Well
let's see what the definition of a curator is
from
this website (http://www.yourdictionary.com/cgi-bin/mw.cgi)
we get
"one that has the care and superintendence of something; especially
: one in charge of a museum, zoo, or other place of exhibit"
And
from this site (http://www.onelook.com/)
we get
"a person in charge of a museum, library
etc."
"the custodian of a collection (as a museum
or library"
"a
person in charge of a department of a museum or other place where objects of art, science,
or historical interest are collected, or a person who organizes and arranges a
showing of art or other objects of interest "
As
someone who once was in charge of several photo archives/collections I prefer
the term Photographic Archivist rather than curator. The term "curator" conjures
up someone whose principal function is to design, develop and manage exhibits.
The archivist however does describe, organize and catalog, but also they conduct
research (who took the photo if unknown, where and when was it taken, why was it
taken, who are the people/buildings, etc. what type of photograph is it) as well
as design develop and curate exhibits. In a former position I did all of
that.
Peter A. Kurilecz CRM, CA |