I find
this topic very interesting. Having come from a varied background geared more
toward historical societies and museums, this is an especially interesting
topic. Personally, I don't see much of a difference between 'photograph
archivist' and 'photograph curator'. Actually, in my naieve mind, the
difference seems to be that a 'photograph archivist' would be more likely to
group images together into collections & catalog the collections, whereas
the 'photograph curator' would be more likely to catalog each individual image.
This is only based on the differences between cataloging archival materials
& more museum-type objects.
A
similar topic was addressed at the joint MAC/MARAC conference this past fall.
The debate was if there was enough difference between archivists &
manuscript curators to divide the two into separate catagories (much like the
division between record managers & archivists). I have to admit that was the
first time I had heard there might be a major difference between archivists
& manuscript curators.
The
addition of the term 'collections manager' seems to add another dimension to
this discussion. My title now is 'Special Collections Manager', but the Curator
here wants to change that to 'Curator of Special Collections'. I'm still doing
the same things, but it blends nicely with his department chart where there will
be a 'Curator of Textiles' 'Curator of Fine Art' 'Curator of ...', etc. I wanted
to add 'Archivist' to my current title, but it just becomes too cumbersome. I'm
in charge of the historical collection of the family that owned Stan Hywet Hall
(the special collections part), but also in charge of the institutional archives
which has yet to be formally developed (the archives part). I try to utilize
archival principles in my work, but have to blend them with curatorial
practices.
Sorry
to babble, but I guess to sum it up, I never really thought of a major
difference between a photograph curator and a photograph archivist. Both deal
with cataloging, both deal with research, both deal with exhibits. Betsy, it
would be interesting to hear what you come up with.
Bridgette - just trying to learn more about this
field!! :)
Bridgette A. Kelly, Special Collections Manager |