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Cataloguer
Overview
Cataloguers guard Singapore's history, creating detailed digital records of artifacts so our nation's stories can be preserved and shared for generations.
Description
- Create detailed digital records for new artifacts, documenting everything like the artist's name, the object's exact weight and materials.
- Inspect artifacts to spot tiny flaws - such as cracks in pottery or yellow spots on old maps - for conservation teams to act on.
- Manage smart tagging systems, giving every artifact a unique digital ID that tracks its movement from storage to museum displays.
- Organise search terms for those searching to find the right item in databases.
- Coordinate with photographers to create high-resolution 360-degree digital copies for researchers and public viewing.
Entry requirements
- You will need a Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Museum Studies, Heritage Studies, History, Art History, or Library & Information Science.
- Experience with collection management systems like TMS or Adlib is helpful but not essential.
Salary
$3,300 – 5,300
/mo
Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.
Trivia
Singapore's Heritage Conservation Centre has tagged over 275,000 artifacts with smart technology - these tags can locate a tiny 2cm gold coin even if it's hidden in a massive crate among thousands of items.
What to expect
Work in climate-controlled, ultra-secure environment alongside conservators and curators. Cataloguing one complex artifact can take hours of detailed research.
Soft
skills
Sharp Observation
Ability to spot tiny changes in artifact conditions, like 1mm cracks or colour changes that could indicate damage.
Ethical Responsibility
Able to handle priceless national treasures with extreme care, honesty, and respect for their cultural significance.
Team Communication
Able to translate and communicate between curators, conservators, and other specialists to create clear, unified digital records.
Museum Database Systems
Familiarity with complex collection management systems used by institutions like the National Heritage Board to organise artifacts.
RFID Technology
Able to use handheld scanners to locate high-value heritage items throughout museum facilities.
Metadata Standards
Understanding of the "language of objects" using international standards to describe artifacts consistently across databases.
Hard
skills
"Everything needs to be photographed... its almost like taking passport photos, but with care and consideration."
Dave and Afika, cataloguers
National Heritage Board
Frequently asked questions
Not at all. Cataloguers are the first people to scientifically "meet" artifacts and determine how they'll be remembered by history. Without their work, the public never sees these artifacts.
History or Art History backgrounds help, but many come from Information Science or Library Studies. What matters most is the ability to organise complex information accurately.
Yes. They're among the few people allowed to physically handle the National Collection, trained in safe handling techniques like knowing how to hold a 200-year-old vase.
They may become registrars who manage legal aspects of moving art internationally, or collections managers who oversee entire museum storage facilities.
It's a purpose-built facility in Jurong where artifacts are stored and receive "medical checkups" before being sent to museums like the National Museum or Asian Civilisations Museum.