Robert T. Handy wrote:
>
> We have been cleared to hire an archivist soon and will be replacing our
> Collections and Exhibits Curator at about the same time.  We will probably
> also add an education curator (watch Aviso, Dispatch and Museum-L for the
> job postings).  We are trying to determine what specific skills are
> required for each.  Would appreciate some feedback.  Here are some details:
>
> The archivist will run the research library which currently contains about
> 1300 print volumes, family history files, information files, video and
> audio history tapes and transcripts, 4000+ historica photos, maps, etc.
>
> The collections and exhibits curator manages the document and 3-dimensional
> artifact collections and up until now, was responsible for exhibit design
> and development.
>
> We expect to open a new collections storage facility within the next
> several years.  It will become a regional repository for local government
> documents and a storage facility for our 3-dimensional artifacts.  When
> this facility opens we will begin a pro-active program of collections
> development.
>
> Currently, we are of the opinion that exhibit research, design and
> development should go to the education curator as he/she will develop most
> programs around the exhibits.
>
> We are, however, unsure about what should be the responsibility of the
> archivist and collections curator.  Should the archivist assume
> responsibility for photos and documents, leaving 3-dimensional objects to
> the curator?  That seems to be the most sensible division, given that the
> archivist will run the library.  However, that leaves the collections
> curator with a lot less to do, although we could still leave exhibit
> development with that person with the understanding that the education
> curator would work closely with both and would probably lead the exhibit
> development team.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> ------
> Robert Handy
> Brazoria County Historical Museum
> 100 East Cedar
> Angleton, Texas  77515
> (409) 864-1208
> museum_bob
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.bchm.org


Hello Mr. Handy and listers,

We (the Ventura County Museum of History & Art) are a small regional
museum with both 3-D object and library/archival collections. We have a
Librarian/Archivist and a Collections Manager (me). We have a Curator
who is responsible for exhibit design, and a part-time Education
Director who works with all of us in planning education programs. I also
serve as Assistant Curator, helping the curator with exhibit planning,
design, and installation. I would be happy to send you my (recently
written) job description and that of the Librarian, and to discuss this
more off-list if you want more information.

Kathy Henri
Collections Manager/Asst. Curator
Ventura County Museum of History & Art
Ventura, California
805-653-0323 x. 20
http://www.vcmha.org