Role purpose: The Registrar is responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of the museum’s permanent collection, including accessioning, cataloguing, condition reporting, and tracking object locations. Working closely with curatorial, conservation, and collections teams, the Registrar ensures the proper documentation, care, and movement of objects, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term preservation.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Coordinate the accessioning of collection objects in collaboration with the Acquisitions department, ensuring proper documentation and inventory control.
• Photograph, document, and prepare condition reports for new acquisitions, working in coordination with the Conservation department.
• Maintain both electronic and physical object files for all items in the permanent collection.
• Ensure object locations are consistently updated and accurately recorded in the museum’s collections management system (EMu).
• Maintain data integrity within the collections database, including adherence to cataloguing standards, controlled vocabularies, and consistent metadata entry.
• Conduct periodic inventories to verify the presence, condition, and location of objects in the collection.
• Coordinate with art handlers regarding the safe movement, installation, and display of collection objects for exhibitions and displays.
• Facilitate access to collection objects for curatorial, conservation, and research purposes in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Monitor and record environmental conditions in storage and collection areas to ensure appropriate preservation standards.
• Assist with the coordination and documentation of incoming and outgoing loans, including loan agreements, condition reporting, and logistics.
• Support the planning and execution of packing, transportation, installation, and deinstallation of objects for exhibitions, both on-site and off-site.
• Train and oversee interns, assistants, or volunteers involved in collection management tasks.
• Good knowledge of museum practices, including documentation, inventory, and collections care standards.
• Basic academic knowledge in a relevant field (e.g. Art History, Archaeology, Anthropology) to support curatorial understanding of the collection.
• Excellent knowledge of loan procedures and best practices at an international level.
• Strong IT skills, including experience with museum collections management systems (preferably EMu), and digital tools such as databases, spreadsheets, and digital photography.
• Familiarity with the ICOM Code of Ethics and its application in museum practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work collaboratively with internal departments and external partners.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Museum or Heritage Studies, Archaeology, Ancient History, Art History, Classics, Anthropology, Museum/Gallery Practices, or a related field.
• Several years of relevant professional experience in a museum or cultural heritage institution, with direct experience in registration, collection management, or loans.
• Experience coordinating both incoming and outgoing international loans, including documentation, packing, customs, and condition reporting.
• Experience in collection care, safe object handling, and basic conservation principles.
• Familiarity with international shipping procedures and logistics related to the transport of museum objects.