Archives may be part of a library or museum or may be a separate unit. Most items in archives are documents, but photographs, blueprints, and other items also are stored. Archivists often specialize in an area of history or technology so they can properly determine what should become part of the archives. Curators manage collections in museums, zoos, aquariums, botanic gardens, and historic sites. They acquire items through purchases, gifts, field exploration, inter museum loans, or, in the case of plants and animals, breeding.
Curators also plan and prepare attractive, interesting, and informative exhibits.
Some curators plan and conduct museum education programs. Since many tours are composed of school groups, tours must be geared to the age of the students. Some museums conduct classes, workshops, or lectures for students or the general public which are conducted or arranged for by curators. Most curators specialize in fields such as zoology, art, or history. Those working in large institutions may be highly specialized.