Northern States Conservation Center Announces its Summer/Fall On-Line
Course Offerings. More information and registration links are located at:
http://www.collectioncare.org/training/trol.html


MS 104 An Introduction to Collections Preservation
Instructor: Helen Alten
Dates: July 19 - 30, 2004

The tools of a museum professional include a basic understanding of
preservation principles and techniques. This course provides an overview of
current preservation issues, from environmental monitoring to collection
cleaning, exhibit mounts and storage furniture. Covering every aspect of
the modern museum, and how the building, staff and fixtures affect
preservation of the collection, this workshop provides an overview that
participants can use in future decision-making about their collection.
Agents of deterioration, risk management, object handling and transport,
object labeling, exhibit lighting, security, emergency preparedness,
materials for storage and display, storage and exhibit philosophies, and
condition assessments will be discussed. This introductory course is
provides basic knowledge that is expanded in all of Northern States
Conservation Center's other courses.

The course format is self paced through topic areas. The instructor will be
available at predetermined intervals throughout the course. Materials will
include web versions of instructor Helen Alten's Powerpoint lectures,
reading materials, and lecture notes. Supporting resources include message
forums, online chats, email support, projects, quizzes, and links to
relevant websites.

MS 103: The Basics of Museum Registration
Instructor: Peggy Schaller
Dates: July 31- August 13, 2004

This course covers the basics of museum record keeping. The role of the
mission statement as the foundation for the museum will be discussed along
with the importance of establishing set policies and procedures. The
terms 'registration' and 'accession' will be defined and the process
discussed. Three common types of numbering systems will be reviewed and the
answer to the question "Why do museums put those little bitty numbers on
all their artifacts?" will be revealed. The Museum Registration Manual, its
importance for the museum and what it should contain will be covered.

Participants will create a mission statement, collection policy and
acquisition policy for a 'new' museum; comment on one of the selected
readings about museum missions; complete an accessioning exercise; and for
the final class project create a sample registration manual for the 'new'
museum.

MS302: Fundraising for Collections Care
Instructor: Helen Alten
Dates: September 6-24, 2004

Strapped for cash? Can't see how you can implement collections preservation
ideas when you can't pay the light bill? This workshop introduces funding
options for a range of collections care needs. The class combines lecture
and practicum sessions. Students will learn about different forms of fund
raising, how to find funding sources for their institution, how to write
successful proposals and how to build on success. Each student will
complete a draft grant request before the end of the class.

MS204: Materials for Storage and Display
Instructor: Helen Alten
Dates: October 18-29, 2004

A comprehensive review of all the materials used for storage and display of
collections. The lecture and handouts separate product materials according
to their properties: rigid, padding, barrier, attachments. Emphasizes the
use of acid-free materials and how less appropriate materials can be
retrofitted. Remains current with the latest materials available for
preservation work, such as metal impregnated plastics and barrier films.
Discusses material testing as a decision-making tool. Participants receive
a notebook with samples of all of the materials discussed. Powerpoint
lectures illustrate the use of each material.

MS 205: Disaster Planning I: Introduction to Disaster Preparedness Planning
Instructor: Terri Schindel
Dates: October 4-29, 2004

MS 206: Disaster Planning II: Writing a Disaster Preparedness Plan
Instructor: Terri Schindel
Dates: November 1 - 26, 2004

MS 202: Storage for Infinity: Museum Storage Facilities and Furniture
Instructor: Helen Alten
Dates: November 1 - 15, 2004

Building a new storage facility? Retrofitting an old one? This course
provides the blueprint for how to approach architects and engineers as well
as redesigning your facility yourself. The course covers the philosophy of
storage, the construction requirements, security, fire and water
prevention, types of furniture, and how to plan for collections growth.

MS 203 Storage for Infinity: Museum Storage Techniques
Instructor: Helen Alten
Dates: November 15 - 30, 2004

Is your collection stacked, packed and stressed? This course building on MS
202, with an emphasis on the individual objects and collection groupings
and their storage needs. It discusses storage materials and mounts, use of
trays, drawers, shelves and cabinets for optimum effectiveness, and
provides guidelines for the storage needs of specific types of materials.

MS 207: Collections Management: Cataloging Your Collections
Instructor: Peggy Schaller
Dates: November 29 - December 17, 2004

This workshop will cover the basics of collections cataloging. Cataloging
procedures will be discussed in detail. Sample forms to support these
procedures will be available. Best practices for numbering artifacts will
be presented, as well as how to perform inventories and condition reports.
Procedures for handling, measuring, and describing of all types of objects
and materials will be discussed. Students will be asked to describe an
everyday object and practice cataloging several items from their own
collections or households.

MS 208: Applying Numbers to Collection Objects: Materials and Methods of
Object Numbering
Instructor: Helen Alten
Dates: November 29 - December 10, 2004

A popular AAM workshop, now available on-line by its pioneering instructor.
Applying Numbers to Collection Objects covers the materials and methods of
Object Numbering. Topics covered by the lecture include registration steps,
handling objects, labeling and marking overview, number placement and
documentation, health and safety concerns, tags and labels, transponders
and barcodes, surface marks, inks and paints and barrier coats. Each
student will receive a collections labeling kit.

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).