MALIA BARON >> File cabinets, boxes and a computer, that's what a registrar needs to get the job done at Bishop Museum. The registrar at a museum is the person who keeps track of things, maintaining and caring for the records of the various collections. We also make sure everything's legal, and that other people's collection on loan to us are returned in a timely manner. Museum registrar
Maintaining records and collections
are a key part of the positionMy degree is in museum studies, but I started out to be a marine archaeologist. I also worked at LucasFilm as an archivist. I don't know anyone who started out wanting to be a registrar.
I like the interaction with the rest of the staff; it's not just paperwork, it's a support job. We're behind the scenes but we're part of the team.
The psychological profile of a registrar calls for a person who's fastidious, pays attention to detail, has the ability to focus on the task at hand and is able to say no.
These are both strengths and weaknesses! And every registrar must have a sense of humor. Plus constant, constant vigilance.
Burl Burlingame, Star-Bulletin