Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Deaccessioning • Object Photography • Collection Database

Collection Development

Term from Museum Curation industry explained for recruiters

Collection Development is a core museum function that involves growing and managing a museum's artifacts, artworks, or specimens. It's like building a carefully planned library of objects that tell important stories or have historical, artistic, or scientific value. When someone lists this on their resume, they've been involved in deciding what items a museum should acquire, how to document them, and making sure these objects fit the museum's overall mission. Similar terms include "collections management" or "acquisitions." Think of it as strategic shopping for museums - but instead of just buying things, it involves careful research, documentation, and planning to build meaningful collections that serve the public.

Examples in Resumes

Led Collection Development initiatives resulting in acquisition of 200+ Native American artifacts

Managed annual Collection Development budget of $500,000 for contemporary art acquisitions

Created Collection Development policy aligned with museum's five-year strategic plan

Typical job title: "Collection Development Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Collections Manager Curator Registrar Collections Specialist Acquisitions Curator Collections Development Officer Museum Collections Coordinator

Where to Find Collection Development Specialists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a collection strategy for a museum with limited budget?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss prioritizing acquisitions, building donor relationships, identifying gaps in existing collections, and creating collaborative partnerships with other institutions. They should also mention balancing new acquisitions with care of existing collections.

Q: How do you handle deaccessioning controversial items?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of ethical guidelines, legal requirements, stakeholder communication, and proper procedures for removing items from collections. Should emphasize transparency and documentation of decision-making process.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when evaluating potential acquisitions?

Expected Answer: Should mention relevance to museum mission, condition of object, storage requirements, conservation needs, provenance, cost implications, and relationship to existing collections.

Q: How do you maintain proper documentation for collections?

Expected Answer: Should discuss inventory systems, condition reporting, photography, location tracking, and digital database management. Should emphasize importance of maintaining accurate records.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between accessioning and deaccessioning?

Expected Answer: Should explain that accessioning is formally adding items to a collection while deaccessioning is officially removing them, and describe basic documentation required for each process.

Q: How do you handle incoming object donations?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic intake procedures, preliminary condition assessment, donor communication, and understanding when to involve senior staff in decision-making.