Kokoelmanhoitajan

Kokoelmanhoitaja, literally a collection caretaker, is a professional who oversees the daily care and management of an institution’s collections, typically within museums, archives, or libraries. The role focuses on preserving, organizing, and making accessible a wide range of objects and materials, from artifacts and artworks to documents and audiovisual items.

Key duties include ensuring proper handling, storage, and environmental conditions to prevent deterioration; cataloging and documenting items, assigning accession numbers, and maintaining accurate inventory records. Kokoelmanhoitajat work with collection management systems, create and update metadata, and support the digitization of the collection. They arrange and supervise transportation and packing for loans and exhibitions, coordinate conservation activities in collaboration with conservators, and assist in loan requests and exhibition preparation. Risk assessment, pest management, and adherence to ethical guidelines concerning provenance, rights, and deaccessioning are also part of the job.

The position requires a relevant education, commonly a bachelor’s degree in museology, cultural heritage, history, art history, archaeology, or a related field, often complemented by practical training in collection care or conservation. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, physical ability to handle objects safely, and proficiency with information technology are important. Good communication and collaboration with curators, registrars, and conservators are essential, as is a sensitivity to cultural and historical significance of the items.

Kokoelmanhoitajat are employed across public and private cultural institutions, with work environments ranging from storage facilities to exhibition spaces. The role offers pathways to senior collection management positions and curatorial responsibilities.