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