Collections Manager
Save
Collections Management is a specialized field within the museum, library, and archival professions that focuses on the care and preservation of collections, which may include artifacts, artworks, books, documents, and other items of historical or cultural significance. Collections Managers are responsible for the physical and intellectual control of collections, including their acquisition, cataloging, storage, exhibition, and preservation. They work with curators, registrars, conservators, and other museum professionals to ensure that collections are properly cared for and accessible to the public.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The day-to-day responsibilities of a Collections Manager can vary depending on the size and type of institution where they work, but typically include:
- Acquiring new items for the collection through purchase, donation, or loan
- Cataloging and documenting new and existing items, including creating detailed records and taking photographs
- Storing and preserving items in a climate-controlled environment
- Preparing items for exhibition or use in research
- Monitoring the condition of items and taking steps to prevent damage or deterioration
- Responding to inquiries from researchers, curators, and the public
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the care and handling of collections
Read more
Collections Management is a specialized field within the museum, library, and archival professions that focuses on the care and preservation of collections, which may include artifacts, artworks, books, documents, and other items of historical or cultural significance. Collections Managers are responsible for the physical and intellectual control of collections, including their acquisition, cataloging, storage, exhibition, and preservation. They work with curators, registrars, conservators, and other museum professionals to ensure that collections are properly cared for and accessible to the public.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The day-to-day responsibilities of a Collections Manager can vary depending on the size and type of institution where they work, but typically include:
- Acquiring new items for the collection through purchase, donation, or loan
- Cataloging and documenting new and existing items, including creating detailed records and taking photographs
- Storing and preserving items in a climate-controlled environment
- Preparing items for exhibition or use in research
- Monitoring the condition of items and taking steps to prevent damage or deterioration
- Responding to inquiries from researchers, curators, and the public
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the care and handling of collections
Collections Management is a specialized field within the museum, library, and archival professions that focuses on the care and preservation of collections, which may include artifacts, artworks, books, documents, and other items of historical or cultural significance. Collections Managers are responsible for the physical and intellectual control of collections, including their acquisition, cataloging, storage, exhibition, and preservation. They work with curators, registrars, conservators, and other museum professionals to ensure that collections are properly cared for and accessible to the public.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The day-to-day responsibilities of a Collections Manager can vary depending on the size and type of institution where they work, but typically include:
- Acquiring new items for the collection through purchase, donation, or loan
- Cataloging and documenting new and existing items, including creating detailed records and taking photographs
- Storing and preserving items in a climate-controlled environment
- Preparing items for exhibition or use in research
- Monitoring the condition of items and taking steps to prevent damage or deterioration
- Responding to inquiries from researchers, curators, and the public
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the care and handling of collections
Challenges
Collections Managers face a number of challenges in their work, including:
- The need to balance the preservation of collections with the need to make them accessible to the public
- The challenge of keeping up with new technologies and best practices in the field
- The need to work with a variety of stakeholders, including curators, registrars, conservators, and the public
- The need to be able to make decisions that are based on both scientific and ethical considerations
Personal Growth Opportunities
Collections Management offers a number of opportunities for personal growth, including:
- The opportunity to learn about a wide range of subjects, from history to art to science
- The opportunity to work with a variety of people, from curators to researchers to the public
- The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the preservation of our cultural heritage
Personality Traits and Personal Interests
People who are well-suited to a career in Collections Management typically have the following personality traits and personal interests:
- A strong interest in history, art, or science
- A meticulous and detail-oriented personality
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A commitment to the preservation of our cultural heritage
Self-Guided Projects
There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career in Collections Management, including:
- Volunteering at a museum, library, or archive
- Taking courses in museum studies, library science, or archival science
- Conducting research on a topic related to Collections Management
- Creating a portfolio of your work
Online Courses
Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about the field of Collections Management and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the field. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, to access a variety of learning resources, and to complete assignments and projects that will help them to develop the skills necessary for a career in Collections Management.
Online courses can also be a helpful way for students to prepare for a career in Collections Management by providing them with the opportunity to learn about the field and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the field.
While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not a substitute for hands-on experience. Students who are interested in a career in Collections Management should seek out opportunities to volunteer or intern at a museum, library, or archive.
Ultimately, whether online courses are enough to follow a path to this career depends on the individual student and their circumstances. Some students may find that online courses provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the field, while others may need to supplement their online learning with additional training or experience.
Salaries for Collections Manager
City
25th Percentile
50th Percentile
75th Percentile
Median
New York
$71,000
San Francisco
$126,000
Seattle
$92,000
See all salaries
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.
Path to Collections Manager
Reading list
Save
Save
Save
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
