Here at the Ministry we love to share our knowledge. We've had to make our own way in the museum world so we know exactly how you feel- lost finding job adverts, puzzled by the industries acronyms, and slowly realised that (unfortunately) there are more museum databases than MIMSY. So to make it easier for you all just starting out or moving into the sector, we've pulled together a list of handy resources that we think every museum professional needs.
Job Listings
Getting a job in a museum is no easy feat (check out our ‘How to get a
museum job’ page for more from the Ministry). The following websites have been
essential in our search for paid and volunteer positions within the sector.
Remember to check them regularly!
Leicester Museum Studies job page - Just one guy updates this page every Thursday. It has
a selection of museum jobs from around the world, listing volunteer roles to
Director Vacancies.
Museum Jobs - Predominantly listing jobs around the UK, with an
occasional international job advertised.
National Museum Jobs- As it says on the tin, National Museum jobs listed
here.
Guardian Jobs - A wide range of jobs across private and national
museums and galleries. Sometimes allusive it’s a great resource to check out.
Ideas Tap - Mainly arts jobs sometimes you can find some hidden
gems.
Arts Council England - Yet again predominantly features jobs in art
institutions.
Institutions
Looking after heritage
is a complex task for every member of the museum, but when it comes to
collections Museums have not only their policies to follow but also more legal
regulations than you can shake a stick at. There are numerous institutions
guiding museums on legalities and providing spaces for guidance, discussion and
assistance.
Museums Association(MA) - The Museums Association is the
paramount institution in the sector, a membership based association it provides
training and guidance to museum professionals regardless of status. Becoming a
member is essential and the best way to learn about current affairs.
Collections Trust - is an organisation that works with museums, galleries
and libraries that aims to improve the management of their collections. Its
baby is the Collections Link (See below).
Collections Link - is the Collections Trust resource for those museum
professionals working in the collections. The website provides a space for
discussion, market intelligence, practices and programmes. Collections Link
most importantly hosts Spectrum – a collections management standard, Spectrum
is a recognised set of rules for documenting museums collections.
DCMS - Department
for Culture, Sport and Media. This is the governmental department that looks
after Museums and Galleries, their role is to make promote and protect
Britain’s Heritage. It’s always handy to know about the current Secretary of
state and their objectives. Currently Maria Miller is the Secretary of State
for DCMS supported by Ed Vaizey.
Arts Council is a non-departmental public body of Department of
Culture, Sport and Media. The organisation is dedicated to promoting visual,
performance and literary arts in England.
ICOM is the International Congress of Museum they aim to
preserve the world’s natural and cultural heritage with communication,
conservation and continuation, they also maintain a strong relationship with
through UNESCO.
HLF – Heritage Lottery Fund uses money raised through the
National Lottery to give grants to numerous heritage organisations including
Museums ‘to sustain and transform our heritage’
Collection Specific sites
For many people
working in collections it might be a good idea to join one of the subject
specialist networks. Any interest under the sun seems to have one, but here are
just a few suggestions.
Mission Statements Policies and Procedures
It is important to be
aware of the relevant institutions mission statements (they can be found on the
websites listed above) and be aware of any news. In addition each museum has
its own Mission Statement, policies and procedures, if working in or aiming to
work in a certain institution we highly recommend being aware of their
objectives.
Important legislation
Legislation relating
to Museums and their collections are plentiful, here are a few key documents
that relate to collections:
Also important Codes of Ethics and Conduct are provided by the Museums Association and ICOM.
Databases
Now this is something you really should know about if you want to work
in a museum, the museum's collections management database’s are software where
all of the information about a museums collection. From records on its acquisition
to its current location databases run the core of the museum.
There are plenty of Collections Management databases out there: some are
used by many museums whilst others are specific to an institution:
- Mimsy XG used by many national institutions.
- Modes tends to be used by smaller organisations
- Adlib used often for archives but equally for museums
- TMS frequently found in art collections
Social Media
Never underestimate
the power of social media. Follow you’re favourite museums, like the institutions
we’ve listed and read up on arts and culture news pages, try to interact with
them, find out about events and join groups. Check out Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.
Keep up to date with articles and news items. It's always a good idea to keep a finger on the pulse and be aware of current debates and issues in the industry.
We suggest:
London Museum Group's disccussion on early career Museum professionals
Rethinking Museum Training by Rachel Souhami
The Low Down on Life as an Early Career Museum Professional by Rachel Souhami
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