at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Opening Id: 50201
Department: Block Museum
Salary/Grade: EXS/5
Job Summary:
The Curatorial Coordinator for Collections Information and Digital Interpretation works closely with the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, and in partnership with the Associate Curator of Collections, to represent the Curatorial Department on digital projects related to collections information, interpretation, and access.
The Coordinator works in close collaboration with staff in Curatorial and in Collections and Exhibitions Departments on projects related to The Museum System/TMS collection database and The Block Museum of Art’s public-facing online collection website. The Coordinator undertakes research on works in the collections, approves records for online publication, updates collections records, and takes a leading role in the Curatorial Department’s efforts to align collections information and database projects with The Museum’s DEAI goals. They coordinate TMS trainings for Curatorial staff and students and provide first-level support for TMS use. Additionally, they collaborate with Collections and Exhibitions staff to build controlled vocabularies and hierarchies for works within TMS; research and articulate The Museum’s cataloguing standards; maintain cataloguing guidelines; and work with staff to archive exhibitions material.
The Coordinator plays a primary role in conversations and collaborations with campus and professional colleagues on ethical cataloguing and digital accessibility practices and helps to prioritize and integrate this into The Block’s collections work. They meet regularly with museum colleagues to coordinate work; maintain contact with campus peers; and benchmark with professional peers to keep abreast of best practices. They increase digital literacy among staff and empower others to contribute to the database. They affect change in online collection content through projects such as adding alt texts to reproductions of artworks and developing a system for inclusive keywords. The Coordinator also works with Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs and Associate Curator of Collections to determine effective methods by which to gauge progress toward The Block’s collecting goals.
The Coordinator helps ensure that the database effectively supports teaching and learning, and prioritizes student contributions to cataloguing and collections research. They supervise 1-2 student workers on TMS-related projects and mentor undergraduate research assistants in partnership with the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs when possible. On a limited basis, the Coordinator supports teaching with the collection by developing thematic object packages related to curricular and extracurricular activities; leading select object-based learning sessions with classes and groups; and offering object-based talks (online and in person). They work with Communications and Curatorial staff on select digital projects related to the collection as necessary.
Specific Responsibilities:
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