CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
POSITION AVAILABLE
POSITION TITLE: Collections Manager, Department of Collection Services
POSITION PURPOSE: To build, document, and preserve the collections for
use by
all Chicagoans. To ensure that the collections are properly catalogued,
and that they are stored, handled, and exhibited in a safe and prudent
manner. To sustain and enhance CHS's role as a premier research
institution.
POSITION DUTIES:
Maintain and track supplies.
Assist the Registrar with outgoing loans, including processing
paperwork, creating condition reports, and packing and shipping.
Develop an in-depth knowledge of the scope, strengths and weaknesses,
condition, and associated storage space and furnishings of two
collections.
Process all new acquisitions, unsolicited (drop-offs and via mail) and
solicited donations; including paperwork, documentation
photography, staff approval, cataloging, marking, rehousing, storing,
and updating the collections management
database.
Create catalog records of the backlog of uncataloged three-dimensional
acquisitions.
Maintain integrated pest management in the collection storage areas.
Assist the Conservators and the gallery maintenance staff in rotating
artifacts on long-term exhibition.
Identify artifacts for deaccessioning.
Advise the Director in developing annual goals and objectives for the
department.
Assist, guide, and orient researchers in the three-dimensional viewing
room and in their use of CHS's three-dimensional collections and
direct them to pertinent documentation and related collections in both
CHS and other institutions.
Respond to telephone, email, and written reference requests pertaining
to the three-dimensional collections.
Continuously monitor condition and security of collection items.
Respond to requests regarding the location, condition , and arranging
movement of collection items to support CHS programmatic
activities.
Participate in the development of policies, procedures, and strategies
governing the service and use of CHS collections.
Assist in the creation of reproductions of collection items to replace
originals on exhibition.
* * The Collection Manager may also be asked to:
Create digital or microfilm surrogates of collections items.
Supervise and mentor volunteers, interns, and work-study students.
Assist in coordinating special projects.
Assist in developing informational brochures, finding aids, lists, and
other topical guides to the CHS collection and related databases.
Conduct tours of storage areas and provide access to collections for
educational and fundraising activities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Commitment to public service
Commitment to making the histories of all Chicagoans accessible
Commitment to excellent customer service
Commitment to teamwork
Commitment to collecting and preserving a wide variety of artifacts
reflecting the history of Chicago
Experience handling and tracking artifacts
Experience working in teams
At least one year's experience handling and cataloging artifacts in a
museum setting
B.A. in history, art history or museum studies
Knowledge of conservation issues and practices
Knowledge of museum practices and procedures
Ability to supervise people and to manage complex programs and projects
Ability to plan and implement new programs
Good oral and written communication skills
Ability to deal diplomatically and effectively with members of the
public
Send letter of application, current resume, names and phone numbers of
three work references to:
Director of Human Resources
Chicago Historical Society
Clark Street at North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Application Deadline: December 31,1997
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE
12/11/97
Louise T. Brownell
Director of Collection Services
And Chief Registrar
Chicago Historical Society
Clark Street at North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614-6099
312/642-5035, ext. 390
312/266-2077 (Fax)
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Visit our website at www://chicagohs.org
|
