Curators

What They Do

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

Typical Tasks

• Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
• Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
• Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
• Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
• Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.

Key Skills

Work Activities

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Getting Information
• Thinking Creatively
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work