From A GUIDE TO MUSEUM POSITIONS (Canadian Museums Association 1979) An
oldie but a goodie. My comments are in [ ].

REGISTRAR

Primary duties and responsibilities:
- Initiates and/or supervises the compilation of clear and accurate records
of the collection, including all areas of collection and records management.
- Accessions [i.e. registers] all items by maintaining an accessions book
[and computer database now]and numbering all items.
- Catalogues and keeps classification cards, category and cross reference
cards. [now replaced basically by computer databases]
- With the cooperation of the appropriate curator carries out limited
research in order to document objects fully and accurately.
- Records all gifts, loans, bequests and makes proper contractual
arrangements.
- Maintains the inventory or Location file [now computerized]; knows the
location and condition of all items in the collection(s) [we wish!]; carries
out annual inventory [in your dreams!].
- Plans and supervises location and movement of objects in the collection or
those borrowed from other institutions, preparing condition reports as
necessary; ensures that objects are handled carefully and efficiently.
- Assumes responsibility for insurance and all contractual matters regarding
the collection (including customs handling and shipping).
Suggested qualifications:
- Formal training in records management.
- Museum studies to a rudimentary level.
- Effective written communication skills.

Colin Macgregor Stevens,
Curator,
Burnaby Village Museum,
Burnaby, BC, CANADA


===========================================
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Aaron Marcavitch
Sent: March 28, 2000 08:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Master's/PhD issue - skills needed later

...
Lastly, can someone tell me what a registrar does.  I
come from the world of buildings, so I dont know all
that I should about the museum internal workings.  I
understand all of the bits and pieces except
registrar.  I think of a college registrar and I dont
think that is quite right....

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).