MS 104 An Introduction to Collections Preservation
Instructor: Helen Alten
Dates: (Available twice in 2007)
January 8 through February 2, 2007
July 1 through 31, 2007
Cost: $425
Location:
www.museumclasses.org
Description:
Every museum professional needs a solid foundation in preservation
principles and techniques. An Introduction to Collections Preservation
provides an overview of current preservation issues from environmental
monitoring to collection cleaning, exhibit mounts and storage furniture.
Participants learn about every aspect of the modern museum and how the
building, staff and fixtures affect preservation. Subjects include the
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.
Course Outline:
1. Preservation
Principles
2. Agents of
Deterioration
3. Monitoring
4. Collection
Handling
5. Collection
Labeling
6. Collection
Cleaning
7. Storage
Principles
8. Exhibit
Principles
9. Emergency
Preparation
10. Conclusion
Logistics:
Participants in An Introduction to Collections Preservation work at
their own pace through 10 sections and interact through online forums and
chats. Instructor Helen Alten will be available at scheduled times for
email support. Materials include online readings and lecture notes, slide
shows, quizzes and links to relevant web sites. The course is limited to
20 participants.
An Introduction to Collections Preservation runs for four weeks. Please
sign up at
www.museumclasses.org
and pay at http://www.collectioncare.org/tas/tas.html. If you have trouble with either, please contact Helen Alten at [log in to unmask]
Student Comments:
An online course like this is very convenient for people who cannot attend classes in another city. - August 2005 student in MS 104
I didn't really know what to expect because I had never taken an online class before, nor had a taken any sort of collections/preservation class. I definitely learned a lot; I now understand the overall goals and practices of collections preservation. - August 2005 student in MS 104
I particularly liked seeing images in the PowerPoint slides. They really can add to the understanding of a topic. - February 2005 student in MS 104
I really enjoyed the excellent course reading material. It has really helped me understand so much more about the work I do. - February 2005 student in MS 104
I’ve been working as a collection manager for 10 years. I have no formal training in museum techniques …I thought this class would solidify everything I’ve learned. I didn’t think I would learn anything new, but I did. Great course. I would recommend it to anyone starting out in the museum field. - February 2005 student in MS 104
My experience with the MS104 online course has been exceptional, a 10! … Thank you! Thank you for such a high quality and demanding workshop! - February 2005 student in MS 104
I AM THE ONE WHO SHOULD THANK YOU! EUREKA! I REALLY GAINED ALOT AND REALLY ENJOYED STUDYING WITH YOU. - July 2004 student in MS 104
It may have been an on-line course, but I feel like I’ve got a textbook. And one written by many different sources, two heads being better than one. -July 2004 student in MS 104
The Instructor:
Helen Alten is an objects conservator and owner of Northern States Conservation Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. She has been an educator, conservator and trainer since 1986. Ms. Alten received her master’s degree in archaeological conservation and materials science at the Institute of Archaeology, University of London in 1986. She began working with small, rural, and tribal museums as conservator for Montana and Alaska.