JOB TITLE: MUSEUM REGISTRAR

JOB CODE: 26230

DEFINITION: This is record keeping and limited curatorial work in registering all historic, pre-historic, fine arts, and scientific collections of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). An employee in this job is responsible for assisting with the legal acquisition and centralized cataloging of all artifact collections of the PHMC, including the State Museum of Pennsylvania, field museums, and historic sites. Work involves coordinating and implementing statewide registration activities in accordance with the official inventories and Collection Management Policies and Procedures. Work includes conducting the processing of loans and loan agreements, deaccessioning objects, and the storage of collections. Work may include assisting in the clarification of existing records and resolution of disputes over the assignment of objects to sections or locations, and providing professional advice on the registration and cataloging of collections at locations where no curator is assigned. Work is performed with considerable independence under the direction of an administrative superior. EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Coordinates and implements the registration of historical collections throughout all museums and properties under jurisdiction of the PHMC in accordance with the official Collection Management Policies and Procedures.

• Implements the acquisition of legal title, logging into ledgers, assignment of accession numbers, typing and cross-filing of catalog records prepared by the curator responsible for accepting collection, and writing of professional catalog descriptions; assists curators where necessary in the clarification of existing records; and helps assign objects to sections or locations in the event of jurisdictional disputes.

• Participates in registration, identification, cataloging, and storage of collections where no curator is assigned.

• Processes third party loans in and out of the Commission, including intra-Commission loans between PHMC museums and properties; processes agreements covering acceptance and return to lenders; and arranges for storage of collections not assigned to a particular section or in excess of facilities at the state museum.

• Plans and participates in training activities, including data entry and museum record-keeping, training for volunteer workers and museum trainees, as well as other necessary training for permanent staff.

• Creates and maintains appropriate documents and files for all objects accessioned, borrowed, loaned, or deaccessioned.

• Conducts inventories of field sites and the State Museum.

• Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of current professional museum methods, practices, techniques, and procedures applicable to the registration of museum collections, including accessioning, deaccessioning, acquiring legal title, identification, preparation of professional object descriptions, cataloging, inventory, and storage of objects and collections.

• Knowledge of processes and documents governing loans of objects and agreements covering their acceptance and return.

• Knowledge of the standards and guidelines applicable to deciding, on the basis of historical authenticity or appropriateness of theme, chronology of style, or taste, whether proffered donations or loans of collections or objects should be accepted.

• Knowledge of methods and techniques of historical research as related to evaluating and classifying museum collections and objects.

• Knowledge of professional museum collections’ standards of care and registration processes.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software and museum collections management systems.

• Knowledge of the history of aesthetic, social, scientific, industrial, or technological developments in America.

• Ability to perform historical research utilizing primary and secondary documents and other sourced research.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of professional museum registration or curatorial work experience;

or

• A master’s degree in Museum Studies, American Studies, American History, or related field.