Interesting book noted on Museum positions, etc.
I was curious why something like my position (Membership/Special Events)
isn't listed.
I know that development in arts adminstration is relatively new, but I
myself would love to have clarification on where a museum's priorities
should be.
Is it, for example in the cultivation and stewardship of membership who
then become patrons and potential long term donors and sponsors.
Or is it in Special Events which is a mixed bag of educational programs,
high profile cocktail parties and just flat out rental space with nice
scenery.

-----Original Message-----
From:   Colin Macgregor Stevens [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Thursday, October 21, 1999 6:48 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: What does a curator do anyway?

Jerrie Clarke <[log in to unmask]> wrote in message
news:19991021195409.7608.qmail@hotmail.com...
...
> I thought it might be interesting for him, and for me for that matter, to
read
> what other museums see as the responsibilities of the Curator/Collection
> Manager.
===================================================

In a one person museum, the Curator does everything. Been there, done that.
The museum I am curator of now has 13 full time staff, 49 part-timers and
about 130 volunteers. When you start to hire other staff, then you divide
tasks and responsibilities. The bigger the museum to more confusing it
gets.
There will always be overlapping areas so clear job descriptions and areas
of responsibility are very helpful.

A handy guide was published by the Canadian Museums Association in 1979. "A
GUIDE TO MUSEUM POSITIONS including a statement of the Ethical Behaviour of
Museum Professionals."   ISBN 919106-10-2   An oldie (I remember when it
came out) but a goodie.

It has concise 1 page description for  each of 14 positions :
1. Archivist
2. Business Manager   **************
3. Conservator
4. Curator [obviously an alphabectical listing!] **************
5.  Designer
6. Director [NOT a Director on the Board of Directors] ************
7. Educator
8. Extension Officer
9. Librarian
10. Museum Studies Course Director
11. Museums Advisor
12. Public Relations Officer
13. Registrar
14. Technician

I can FAX the relevant pages to you if you wish.

CMA's web site is :  http://www.museums.ca/home.htm

I hope this helps.

Colin Macgregor Stevens
Museum Curator
Burnaby Village Museum
6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Burnaby,  BC, V5G 3T6,  CANADA
Phone: (604) 293-6500  FAX: (604) 293-6525
Business e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Museum Webpage:
http://www.burnabyparksrec.org/villagemuseum/villagemuseum.html

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