Dawn Conte
Belle Plaine,MN
Summary
Multi-faceted and accomplished Art Historian, Archivist, and Librarian with 9+ years experience in handling complex and challenging museum, library, and archival responsibilities in fine art and historical institutions. Utilizes knowledge of archival methods, robust organizational skills, and precise cataloging techniques to ensure accessibility to records. Proven ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences while working independently and collaboratively within a team.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Librarian/Archivist
Douglas Flanders & Associates Fine Art Gallery
09.2020 - Current
- Established the gallery's first research library and institutional archives in its 53 year history.
- Processed, arranged, described, and catalogued 34 linear feet of archive records and authored a detailed finding aid for easy access and record retrieval.
- Accurately cataloged and entered over 1500 artworks and 2200 library materials into the gallery’s database (ArtLogic), leading to increased accessibility.
- Conducted an institution wide records inventory and implemented a records management program and records schedule to ensure compliance and long-term preservation of gallery records.
- Implemented a digitization project to improve access and preservation of archival materials for gallery staff and public users.
- Provide extensive provenance research reports for gallery staff using data compiled from various resources including books, periodicals, and databases.
- Perform basic preservation on photographs, documents, books, and catalogues.
- Created a comprehensive exhibition and press list with data compiled and consolidated from multiple institutions.
- Evaluate and select new acquisitions to enhance library materials based on gallery needs and buyer trends.
- Author exhibition catalogue essays and create social media content, resulting in a viewer increase of over 100%.
- Catalogued and organized books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collection.
Cataloging Technician
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum / Corestaff Services
07.2012 - 08.2014
- Participated in cataloging for the United States Holocaust Museum on the Art and Artifacts cataloging project.
- Assisted in identifying, describing, and cataloging approximately 16,000 artifacts.
- Conducted in-depth research to write biographies for subjects connected to artifacts.
- Handled identification, physical description, dating, geography, materials, classification, typing, and conservation identification for each artifact.
- Executed database management tasks while working with Emu, International Tracing Service, Art and Architectural Thesaurus, Library of Congress Authorities, USC Shoah Foundation, Thesaurus of Graphic Materials, Yad Vashem Shoah Victims' Names Database, and Ancestry Institution.
- Performed data entry functions in the internal database, Emu.
- Proposed terms for submission to Library of Congress for approval.
- Played a key role in creating cross-departmental look up lists and controlled vocabularies.
Archives Specialist
National Archives and Records Administration
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Provided support to Federal agencies with the development and disposition of Federal records.
- Appraised record schedules to determine compliance with Federal regulations.
- Facilitated onsite appraisals of records to determine archival value.
- Coordinated 30+ electronic systems to achieve quarterly quota.
- Ensured compliance with best practices and policies/procedures.
Archives Technician
National Archives and Records Administration
10.2008 - 12.2009
- Conducted in depth research in response to customer reference requests involving the Still Pictures holdings, which included over 14 million images.
- Instructed researchers and customers on using print and electronic resources.
- Authored series and item level descriptions of Still Pictures holdings for the Archival Research Catalog (ARC).
- Participated in talent acquisition and recruiting functions.
- Trained and mentored the team in performing at optimal levels.
Education
Master of Library Science -
University of Maryland
College Park, MD12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Art History
Towson University
Towson, MD05.2005
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Proficient in Google Workspace
- Proficient in ArtLogic platform
- Library of Congress Authorities
- Fine art cataloging and object handling
- Organizational skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Data entry
- Historical research
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Databases
- ArtLogic
- Archival Research Catalog (ARC)
- Emu
- Museum/Public Library Systems
- Online Periodical Indexes
Digital Repositories
- USC Shoah Foundation
- JSTOR
- Ancestry Institution
Timeline
Librarian/Archivist
Douglas Flanders & Associates Fine Art Gallery
09.2020 - Current
Cataloging Technician
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum / Corestaff Services
07.2012 - 08.2014
Archives Specialist
National Archives and Records Administration
01.2010 - 01.2011
Archives Technician
National Archives and Records Administration
10.2008 - 12.2009
Master of Library Science -
University of Maryland
Bachelor of Science - Art History
Towson University
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