For those of you who've enquired, the Cultural Resource Management Program at the University of Victoria is definitely going ahead with the Managing Natural History Collections course in February, although we do have few spaces left. Please let us know if you'd like to participate! MANAGING NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS The diverse, complex, often delicate nature of natural history collections-and the increasingly vital roles they play in environmental research and public education-create special challenges for collections managers and curators. This course explores current principles and practices in the management of natural history collections, and discusses the impacts of new technologies, diminished resources, and pressures for increased accountability, relevance, and access. You will strengthen your ability to develop and manage natural history collections by exploring and analyzing: o the roles and nature of natural history collections in both specialized and general museums o their relevance to institutional mission o the expectations of internal and external users o policy and management frameworks o documentation requirements o systems of organization and information management o implementation and evaluation strategies o preparation and preservation requirements o approaches to interpretation and exhibition Instructor: Dr. Paisley Cato is a specialist in the development, management and care of natural history collections, and is co-author of Developing Staff Resources for Managing Collections., published by the Virginia Museum of Natural History with assistance by the Canadian Museum of Nature Dates: Feburary 11 - 20 Fee: $589 CDN Accomodations: A range of B&B accommodations are available close to campus - you can obtain information on our website, or contact the Program Office Travel: Victoria is easily accessible by air or ferry from Vancouver or Seattle. Course Objectives Through this course, participants will: 1. Understand the role of natural history collections in the museum community. 2. Appreciate the complexity of the collection management profession. 3. Be knowledgeable about the functions that comprise management of natural history materials. 4. Be familiar with literature, sources and references that assist with developing and improving standards and practices for managing natural history collections. 5. Be familiar with a management framework for problem-solving and improving collection management practices. Joy Davis, Program Director Cultural Resource Management Program University of Victoria Phone 250-721-8462 FAX 250-721-8774 email [log in to unmask] For detailed Program information, please visit our Web Site at http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/crmp