Skills and Traits
Remains calm and collected when involved and leading complex and detail-oriented projects and logistics
Natural inclination for being detail- orientated with documentation and complex scheduling
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Sensibility to work with a large variety of experts and private individuals
Works fluidly within complex systems and legal documentation
Ability to work with accuracy and efficiency
Interested? Check out this text recommended by
Julia Loughlin:
Simmons, John E. 2020. Museum Registration Methods. S.L.: Amer Alliance Of Museums.
Specialist in Documentation and Cataloging; Collection Tracking; and Loan and Exhibition Logistics
Museum registrars are stewards of art and objects. They help manage and protect the many details that allow objects to move safely through a museum, whether they are part of the permanent collection, coming in on loan, leaving for an exhibition, or entering the collection through acquisition.
Registrars oversee and communicate important information related to loan agreements, acquisitions, condition reports, documentation, insurance, packing, crating, shipping, and handling. Their work often involves coordinating with curators, conservators, preparators, collections managers, artists, lenders, and shipping companies to make sure that objects are cared for properly at every stage of their journey.
In many ways, registrars help make exhibitions possible by keeping track of the legal, logistical, and physical needs of objects. This work requires strong organization, clear communication, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the care and safety of collections.