[NHCOLL-L:749] Still seeking work, but...

[Eric Eaton]

Dear Friends:

Always grateful for the job postings, but seems I never qualify for
them.

Wondering if I just don't understand the "system," and politics of the
collections management profession.  I am told without a PhD (I do not
even have a Bachellor's, but have experience as a contractor with the
Smithsonian, etc), I might as well not even apply for curatorial
positions.  What about curatorial assistants and technicians?  Are these
always filled by grad students, post-docs, etc?

My "expertise" is in entomology, and mostly in rehabilitating terribly
neglected, but often important, insect collections.  I also enjoy the
role of serving as an interface between the scientific community and the
general public.  I am learning that this role of liason seems to be very
undervalued, the majority of interpretation falling to volunteers.

Aside from my own personal situation, I would like to see a thread
started on our responsibilities to the general public, and the future of
funding for the care of collections at public institutions.  Thank you
for your thoughtful consideration. 

Sincerely,

Eric R. Eaton
bugeric at webtv.net

http://community.webtv.net/bugeric/BugEric