Care of Collections
This two-day course is interactive and designed for entry-level museum practitioners who wish to learn more about the care of collections in all types of museums.
We start by exploring the role and functions of a museum with an emphasis on public trust and collections. We develop a shared language by examining the many terms used in the care of collections such as conservation, restoration, documentation, and more. We bring our ‘course collection’ so that learners can engage in hands-on activities related to accessioning, labeling, condition reporting, and more. We encourage learners to reflect on their own collection and make plans to address risks to collections. We use the Standards for Saskatchewan Museums (2010) to look at emergency planning and policies as an important part of caring for collections. Our instructors are professionally trained conservators who provide demonstrations, examples, and contemporary information throughout the course.
Agenda
Theme 1: Introductions and Course Overview
Theme 2: The Museum: Caring for Collections
- To understand why the care of collections is important, specifically as related to the five roles of museums as defined in Standards for Saskatchewan Museums (2010).
- To understand the museum’s obligation of public trust as it relates to cultural awareness and care of collections. Specific scenarios are discussed.
Theme 3: Definitions and Resources
- To develop an understanding of basic definitions related to care of collections and increase familiarity with resources related to course topic.
Theme 4: Object Composition
- Define organic and inorganic
- Identify types of materials found in museum collections, note the causes of deterioration, and understand object composition affects how the object is cared for
Theme 5: 10 Agents of Deterioration
- Introduce the 10 Agents of Deterioration (Canadian Conservation Institute)
- Develop an understanding of each agent, potential sources, and mitigation strategies for different objects.
- Learn how to use light meters, hygrothermograph and cycrometer
- Determine ten agents, risks and mitigation strategies to own collection
Theme 6: Preventive Conservation
- Develop knowledge and skills related to:
- Decision-making and risk assessment for objects in collections
Theme 7: Disaster Planning and Emergency Preparedness
- Basic elements of an Emergency Preparedness plan
- Relevant standards related to course topic
Theme 8: Collections Policies
- Develop skills and knowledge related to:
o Role of policies in supporting care of collections
o Basic collections policy
o How to use Standards for Saskatchewan Museums (2010) to develop policies
Theme 9: Stabilization of Artifacts
- “Course collection” will be used to demonstrate stabilization techniques to use in own museum. Could include: mount-making, paper tear repair, photograph care (e.g. photo corners, encapsulation), basic care of books, care of textiles, care of metals, care of wood, care of leather, etc.
