Registration & Collections MgmtRegistration & Collections Mgmt

Major ResponsibilitiesMajor Responsibilities– Installation – currently top priority with about 25% left to installInstallation – currently top priority with about 25% left to install– Acquisition and processing – getting the collection in the doorAcquisition and processing – getting the collection in the door– Moving out of temporary facility in TempeMoving out of temporary facility in Tempe– Setting up permanent storage (layout and storage mounts)Setting up permanent storage (layout and storage mounts)– Documenting the collectionDocumenting the collection

Staffing InformationStaffing Information– Currently 24 peopleCurrently 24 people

3 assistant registrars3 assistant registrars 1 collections manager1 collections manager 1 database administrator1 database administrator 1 photographer1 photographer 1 documentation specialist1 documentation specialist 8 preparators8 preparators 8 collections technicians8 collections technicians

The CollectionThe Collection

• Over 13,000 objects in the collectionOver 13,000 objects in the collection• Around 5,000 on view in exhibitionsAround 5,000 on view in exhibitions• Objects in permanent collection include:Objects in permanent collection include:

InstrumentsInstruments ImplementsImplements CostumesCostumes CasesCases

• First object accessioned in June 2007First object accessioned in June 2007• Most purchased, donations picking up since openingMost purchased, donations picking up since opening• Collection also contains a library and archival materialCollection also contains a library and archival material

Challenges in Building the Challenges in Building the CollectionsCollections

Shipping and CustomsShipping and Customs– Finding packers and shippers in countries that do not usual export to museumsFinding packers and shippers in countries that do not usual export to museums– Language – often we use translatorsLanguage – often we use translators– Foreign PoliticsForeign Politics– CustomsCustoms

CITESCITES Economic SanctionsEconomic Sanctions

SpeedSpeed– Expensive to use air freight but we needed objects hereExpensive to use air freight but we needed objects here– Cataloging incompleteCataloging incomplete– Difficult to provide proper collections care when moving so fastDifficult to provide proper collections care when moving so fast

SpaceSpace– Collection moved five times as it outgrew its spaceCollection moved five times as it outgrew its space

Package Damaged in Memphis FloodPackage Damaged in Memphis Flood

Challenges in Collections CareChallenges in Collections Care

Moved into building while construction was being Moved into building while construction was being completed – had to work closely with contractors completed – had to work closely with contractors to provide safe access to installed exhibitsto provide safe access to installed exhibits

Great visitor experience results in several major Great visitor experience results in several major challenges for collections carechallenges for collections care– Lighting in the galleriesLighting in the galleries– Access in the galleriesAccess in the galleries– Housekeeping – cleaning the exhibits is taking about 20 Housekeeping – cleaning the exhibits is taking about 20

hrs/wkhrs/wk

New building with great environmental system but New building with great environmental system but still learning how to use itstill learning how to use it

Playing the collection for demonstrationsPlaying the collection for demonstrations Storage spaceStorage space

Decap Dance OrganDecap Dance Organ

InstallationInstallation

Installation – Artist Gallery, John Lennon’s PianoInstallation – Artist Gallery, John Lennon’s Piano

Our Next StepsOur Next Steps

• Finish installation of Phase IFinish installation of Phase I• Finish move from temporary facilityFinish move from temporary facility• Culling the large collections that were Culling the large collections that were

purchased as lotspurchased as lots• Organize collections and create storage Organize collections and create storage

mountsmounts• Organize, house and catalog archival Organize, house and catalog archival

materialsmaterials• Standardize database entryStandardize database entry• Policies and proceduresPolicies and procedures

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

• Communication is criticalCommunication is critical– Ask a lot of questions Ask a lot of questions – Don’t assumeDon’t assume– Verify and confirmVerify and confirm

• Be Flexible and InnovativeBe Flexible and Innovative– Be ready to choose the lesser of two evilsBe ready to choose the lesser of two evils– Think about long-termThink about long-term

• Build an amazing team that you don’t Build an amazing team that you don’t have to micromanage!have to micromanage!