E. McKnight Kauffer Cataloguer (Drawings, Prints & Graphic Design and Archives) – Hourly Contractor, 50 weeks
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Reports to Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary American Design
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
2 East 91st Street, NY, NY 10128

Cooper Hewitt seeks an experienced candidate to conduct object-based research and cataloguing of significant historical material by the American graphic designer E. McKnight Kauffer (1890-1954), housed in both the Drawings, Prints & Graphic Design (DPGD) collection and the Archives collection. The Cataloguer will report to the Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary American Design.

MAJOR DUTIES:
Creates robust catalogue entries for museum object records related to designer E. McKnight Kauffer in The Museum System (TMS), the museum's collections database. Through research, verifies object information such as material, dimensions, date, designer, and client. This information will enrich the internal TMS database and also be accessible online through the museum's website and via in-gallery digital interfaces. Drafts object-based texts and constituent biographies.

Retrieves objects from storage (onsite and offsite) as needed to verify cataloguing information through direct observation. Handles objects in accordance with proper safety guidelines as directed by Curatorial, Registrar, and Conservation staff.

Reviews records in TMS to make sure all information is accurate, properly fielded, and properly formatted. Makes corrections as needed after consulting with Curatorial staff.

Collaborates with contractors including archivist and digital preservation specialist as needed.

SALARY:

Contractor will receive an hourly salary commensurate with experience. Qualified candidates will be sent a Request for Quote (RFQ) and invited to submit bids.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in art history, design or decorative arts, Master’s Degree preferred.
• One year of prior museum work preferred.
• Knowledge of basic museum registration methods.
• Experience utilizing The Museum System (TMS) or other museum database systems.
• Ability to enter information into The Museum System (TMS) and verify information entered is correct.
• Ability to perform work accurately and neatly when recording information by hand or electronically. Ability to proofread own work and verify information is correct.
• Ability to handle art objects and follow safety procedures as instructed by curatorial and conservation staff.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines and goals in cataloguing objects is essential.
• Ability to take ownership of projects to ensure deadlines are met or exceeded.


APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please submit cover letter and resume (addressing qualification requirements) to CHCataloguer@si.edu
Open until filled.

Please click on the 'External Link' below for more information.