How to Become a Curator of Manuscripts

Rare 1501 manuscript of the Coronation of Alexander at Cracow.

Curators evaluate, authenticate, catalog and preserve artifacts, paintings, documents and other rare works. They also lead research initiatives and special projects related to these rare and often very old materials. In addition to evaluating objects for possible acquisition, manuscript curators are responsible for ensuring that indexing systems will make it easy to retrieve manuscripts for future reference and use in exhibitions. A growing initiative is the digitization of rare books and special manuscripts collections.

Instructions

1. Obtain the formal education necessary for professional curators. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, consider study areas such as library science or art history to begin your study. For many institutions, a Masters of Library Science from an American Library Association accredited university or a doctorate, PhD or equivalent, might be necessary. Learn about the proper handling of fragile and rare objects, the science behind storage and preservation needs and effective techniques for displaying manuscripts in public exhibitions during your studies.

2. Identify a specialty area where you can develop research and writing expertise. Library and museum institutions frequently seek to recruit curators with expertise in narrow study areas, such as Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts. They also look for curators who have an interest in publishing in a specialty area. For example, Sara S. Hudson, Curator of Literary Manuscripts at the Huntington Library in San Marino, Calif., not only administers the Jack London Papers, but is also working on a book of London's photography that will include reproductions of more than 12,000 photographs from the Huntington Library collection.

3. Learn languages that might be required for your specialty area. Understanding a variety of languages is a big advantage to a curator. This requirement will depend on the area of specialty. For example, the translation of old European manuscripts might require proficiency in Latin. Learn Aramaic if you are studying Middle Eastern antiquities. Arabic will give curators access to subsequent historical writings related to Semitic language antiquities.

4. Identify organizations with special collections or archives in the area you are interested in providing service. Objects in special collections are generally high valued and often priceless. As a result, it is unlikely that you will go straight from university to a lead curator position. Internships are a significant part of developing the necessary experience towards landing a curator position. An assistant curator position with a notable institution also provides an opportunity to gain research and hands-on experience with rare manuscripts.

5. Join professional organizations in the industry to network and learn about job opportunities. For example, the New Jersey Chapter of Special Libraries Associations provides its members with information regarding continuing education seminars and workshops, as well as posting online job listings. Membership with The Association of Art Museum Curators might be useful in learning about job openings. For example, members have access to a members-only directory that might be useful in tailoring your job search efforts.

Tips & Warnings

• The work of the curator has been compared to that of the detective, making it important to have a genuine curiosity about the work in which you are engaged.

References

• The World of Jack Londons: An Interview With Sara S. Hodson, Curator of Literary Manuscripts
• Folger Shakespeare Library: Meet Curators...of Art, Books, and Manuscripts: Erin Blake, Rachel Doggett, and Heather Wolfe
• New Jersey Chapter of Special Library Association: Assistant Curator of Manuscripts
• The Association of Art Museum Curators: Member Search