Curators

Career summary

#from 2144 social scientists, no info brought over

# check 3/18/19 lh

Curators manage collections at:

• Museums
• Zoos
• Historic sites

Curators search for and buy artifacts to add to collections. The items may be historical documents, art, or animal specimens. These items are preserved so that researchers and others may learn from them.

Curators plan and oversee the maintenance of collections. They examine items for damage. They research items in their collections to learn more about them. Curators try to determine the origin, history, and value of items. They read articles and talk to researchers who are familiar with similar items. When they find particularly important objects, curators may write articles about them. They may buy new items and borrow items from other collections.

A major part of being a curator is creating displays. They select which items should be displayed to tell a story or make a point.

Curators develop organizational systems for their collections called catalogs. They develop ways to store collections that are not being displayed.

They also make sure their collections are safe and secure. They inspect displays and facilities. They monitor lighting and humidity so that environmental conditions do not damage items. They acquire insurance for some collections.

Curators may promote their collections by leading tours or teaching workshops. They also schedule special events. Fundraising events often occur when a new display is opened.

Related careers

This career is part of the Education and Training cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Anthropologists
• Archeologists
• Archivists
• Art Directors
• Fine Artists
• Historians
• Librarians
• Museum Technicians and Conservators
• Producers and Directors
• Public Relations Specialists
• University and College Teachers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to curators.

• Plan the purchase, storage, and display of collections.
• Negotiate purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
• Develop and maintain cataloging and record keeping systems, sometimes using computer databases.
• Design displays of artifacts and related materials.
• Direct technicians and assistants.
• Inspect facility, displays, and artifacts to determine the need for repair.
• Lead tours and workshops to teach visitors, staff, and volunteers about the facility and collections.
• Write publicity materials and speak at civic events and conventions to promote collections.
• Write grant proposals, journal articles, and reports.
• Plan and conduct research projects.
• Work with board of directors to develop policies, budgets, and operating procedures.
• Study and test artifacts to determine their origin, history, and value.
• Schedule special events such as fundraisers.
• Arrange insurance coverage for specific objects and sometimes the entire collection.

Common work activities

Curators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Document and record information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Think creatively
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Use computers
• Process information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Handle and move objects
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Analyze data or information
• Perform for or work with the public
• Schedule work and activities
• Teach others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Monitor and control resources
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop and build teams
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Perform administrative tasks
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Coach others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, curators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a moderately high level of social interaction. They work with the public, technicians, and directors. They sometimes work alone on collections.
• Have face-to-face discussions with coworkers and visitors everyday.
• Work as part of a team. They work cooperatively with technicians, artists, and management.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Communicate with others daily by telephone or e-mail.
• Have limited responsibility for the health and safety of others.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors. However, curators who work in zoos, gardens, nature centers, or some historical sites spend time outdoors.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as sharing an office space.

Work performance

• Must be very accurate in tasks, such as evaluating the age or value of items.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
• Can set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.

Hours/travel

• Work 40 hours per week.
• Work a regular set schedule.

Physical demands

Curators frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for curators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for curators to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

Skills and abilities

Curators need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Teach others how to do something.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Art History
• Museum Studies
• Public History

Other programs of study to consider

• Anthropology
• Archeology
• Art and Fine Arts, General
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Ethnic Studies
• Historic Preservation
• History
• Library Science
• Medieval and Renaissance Studies
• Native American Studies
• Zoology and Animal Biology

Training

To work as a curator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have a master's degree.

Education after high school

Curators usually need a master's degree in the same area as the museum's specialty. Areas of focus include history, art, and archeology. Curators often have a second master's degree in museum science. You should also take courses in business administration, marketing, and fundraising.

Work experience

Many curators work in museums while they complete a degree program. This can give you great hands-on experience. Volunteer work or an internship at a museum or art gallery can also give you good experience. Work as a technician or research assistant is good preparation.

On-the-job training

New curators often receive training at their job. They learn the unique methods used at that site as well as about the collection. Training may last up to six months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Archeology
• Art History
• US History
• World History

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire people who have a master's or doctoral (PhD) degree. They also prefer to hire people who have museum experience. They look for those who have worked as an intern, volunteer, or part-time worker in a museum.

Most museums require a master's degree in the museum's specialty. For instance, art museums prefer applicants with at least a Master of Art or Master of Fine Arts. Many employers, such as natural history museums, require a PhD. Employers also prefer applicants who have taken courses in business administration, marketing, and public relations.

Costs to workers

Workers must pay for association dues, reference books and journals, and college classes or seminars to keep up with changes in the field.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Curators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer. Curators who work for the federal government or for large, well-funded museums have the highest wages.

Curators who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Museums and historical sites
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Colleges and universities

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow. As the public's interest in science, art, history, and technology increases, so should the need for curators. There will also be a need to replace workers who leave the occupation. This occupation is sensitive to the economy. This is because museums and cultural institutions often receive less funding during these periods.

Competition for jobs is expected to be keen, because qualified applicants outnumber job openings.

Other resources

African Studies Association 

Allied Artists of America 

American Alliance of Museums 
2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 1005
Arlington, VA 22202
202.289.1818

American Anthropological Association 
2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 1301
Arlington, VA 22201
703.528.1902

American Folklore Society 
812.856.2379

American Historical Association 
777 6th St NW, 11th floor
Washington, DC 20001
202.544.2422

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works 
727 15th St NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
202.452.9545

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

Smithsonian Institution Career Center 

Textile Society of America 

References

Career cluster

• Education and Training

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Curators (25-4012.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Curator (102.017-010) 
• Director, Museum-or-zoo (102.117-014) 
• Educational Resource Coordinator (099.167-030) 
• Historic-site Administrator (102.167-014) 
• Registrar, Museum (102.167-018) 
• Supervisor, Historic Sites (102.117-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Enterprising/Conventional/Artistic
• Enterprising/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Arts Professional
• Communication