Betsy,
I am
neither a photograph archivist nor a photograph curator specifically, though I
do both in my current position, and I agree with your assessment 100%. In
traditional museum settings, the term curator was likely to be used to
imply both functions. Probably because, historically, there was no
equivalent term for "archivist" to compliment "curator" when talking about
3-dimensional collections. More recently the term "collection manager" is
popular, and though I haven't seen that distinction stated anywhere, I think
some of the rationale behind it is in separating the activities of
managing (describing, organizing, and
cataloging) from those
of curating (interpretation, research, and exhibition). I agree -- in
your case it sounds like you need an "archivist" though perhaps more important
than what the position is called is the job description and qualifications you
specify.
Good
luck with the search.
Catherine Bruck University Archivist Illinois Institute
of Technology Paul V. Galvin Library 35 W. 33rd St. Chicago, IL
60616 312/567-6840 312/567-5318 (FAX) bruck@iit.edu
What is the difference, if any, between a
photograph curator and a photograph archivist? Our photograph archivist has
just left and the administration is looking to hire a photograph curator to
replace him. My sense of the difference between the two is that a photograph
archivist is someone who is particularly skilled in describing, organizing,
and cataloging photographic items, while a photograph curator is more focused
on interpretation, research, and exhibition (I realize that a photograph
archivist will contribute to exhibitions, while a photograph curator would be
familiar with cataloging principles). Is this an accurate distinction?
The library contains 50,000 photographic images.
The bulk of these images are uncataloged and inaccessible. My priority is to
have someone adequately exert control over the collection (which, in my
opinion, needs to be achieved prior to the planning of exhibitions and
publications). Is a photograph archivist or a photograph curator the best
person for the job?
For those who are photograph archivists and photograph
curators, I’d appreciate your opinions. Position descriptions would be helpful
as well.
Thank you.
(Please excuse cross-postings.)
Betsy Lowenstein Library Director Nantucket
Historical Association PO Box 1016 / 7 Fair Street Nantucket, MA
02554 Tel.: 508 228-1655 Fax: 508 325-7968 email: library@nha.org
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