Collections Inventory Cataloguing Technician
1. Job Context
The Canterbury Museum exists to add value to the present and future citizens of Canterbury and the many visitors to Christchurch, by welcoming our visitors to explore the diversity of the natural world and our cultural heritage and to make this a fun experience. This will be achieved through:
- creating an interactive experiential journey for our visitors through which we tell the stories of Canterbury Waitaha and New Zealand Aotearoa and provide a view on the rest of the world
- reaching out to children of all ages and providing learning experiences in an informative and enjoyable setting
- building and properly caring for the collection of priceless treasures we hold in trust for the community
- high quality relevant research on our collections and the dissemination of the results to the widest possible audience
- working with a range of partnerships which integrate us into the wider community. In particular we are committed to working with iwi in the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi, embodying concepts such as mauri, kawa, mana and wairua
- providing our visitors with friendly high quality service and ensuring equitable access to all
- upholding and adhering to the highest professional standards of best practice
- providing maximum community benefits from the resources made available to us
- providing staff with the learning and development opportunities required to enable them to carry out their work.
The Collections Inventory Cataloguing Technician reports to the Collections Inventory Project Manager.
2. Job Purpose
The position of Collections Inventory Cataloguing Technician exists to create object records for the 60% of collections not yet on the Vernon Collections Management System and to update existing records where required.
3. Key Output Areas
The duties and responsibilities outlined describe the core tasks; you may be required to undertake other duties.
1. Preparation of accurate basic records for the Vernon database:
• entering accurate records on to spreadsheets and preparing records for import on to the Vernon Collections Management system
• providing a concise and accurate description of the object
• capturing any existing information in or on boxes, including any numbers, on the spreadsheet with any other clues that might aid future
identification
• carry out basic search, as necessary, to retrieve object information
• allocating and attaching numbers to unnumbered objects
• photographing or scanning each object as appropriate
• providing basic packaging for the objects and ensuring unique number is on the box
• recording the location of the object
• ensuring the accuracy of all data captured
• actively reviewing and improving processes
• checking to see if Vernon records exist for catalogued items
• working on other special collections projects as required
2. Professional Development by:
• keeping up to date with professional literature
• participating in relevant training and development opportunities
3. Contribution to Group operations by:
• assisting in maintenance of clean and tidy work areas and collection stores
• assisting in maintenance of equipment, tools and other assets
4. Promotion of Museum as a Centre of Excellence by:
• adhering to Museum policies and procedures, guidelines and house rules
• adhering to professional standards, practices and codes of ethics
• promoting excellent public relations by clearly communicating Museum values and objectives
• working to ensure the Museum is a responsible tourism destination
• proactively seeking continuous improvement to further enhance the visitor experience
• accepting additional responsibilities when requested
• promoting and maintaining excellent internal working relations
• adhering to the Museum’s health and safety practices and remaining aware of all health and safety matters at all times
• ensuring use of sustainable practices wherever possible and continuously looking for ways for improvement.
4. Profile of an Ideal Collections Inventory Cataloguing Technician
The following job competencies, qualifications and experience represent an ideal applicant. It is recognised that not all candidates will meet all criteria.
(a) Job Competencies
Knowledge
• knowledge of museum collection management practices
• knowledge of basic museum curatorial principles and practice
• interest in or specialist knowledge of an area related to the Museum’s collections or archives
• cultural awareness, particularly a good understanding of biculturalism and the Treaty of Waitangi
• good understanding of the public role of the Museum and that all work is ultimately focussed on benefitting our communities
• good working knowledge of Vernon or similar collections management database
Skills
• a high level of computer keyboard skills and familiarity with information technology
• a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• good time management skills
• a high level of fitness and manual dexterity
• a high level of operation of photography and scanning equipment
• a high level of written and verbal communication skills
• flexibility and ability to multi-task
• good understanding of health and safety principles
Behaviour
• good interpersonal skills
• a high level of ability to work both independently and as part of a cohesive team
• ability to respect and work effectively with the wider teams and management
• ability to identify what’s best for the Museum as a whole, and act accordingly
(b) Qualifications
The position will require:
- a degree in archives or in a discipline related to the Museum’s collections
- additional formal qualifications in museum studies an advantage
(c) Experience
The position will require:
- three years’ experience working with collections in a museum or similar organisation.
