Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Object Conservation • Climate Control • Documentation Standards

Inventory Control

Term from Museum Curation industry explained for recruiters

Inventory Control in museums means keeping track of all items in a museum's collection. This includes artwork, artifacts, and historical objects. It's like maintaining a detailed list of everything the museum owns, where each item is located, its condition, and its history. Museum professionals use this system to make sure nothing gets lost, damaged, or misplaced. It's similar to how stores keep track of their products, but with special attention to preservation and historical documentation. This work might be done using special museum software or databases, but the core idea is maintaining accurate records of cultural and historical items.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Inventory Control system for over 5,000 historical artifacts

Implemented new Collections Management procedures for better Inventory Control

Led annual Inventory Control audit of Native American artifact collection

Typical job title: "Museum Collections Managers"

Also try searching for:

Collections Manager Registrar Museum Curator Collections Coordinator Museum Collections Specialist Inventory Specialist Collections Care Specialist

Where to Find Museum Collections Managers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage a complete collection inventory audit for a large museum?

Expected Answer: Should discuss planning processes, team coordination, documentation methods, handling of discrepancies, and how to maintain regular operations during the audit. Should mention risk management and problem-solving strategies.

Q: What strategies would you implement to improve collections management efficiency?

Expected Answer: Should talk about modernizing systems, training staff, creating clear procedures, using appropriate software, and ensuring proper documentation while maintaining museum standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you handle incoming loans and acquisitions?

Expected Answer: Should explain process of documenting new items, condition reporting, proper storage procedures, and updating inventory records. Should mention coordination with other departments.

Q: What's your experience with collection management software?

Expected Answer: Should discuss familiarity with common museum database systems, how they use them for tracking and reporting, and experience training others on these systems.

Junior Level Questions

Q: How do you document an object's condition?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic condition reporting, photography, measurements, and proper recording of object details in inventory systems.

Q: What steps do you take when moving objects within the museum?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic handling procedures, updating location records, proper documentation, and safety precautions for object movement.