Jennifer Payan

Jennifer Payan

I am a

Registration and Collections

care professional located in Southern California.

Passionate about collections management, preservation, and archival research. Let me help address your museum's collections needs!

Biography

I am a currently a Curatorial Assistant at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, where I oversee collections management, archiving, and preservation initiatives. With a Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University, I have honed skills in metadata standards, cataloging, and digital preservation. My background includes roles at Self Help Graphics as a Teaching Artist Assistant and various archival internships, contributing to my expertise in cultural heritage and community-driven projects.

Driven by a passion for preserving marginalized histories and improving access to cultural assets, I strive to combine rigorous archival methodology with innovative digital solutions. I am dedicated to fostering collaboration between curators, conservators, and educators to deliver impactful exhibitions and resources.

3+

Years of Experience

5+

Institutions

10+

Projects Completed

2

Awards

Jennifer Payan Portrait

Professional Services

Clear, reliable support across collections management, archival research, and digital preservation.

Collections Management

Maintain accurate records and preserve materials with clean systems and preventive care.

  • Accessioning, barcoding, and rehousing
  • Database support: ArchivesSpace, Mimsy XG, TMS
  • Object handling, tracking, and location control
  • Condition reporting & IPM coordination

Archival Research & Cataloging

Create usable, standards‑aligned description and findability for your collections.

  • Descriptive metadata (DACS, LoC, AAT)
  • Catalog records in Axiell Collections, CONTENTdm, ArchivesSpace
  • Research dossiers & exhibition checklists
  • Rights, permissions, and citation guidance

Digital Preservation

Stabilize born‑digital & digitized assets with practical workflows and documentation.

  • Digitization planning & requests intake
  • File‑naming, inventorying, and fixity checks
  • Preservation copies, backups, and storage tiers
  • Basic conservation tasks incl. freezing & pest mitigation

Education & Experience

Education

2023 - Present

Master of Library & Information Science

San Jose State University

2020 - 2022

Bachelor of Arts, Art History

University of California, Los Angeles

2016 - 2020

Associate in Arts, Art History & Studio Art

Pasadena City College

Experience

May 2023 - Present

Curatorial Assistant

Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery

July 2024 - March 2025

Assistant Registrar

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

July 2022 - May 2024

Library Pager

Autry Museum of the American West

Professional Development

June 2025 - August 2025

Archives Intern

Ellsworth Kelly Foundation

July 2024 - March 2025

Conservation Technician

The Civic Art Division

2023 - Present

MLIS Candidate

San Jose State University

Let’s Collaborate

(323) 270-7263

payanjennifer9@gmail.com

Send a note