The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College seeks applicants for a full-time Collections Cataloguer for a 24-month term with the possibility of extension. This position will support the museum’s Collections Discovery Initiative, a multi-year project undertaken by the collections management and curatorial departments, that aims to optimize collection accessibility and discoverability through our online collections software (eMuseum). Working with both departments, the Collections Cataloguer will be responsible for the retrospective cataloguing of works of art in the Loeb’s collections information management system (TMS Collections). The initial phase will focus on a selection of photography from the Loeb’s permanent collection, which comprises approximately 5,000 works of art out of approximately 22,000 objects in total. The position will require physical handling and close inspection of works of art as well as basic research, digital image capture, and visual analyses of each work with a special focus on subject tagging. The position is ideal for a recent college graduate with some basic work experience in museums and an enthusiasm for museum collections. Candidates must be able to work in person at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center in order to be considered for this position. The Collections Cataloguer will report to the Senior Associate Registrar for Collections and Database Administration.
Job responsibilities:
- Perform systematic, physical handling and inspection of collection objects, including taking precise dimensions, creating photo documentation, and transcribing inscriptions
- Perform basic research related to collection objects
- Organize, compile, and digitize source documents from curatorial and accession records relating to collection objects
- Enter core cataloguing data in collections information management system (TMS Collections), adhering to established standards and guidelines
- Contribute to comprehensive subject tagging and relationships as outlined by best practice in cataloguing
- Consult with the Senior Associate Registrar and curatorial team as needed to ensure accuracy of information and the use of appropriate authority tools
- Attend bi-weekly project meetings
- Other duties as assigned
Required skills and experience:
- A high degree of organization, self-motivation, and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and efficiently to produce consistent, high-quality results over long-term projects
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency using multiple operating systems (Windows and Mac OSX) and basic software including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Photoshop
- One year museum art handling experience of photography and prints
- Prior knowledge of photography and print media (history, practice and terminology) is preferred
- One year experience with museum information systems (TMS or TMS Collections preferred), data management, object cataloging, and digital archiving is required
Education/Certification:
- BA (art history, visual studies, anthropology, history, museum studies, information science, or related discipline) or BFA required
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