Collection Cataloger

Summary:

The Collection Cataloger will support a cross-departmental team working to research and catalog the Museum’s collection. The primary goal of this position is to populate an electronic collection management system with fully researched and standardized data on the collection. This database will serve as the central repository of curatorial information and related documentation on the collection and will support the Museum’s goals of intellection control of public access to the collection. This role will also support cataloging and circulation of the Library Collection.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Create highly descriptive catalog records for Museum collections in collection database (TMS), using the Museum’s established cataloging standards and controlled vocabularies.
• Collaborate with the Senior Curator to conduct research using primary and secondary resources and create accurate catalog description records.
• Identify and flag objects in need of further attention including condition reports, digitization, housing, or research.  
• Enhance and maintain existing catalog records to provide additional contextual, descriptive and administrative information.
• Supports maintenance of the Museum’s cataloging standards, including researching use of authority terms, maintaining data standards and promoting consistency in controlled vocabularies.
• Creates digital surrogates of cataloged items through scanning or photography; adds media to catalog records.
• Consults with Curatorial, Collections and Education teams to identify and prioritize records needing additional research.
• Collaborate with the Registrar to maintain professional standards and guidelines for object handling, processing, and documentation.
• Creates catalogue records in the library database (Bibliovation) for Library Collection using industry standards.
• Track circulation of library materials.
• Assist Collection team with object cleaning, handling, re-housing and storage.
• Assist with the Collections team in facilitating access to collection objects and the Reading Room for staff and public researchers.
• Assist with collection-based grant projects as appropriate.
• Participate in curatorial meetings and activities.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Undergraduate degree required in history, anthropology, museum studies, American studies or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in cataloging and/or collections processing in a museum, archives, or library setting.
• Prior experience working with collection management software; TMS preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with basic museum cataloging rules and standards
• Excellent research skills and ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources.
• Knowledge of American history; preferably associated with the history of the 1960s.
• Strong data management and time management skills, with keen attention to accuracy and detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, to work as part of a team.
• Must be able to sit at a workstation or computer for long hours.