User:BethanyJ7/sandbox

= Registrar = The registrar is the collections manager and the record keeper (though larger museums may separate these two roles).[1] Without records and documentation, objects lose their value. The job of the registrar overlooks almost everything about the collection, “Registrars are responsible for risk management and documentation of the collection. They develop and maintain record systems and are often responsible for storage systems. Registrars are academic generalists.”[2]

Documenting the collection[3][4]

 * Creation and maintenance of records[5]
 * Accessioning objects or specimens[6][7][8][9][10]
 * De-accessioning objects or specimens (including repatriation)[11][12][13][14][15]
 * Cataloging museum objects
 * Devising an information system or developing a computerized records management system
 * Inventory to check the integrity of the records[16]

Physical care of the collection

 * Creation of proper housing for objects
 * Establishing security standards
 * Conducting inventories of the collections[17][18]
 * Evaluating the condition of objects or specimens[19]
 * Giving basic care to objects
 * Helping plan facilities – design and control storage areas
 * Photographing objects or specimens
 * Implement and monitor the Integrated Pest Management system

Loan, transportation, and exhibition of objects[20]

 * Supervision of all movement of collections items
 * Negotiating contracts with movers, insurance agencies, and transportation companies
 * Formulating the logistics of international or domestic traveling exhibitions
 * Supervising packing and unpacking of traveling exhibitions
 * Coordinating an exhibition
 * Accompanying, as a courier, the objects and specimens as they travel

Management[21]

 * Answering questions from colleagues or members of the public about specific objects or specimens
 * Marketing and publications permissions
 * Managing personnel, including training staff and volunteers and establishing work schedules
 * Developing policies and procedures
 * Determining budgets

Knowledge, abilities, and skills
Registrars must have good organizational and communication skills. Due to their close proximity to objects, they also need to have strong object handling skills. They should also have a good eye for detail so that all condition assessments are as accurate as possible. Familiarity with NAGPRA and other issues related to provenance research are also valuable assets. It is also useful for registrars to have a good knowledge of archival materials so they know how best to house and pack objects.

Education
While experience is probably more important than education, education is helpful for the job. Most institutions prefer for their lead registrars to have a master’s degree in museum studies or equivalent experience. An undergraduate degree in history, art history, fine art, or a field related to the institution is preferred and more or less required.

Experience can be cultivated through internships and volunteer opportunities, as well as lower level jobs in museums.