BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM-JOB POSTING
COLLECTIONS CATALOGER
REGULAR, FULL TIME HOURLY/ 35 HOURS PER WK
Boston Children’s Museum is one of the most influential children’s museums in the world. It was founded in 1913 by the Science Teachers’ Bureau and for over 100 years has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that help to instill a lifelong love of learning. The Museum is also one of the few children’s museums in the world to maintain a diverse collection. The Museum’s collections of Americana, Natural History, Global Culture, Native American, Dolls and Dollhouses, and Japanese artifacts encompass more than 50,000 items.
POSITION SUMMARY
Boston Children’s Museum Collections team is seeking a very organized, detail-orientated and highly motivated individual with a strong interest in Museum studies, Cultural studies and or History to assist with digitizing Boston Children’s Museum’s artifact collections. The ideal candidate possess a strong background in Microsoft office, familiarity with digital imaging, databases and scanning, experience with online document sharing, such as google docs and drop box and proficiency or high interest in using social media platforms is a plus. The Collections Cataloger will be primarily responsible for, but are not limited to: cataloging, documenting, and inventorying museum artifacts; taking digital images and scans; and preparing and entering catalog records into the PastPerfect database. The Cataloger will be part of the inventory team, working alongside other collections staff to complete a systematic inventory of the cultural collection. Each physical collections item in storage and on exhibit will be identified and digital catalog records will be added or updated accordingly. Additional responsibilities may include rehousing and cleaning items in storage.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
• Create or update object-level catalog records with brief descriptions and locations.
• Evaluate artifacts’ general physical condition and create reference image.
• Rehouse objects in storage and clean as needed.
• Reconcile digital catalog records with any physical records for donor information, provenance, or any other associated documentation.
• Attend department and other related meetings.
• Other tasks as assigned by Curator of Collections
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
• High school diploma required; college degree/experience preferred
• Strong interest in or course work in Museum Studies, Cultural Studies, History, or Public History
• Working knowledge of office procedures and equipment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and Windows applications
• Strong organization skills; detail oriented
• Ability to interact positively with diverse staff and visitors
• Ability to react positively to a rapidly changing environment and make good decisions under pressure
• Familiarity with digital imaging, databases, and scanning a plus
• Familiarity with online document sharing sites (e.g. Google Docs, Drop Box) a plus
• Proficiency or interest in social media a plus
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands: must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 40 pounds. Use a step ladder, sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time. Normal office environment with varying exposure to office equipment, i.e. printer, fax, shredder, phone and desktop computer.
BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM MISSION STATEMENT
Boston Children’s Museum engages children and families in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning.
VISION STATEMENT
Boston Children’s Museum is a welcoming, imaginative, child-centered learning environment that supports diverse families in nurturing their children’s creativity and curiosity. We promote the healthy development of all children so they will fulfil their potential and contribute to our collective well-being and future prosperity.
VALUES
• We believe in the intrinsic value of play and provide opportunities for experiential learning, and multi-sensory, object-based exploration.
• We connect children and families to transformational experiences and ideas in science, technology, health and wellness, arts and humanities, and global cultures.
• We support parents, caregivers, educators, scientific researchers, civic leaders, and health professionals in addressing critical issues facing children.
• We embrace change and innovation in order to address the changing landscape of childhood.
We introduce children and families to the diverse cultural life of the city and are a vibrant urban meeting place for all in Boston and beyond
HOW TO APPLY: Send a copy of your resume and letter of interest to jobs@bostonchildrensmuseum.org, application closing date is 2/16/2020.
