Lafayette College Art Galleries seeks a versatile, collegial, and motivated Art Gallery Registrar to assist with all areas of collections management, with particular focus on incoming acquisitions and registration of new acquisitions to the Art Collection, and tracking collection pieces installed in various College buildings. Tasks include coordinating and receiving shipments, documenting and tracking collection objects in the collection database, and assisting with loan activities, rights and reproduction requests, and special projects. Assist with installations/de-installation of exhibitions in all venues of the Lafayette College Art Galleries.
Major Job Responsibilities:
● Manage collections database for accurate record keeping, and ensuring data integrity
● Manage collection files and documentation
● Coordinate calendar for Kirby Art Study Center for class visits and independent research requests
● Register new acquisitions following professional standard operations and procedures, including record creation in collection database, re-housing, and verification of legal and import documents
● Assists in loans and exhibitions documentation and recordkeeping
● Manage collections website and online access to collection
● Un/Pack and Writes condition reports for incoming and outgoing works of art
● Provides assistance in arranging shipping for incoming and outgoing objects
● Works closely with logistics and security staff to coordinate shipments
● Act as courier for outgoing loans, as needed
● Work in concert with appropriate staff to contribute to the ongoing process of cataloging and rehousing collection objects and incoming acquisitions
● Collaborate with Visual Resources Curator to digitize new acquisitions, collection pieces, and rights and reproduction requests
● Assist with collections conservation, including oversight of budgets and payment of invoices
● Consults with conservators regarding objects that have special storage needs
● Act as collection liaison at off-site facility both for in-house curatorial access to objects for exhibition planning, reviewing and vetting exhibition checklists, evaluating condition as necessary; and for external inquiries as deemed appropriate by the Director/Curator of Collections
● Assist as needed with all aspects of storage facility, including monitoring climate conditions and warehouse activity, and work with Facilities to maintain appropriate conditions as needed
● Assist and independently oversee exhibition installation, rotations, and deinstallation
● Assist with provenance research and other research on collection pieces
● Curate collection-based exhibitions
● Schedule and oversee contract workers, such as art handlers, for special projects
Collection Documentation and Reporting
Organize and format collection documentation, in both electronic and paper form, working with Curator. This includes creating, compiling, managing, and maintaining, as appropriate: legal documents, accession records and initial catalog information, condition reports, photographic documentation, location data, assessed value, insurance documentation, and exhibit history. Co-manage the Galleries’ collections management system.
Prepare information for reports and other documentation as requested. Design forms and instructions relating to acquisition, loan, and inventory of collection objects.
Physical Care of the Collection
Plan and oversee storage of the collection, in consultation with the Curator. Manage physical storage and
movement of collection, advise on changes to storage methods and spaces, determine and record locations of objects in storage; conduct regular spot inventories to ensure accuracy of electronic location records, coordinate inventory projects. Advise on conservation priorities, manage conservation and exhibit preparation of collection objects. Object numbering as required. Monitor and report condition of objects and archival materials on exhibit. When necessary, train and/or instruct LCAG personnel in proper object handling methods. Coordinate review and updating of collection policies.
Exhibitions
Participate in exhibition planning and scheduling. Collaborate with the curatorial team in developing exhibit content. Manage the preparation of objects for exhibition. Assess condition of objects prior to exhibit determining impact on conservation and collection management issues. Check and note location and condition of material in storage intended for exhibition, schedule and supervise object handling and movement for exhibition purposes, work with Director/Curator or guest curators to ensure proper mounting and installation. Curate exhibitions based on collection.
Risk Management
Develop and maintain accurate facility reports for insurance purposes and lenders. Monitor environmental conditions in collections storage and LCAG exhibition spaces, implement and monitor security procedures in conjunction with Facilities Manager and College Public Safety. Work with College Finance to secure and maintain insurance coverage for all collection objects and archival materials.
Outgoing and Incoming Loans
Oversee the creation and processing of all incoming and outgoing loan requests. Arrange and/or approve all shipping arrangements and insurance, supervise packing or unpacking, make condition reports for outgoing and incoming loans, responsible for the security and safekeeping of incoming loans. Check condition of objects requested for loan, request and evaluate facility reports, coordinate the provision and collection of certificates of insurance, compile insurance evaluations, if appropriate, for specific requested uses to determine coverage while on display and in transit. Review requested loans with the Collections Committee to determine approval based on facility reports, condition, availability, and other considerations.
Shipping and Object Movement
Monitor object handling, packing, and shipping and make all shipping arrangements. Review available methods of shipping to arrange shipment with safety to object at reasonable costs, negotiate with shippers and ensure that the College/Galleries complies with customs regulations. Provide accurate shipping estimates to staff for exhibition budgets and other projects. Consult with Archivists, conservators and preparators on moving works of art. Create condition reports are completed for all collection objects entering and leaving the building.
Project Management & Program Development
Participate in planning and implementation of collection-based programs in support of LCAG public programming. Plan and implement small-scale projects as directed, including developing budgets and managing resources and schedules to ensure deadlines and spending limits are adhered to and project goals are achieved.
Qualifications
● REQUIRED: Minimum 3 years of experience in registration, collections management or a related field
● Minimum 3 years of experience in Art gallery and museum exhibition installation and de/installation, marketing, and event planning, preferred
● REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree in art history or a related discipline. Master’s degree in museum studies/registration desirable
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Minimum 3 years of experience managing collections database; knowledge of ArtSystems, CollectionSpace, DAMS (digital asset management systems), preferred
● Knowledge of professional standard operations and procedures for Collections Management
● Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple and shifting priorities, frequent interruptions, and multiple deadlines
● Careful attention to detail with a concern for accuracy
● Excellent ability to interact with a variety of audiences and to interact courteously, professionally, and tactfully with internal and external entities
● Proven ability to handle private restricted material with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment
● Strong reading comprehension skills, experience with legal documents desirable
● Strong writing skills to effectively correspond complex information in a variety of circumstances
● Demonstrated ability to apply policies and procedures consistently and to seek direction when appropriate
● Knowledge of local, national, and international art transportation standards
● Experience handling rare, fragile, or brittle materials preferred
● Ability to climb industrial ladders, lift and shelve boxes up to 40 pounds, and push heavy and/or bulky art carts
Application Instructions
Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest indicating the exact position, resume, and a list of at least three references via the online link. http://apply.interfolio.com/110815
Lafayette College is committed to creating a diverse community, one that is inclusive and responsive and supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining and developing a learning environment where difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced.
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