The study of history offers various areas of specialization like archeology, museology, conservation and archival studies. All the spheres today have a wide scope due to the spread of cultural awareness and interest in the rich heritage of different lands. Museology especially is catching on because today museums do not just showcase old tools or vessels, it is a platform through which people view and compare the evolution of objects as diverse as paintings, textiles, shoes, films, photographs, images, sculptures, the list is endless.
Museology is nothing but the art and science of managing a museum and various activities associated with it. Some of the job profiles associated with this branch of study is curator, museum educator, docent. A museum curator manages collections of objects varying from artistic, scientific, and historical to general interest. A curator also has to document artifacts in a museum, archive information including restoration and preservation programmes and conduct research to determine the authenticity of excavated articles.
A museum educator is entrusted with the responsibility of preparing and implementing educational schedules while docents interact with visitors providing them valuable historical information.
Desirable Qualities include
- Detail oriented mind capable of capturing fine details about artifacts
- Good communication skills to explain and write about the history of object showcased in museums
- Ability to painstakingly sift through information and conduct research to verify authenticity
- A knack for negotiation so as to get best deals while bidding for rare artifacts
- At least rudimentary knowledge in chemistry, physics, restoration techniques, along with good public relation skills, organizational and marketing abilities.
Renu Saxena who is doing post graduation in the field says, "The job offers steady growth as you gain experience in the field. The entry point into a museum is usually as a senior curatorial assistant after which come the posts of assistant curator and curator in succession. It offers wide scope for research and specialization allowing the development of valuable expertise that can open out doors of prestigious institutions and museums.
Besides opportunities in museums, a qualification in the field can also help in getting jobs in prestigious NGOs like INTACH, National Research laboratory for Conservation of Cultural property at Lucknow. Freelancing for private collectors is also a lucrative option, she adds.
The sky is the limit for interested candidates since the demand far exceeds supply and good historians are always sought after to offer their valuable and informed comments on historical data.
Graduate and post graduate degrees are offered at various universities across India, some of which include BITS Pilani, Benaras Hindu University, University of Kolkata, National Museum Institute, Delhi, Osmania University, Hyderabad and Aligarh Muslim University. Private museums and institutions also conduct courses in the field.
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