Please forgive cross postings.
Online museum classes staring in September 2014 at museumclasses.org
MS214: Collection Management Databases
Sept 1 to Sept 26, 2014
Instructor: Sofia Galarza Liu and John Simmons
Description:
A collection database is a necessary tool for accurate and efficient collections management. In Collection Management Databases you will learn what characteristics distinguish one database system from another; how a database can be used to manage inventory, conservation, pest management, and other aspects of collections management; as well as how to prepare your collection and documentation for entry into a database.
For more information: http://www.collectioncare.org/collection-management-databases-line-course
MS204: Materials for Storage and Display
Sept 1 to Sept 26, 2014
Instructor: Helen Alten
Description:
One of the great benefits of the 21st century is the abundance of materials for storing and displaying collections. Materials for Storage and Display covers this vast array in detail. Lectures and handouts separate materials by properties: rigid, padding, barrier and attachments. Slide shows illustrate the use of each. The course emphasizes acid-free materials and how to retrofit less appropriate materials. Materials for Storage and Display keeps current with the latest materials available for preservation. Using material testing as a decision making tool is covered. Participants receive notebooks with samples of all of the materials discussed.
For more information: http://www.collectioncare.org/materials-storage-and-display-line-course
MS242: Museum Microclimates
Sept 1 to Sept 26, 2014
Instructor: Jerry Shiner
Description:
A microclimate is the environment immediately surrounding an artifact. Microclimates designed for optimum storage, display, or treatment conditions can be created and maintained in showcases, storage cabinets, rooms, or plastic bags. This course covers the basics of creating and maintaining microclimates, including discussions of suitable enclosures and appropriate means of controlling humidity, temperature, pollution, and oxygen. Learn what constitutes a microclimate, how to use silica gel and other environmental control materials, how to reduce internally generated pollutants, and techniques for monitoring the microclimate you have created.
For more information: http://www.collectioncare.org/museum-microclimates-line-course
MS106: Exhibit Fundamentals: Ideas to Installation On-line Course
Sept 1 to Oct 10, 2014
Instructor: Lin Nelson-Mayson
Description:
Nearly every museum develops exhibits, but how can we improve communication with visitors while taking care of our objects? Exhibit Fundamentals explores exhibits from idea to final installation in a variety of settings. Topics include exhibit theory, the role of the museum's mission, creating a timeline, accessibility and script writing. Also covered are design elements, installation techniques, object safety and security, visitor safety and evaluations. Each student develops an exhibit plan for his or her museum.
For more information: http://www.collectioncare.org/exhibit-fundamentals-ideas-installation-line-course
MS223: Care of Metals
Sept 1 to Oct 10, 2014
Instructor: Fiona Graham
Description:
Outdoor sculpture, silver tea service, gold jewelry, axe head, wheel rim – metals are found in most museum collections and may be stored or displayed indoor or outdoors depending on the object. Learn how to identify different types of metal and their alloys. Gain an understanding of how and why metals deteriorate and methods for preventing deterioration from occurring or continuing. The pros and cons of different popular treatments will be covered along with recommendations for the least damaging approach to treatment. Care of Metals provides a simplified explanation of the chemistry and structure of metals, explaining the importance of the galvanic series and electrochemistry in care strategies. Starting with an overview of the history and function of metals and how they are made, the course will cover guidelines for handling, labeling, exhibiting and storing metals. An overview of treatments, including cleaning, used on metals and how appropriate they are for the long-term preservation of the metal object will help students make care decisions when consulting with conservators.
For more information: http://www.collectioncare.org/care-metals-line-course
MS243: Making Museum Quality Mannequins
Sept 1 to Oct 10, 2014
Instructor: Helen Alten
Description:
A good mannequin makes an exhibit look professional. Unfortunately, most museum staff do not know how to make a costume look good on a mannequin. The result is that costumes look flat, provide incorrect information or are being damaged. Buying an expensive "museum quality mannequin" is not the solution – garments rarely fit without alterations to the mannequin. Learn how to measure garments and transfer that information to construct a new form or alter an old form so that it accurately fits the garment, creating an accurate and safe display. Learn about the materials that will and won't damage the textile. Making Museum Quality Mannequins provides an overview of all of the materials used to construct mannequins in today's museums. Learn inexpensive mannequin solutions and how different materials may use the same additive or subtractive construction technique. Fabrication methods for many mannequin styles are described. Finishing touches – casting and molding, hair, arms, legs, stands and base, undergarments – are discussed with examples of how they change the presentation of a garment.
For more information: http://www.collectioncare.org/making-museum-quality-mannequins-line-course
MS205/6: Disaster Plan Research and Writing
Sept 1 to Oct 24, 2014
Instructor: Terri Schindel
Description:
Every museum needs to be prepared for fires, floods, chemical spills, tornadoes, hurricanes and other disasters. But surveys show 80 percent lack trained staff, emergency-preparedness plans for their collections, or both. Disaster Plan Research and Writing begins with the creation of disaster-preparedness teams, the importance of ongoing planning, employee safety, board participation and insurance. Participants will learn everything they need to draft their own disaster-preparedness plans. They also will be required to incorporate colleagues in team-building exercises. A written disaster-preparedness plan is not only a good idea, it's also a requirement for accreditation. In the second half of the course, instructor Terri Schindel reviews and provides input as participants write plans that outline the procedures to follow in various emergencies. The completed plan prepares museums physically and mentally to handle emergencies that can harm vulnerable and irreplaceable collections. You will have a completed institutional disaster-preparedness and response plan at the end of the course. Once completed with this course, we recommend the Disaster Preparation and Recovery course taught by Susan Duhl and Helen Alten to provide more information about staff organization and management during and after a disaster.
For more information: http://www.collectioncare.org/disaster-plan-research-and-writing-line-course
MS010: Condition Assessments Short Course
Sept 8 to Sept 12, 2014
Instructor: Helen Alten
Description:
Whenever an object leaves or enters your museum, it should have a dated condition report completed. A condition report is so much more than “good” or "poor." Learn about different types of condition reports, what is essential and what is optional information in each, the function of a condition report, and how to use an online condition assessment tool.
For more information: http://www.collectioncare.org/condition-assessments-line-short-course
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Peggy Schaller
Northern States Conservation Center
Certificate Program Coordinator
www.collectioncare.org
museumclasses.org
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and
Collections Research for Museums
4830 E Kansas Dr
Denver, CO 80246
303-757-7962
Toll free: 1-877-757-7962
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Website: http:\museumcollectionmgmt.com