At 06:00  4/23/97 -0400, Diane Gutenkauf wrote:
>Re your request for a definition of "preparator"
>
>In the states, the Preparator is the staff member ususally responsible for
>object handling, usually in an Art museum....

In science museums, it refers more broadly to staff who build and install
exhibits -- carpenters, painters, welders, etc. -- in addition to just
object-handlers.  (Of course, the same person will usually handle multiple
tasks.)