are required to become a Museum Registrar? A5: To become a Museum Registrar, candidates typically need at least a Bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with prior experience working in a museum.