The curator as museum administrator

By Alasan Umoru Modus

Introduction: To many people, a museum is simply a place where old or valuable objects are kept and displayed. This limited perception, even shared by some museum workers, has contributed to public disinterest in museums. In reality, the museum is a dynamic institution with educational, cultural, and social responsibilities. Workshops such as this are therefore essential in reorienting museum professionals and repositioning the museum as a relevant and lively institution in society.

A museum is best understood as a permanent, non-profit institution in the service of society, responsible for collecting, documenting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting material evidence for public benefit. Within this framework, the curator plays a central role, not only as a custodian of collections but also as an administrator.

The Curator and Administration: In Nigeria, the head of a museum is commonly referred to as the Curator, a title that combines professional expertise with administrative responsibility. Unlike the term “Director,” which often emphasises management alone, the curator is expected to integrate museum professionalism into daily administration. Administration involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling human and material resources to achieve institutional goals.

Museum Aims and the Curator’s Role: The aims of the museum include permanence, public service, collection through legal means, proper documentation, preservation, exhibition, interpretation, and education. The curator is responsible for ensuring that collections—animate and inanimate—are wisely acquired, accurately documented, properly stored, conserved, and secured. Preservation, cleanliness, conservation, and security are vital administrative concerns, as neglect in these areas undermines public trust and institutional credibility.

Exhibitions and the Public: Exhibitions must be professionally handled, regularly reviewed, and designed for clear interpretation and public enjoyment. The curator must also ensure courteous treatment of visitors, access for researchers, inclusion of all segments of society, and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Staff Management and Evaluation: Effective museum administration depends on teamwork. The curator must promote transparent communication, respect professional competence, encourage training, reward dedication, and maintain discipline within established regulations. Periodic evaluation of administrative performance is necessary to measure success and improve outcomes.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the museum curator is fundamentally an administrator whose efficiency lies in balancing care, use, and education. Continuous professional development, ethical conduct, and adaptability are essential for sustaining the museum as a trusted servant of society.

•Alasan is of the National Museum, Owo

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