Curators

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (13%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 11 (73%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 2 (13%)

• Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Write and review grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Design, organize, or conduct tours, workshops, and instructional or educational sessions to acquaint individuals with an institution's facilities and materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with the board of directors to formulate and interpret policies, to determine budget requirements, and to plan overall operations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Arrange insurance coverage for objects on loan or for special exhibits and recommend changes in coverage for the entire collection.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Schedule events and organize details, including refreshment, entertainment, decorations, and the collection of any fees.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Establish specifications for reproductions and oversee their manufacture or select items from commercially available replica sources.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Attend meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote use of institution's services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train and supervise curatorial, fiscal, technical, research, and clerical staff, as well as volunteers or interns.Little or no AI speed-up · core task