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Re: Photograph archivist vs. photograph curator



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
-----Original Message-----
From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU]On Behalf Of Betsy Lowenstein
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 10:53 AM
To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject: Photograph archivist vs. photograph curator

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