So You Want to Work in a Museum?

This book discusses some of the benefits of working in museums; explains how museums differ according to size, type, and organizational structure; and goes through dozens of museum positions in detail. It is designed to introduce college students, graduate students, and/or young professionals to the museum field.

People who love art, are fascinated by archaeology, or are history buffs may have considered the idea of working in a museum. But experience as a museum visitor reveals only the public-facing side of the museum, and not its complex, dynamic internal structure. So You Want to Work in A Museum? helps to demystify museums as institutions and to prepare prospective museum staff to explore the field further.

After reading this book, readers will be able to:

• • Understand how non-profit museums are governed, funded, and staffed, and how they define and meet their missions.
  • Explore museum divisions and departments and specific roles within them—not just prominent roles like directors and curators, but also less visible ones like registrars, preparators, development officers, conservators, and more.
  • Consider the contemporary function of museums, and how yesterday’s cabinets of curiosity have evolved into today’s community catalysts. Examine how the contemporary function of museums has affected the types of positions available and the work museum staff do on a daily basis.
  • Look at the skills required for different types of positions, and how readers aspiring to work in those positions can best prepare themselves to land their dream jobs and be successful in them.
  • Understand the benefits and potential challenges of working in a museum, and
  • Access a wealth of resources that will inspire further study of the field, and outline next steps to pursue a museum career.
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