Assistant Registrar – Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota

ASSISTANT REGISTRAR

Part-time, regular, 24 hours per week

Hourly rate range: $22-27 per hour

Primary areas of responsibility:

Oversees the registration and operation of the art rental collection and campus loan program that includes transit, display, and selection of artwork for campus installations. Responsible for the storage, care, tracking and identification of conservation issues of the objects in the art rental collection. Registers outgoing temporary loans utilizing collections management database. Answers questions regarding art rental collection and campus loan policies and procedures. Assists with registration department projects as needed. 

JOB DUTIES:

Registration– Assists in the day-to-day activities of the Registration Department.

●      Evaluates campus loan requests which includes visiting and assessing locations for suitability and safety of artwork, creating loan forms, invoicing, and condition reporting.

●      Acts as a liaison between university administrators participating in the campus loan program and the museum to ensure that artworks are properly maintained.

●      Ensure artworks are tracked, photographed, and cataloged appropriately, adhering to museum cataloging and nomenclature standards.

●      Assesses condition of objects in the collection and on loan. Ensures that detailed condition reports are documented with photographs. Coordinates with Registrars and contract conservators when condition issues are identified.

●      Other duties as assigned.

Art Rental Collection – Oversees the registration and operation of the art rental collection and rental program.

●      Registers art rental agreements and maintains documentation and tracking of all rental transactions and artworks in collections management database.

●      Fields inquiries related to the art rental collection and guides renters through rental process.

●      Cares for the art rental collection including cataloging and photographing new works, organizing display in WAM shop, assessing framing and conservation needs, cleaning artworks for display, and ensuring artworks are properly labeled.

●      Assist renters and departments with selecting artwork making recommendations based on their space and preferences.

●      Understands and identifies trends to help inform the selection of appropriate artworks for display and give input during the acquisition process.

●      Communicates regularly with WAM Shop Manager/Buyer to review status, trends, and revenue.

●      Updates and maintains the art rental procedure guide, training manuals, and coordinates training of Sales Associates with WAM Shop Manager/Buyer.

●      Collaborates with the Shop Manager and Communications staff to develop annual marketing campaigns.

●      Works with the museum’s public engagement and learning staff to create student-focused art rental events.

●      Other duties as assigned, relating to the art rental collection.

Rights and Reproductions – Oversees rights and reproduction of objects in the collection, including issues of copyright and digital distribution.

●      Evaluates requests for reproduction, creates contracts, handles invoicing and confirms payment and final products are received in accordance with contract stipulations.

●      Arranges new photography if necessary. Evaluates proofs to ensure accurate reproduction.

●      Processes products: books and other printed materials displaying Weisman collection items, creates and maintains entries in collection management database.

●      Researches and processes permission requests for WAM produced catalogs and exhibit related materials.

●      In collaboration with the Registrars, regularly reviews and updates Rights and Reproduction procedures and fee structure.

●      Keeps abreast of current issues and legislation regarding copyright and electronic image issues.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

●      BA/BS degree in museum studies or related field, or equivalent training and experience

●      Minimum of three years of museum registration or collections management experience

●      Experience handling works on paper, paintings and understanding of preventative conservation

●      Working knowledge of museum registrar/collection management best practices

●      Working knowledge of object cataloging standards

●      Effective oral, written, and interpersonal skills

●      Strong proficiency, including at least one year of experience, using databases and/or collections management systems and Microsoft Office software

●      Effective time management and organizational skills with an attention to detail

●      Demonstrated abilities in handling a variety of projects simultaneously and prioritizing long term projects versus daily departmental demands efficiently

●      Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

●      Ability to lift 40 pounds, climb ladders and stand for long periods of time

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

●      Previous experience processing rights and reproductions

●      Previous experience with TMS database

●      Knowledge in art history

●      Experience with Adobe Photoshop

●      Experience framing

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