Thursday, 16 October 2008
Museums help people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artefacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for society.
Doncaster Council runs three museums - Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum (located within Doncaster Museum) and Cusworth Hall, the Museum of South Yorkshire Life.
In museum work, you can specialise according to your skills and interests.
Curators look after and care for different types of collections. Specialist areas include archaeology, social and industrial history, natural history and science, geology, fine and decorative art. Qualifications required are a degree in a relevant subject. It is an advantage to have a higher degree - preferably a specialist museum qualification.
Conservators examine objects within collections to see what needs to be done in the way of cleaning and repair. They also work to prevent objects from deteriorating over time. Qualifications required are degree in a relevant subject, and/or preferably a specialist postgraduate diploma in conservation.
Educational staff help visitors of all ages (particularly school children) to learn from museum collections. Qualifications required are degree in a relevant subject, and/or teaching experience.
Technical/design staff help with design and implementation of displays, galleries, and exhibitions. A relevant qualification and technical/design experience are required.
Attendants look after the security of the building, patrol the galleries, work in the museum shop and provide general information to visitors. Relevant experience in dealing with the public, security and cash handling are required for this type of post.
Administrative staff give expert support to all employees in the museum service. This includes financial accounting, promotional and publicity work, and dealing with enquiries from the public. Qualifications required are a sense of humour coupled with an ability to succeed when others have failed.
Jobs are advertised in the local press and Doncaster Council's Recruitment Bulletin. Specialist posts are advertised in the Museums Journal and/or The Guardian.
For further information on careers in museums and museum study courses, contact: The Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London, E1 6NW. Tel. 020 7426 6940.
