Online Mini Courses

Was your New Year's resolution to take better care of your collections? Are you looking for basic collections care training on a flexible schedule that won't break the bank? Our spring slate of mini courses in collections care and management are for you!

Introduction to Reformatting

February 6 – March 2, 2012
Curriculum taught by Toya Dubin

This 4-week online course will provide participants with current, essential information for those who are responsible for the management of paper-based, photographic, audio, and video collections that are seeking to create, manage, and preserve digital assets. Participants completing this course will be better equipped to make informed choices regarding management of their digital projects/programs.

Climate Control for Small Institutions

March 5 – March 30, 2012
Curriculum taught by Sarah Stevens

This 4-week online course will allow participants to explore the issues that need to be considered when planning for climate controls including monitoring, testing, environmental analysis assessments, long-range planning, systems design, construction support, and operations training.

Low cost-low tech solutions will be offered and discussed, providing participants with the background knowledge to assist them in making informed decisions that can be implemented at their own institutions.

Conservation & Preservation of Photographs & Albums

​April 2 -- April 27, 2012
Curriculum taught by Gary Albright

This 4-week online course will first provide an overview of factors effecting the preservation and care of photographs. The various photographic processes will be reviewed and techniques for identifying each photographic process will be supplied. Appropriate handling and storage materials, as well as sources for supplies will be covered. The course will also address the issue of when the original format or album format can be maintained or when re-housing should be considered.

Please Note: Participants will need to have the following supplies for this course: For the first week: a 20X to 40X microscope and for the second week: two polarizing filters (at least 2″ squares). Please contact Stephanie Lehner with questions.

Basic Preservation, Care, & Handling of Paper-Based Materials

April 30 – May 25, 2012
Curriculum taught by Michele Phillips

This 4-week online course will provide an introduction to the factors effecting the preservation and care of paper-based materials. Building on this knowledge, participants will then learn about appropriate techniques for handling and storing collection materials and recommended sources for supplies. Instruction in basic conservation techniques for surface cleaning and mending paper-based materials will be provided.

Registration Costs for Mini Courses

The cost to participate in a 4-week online course is $65 for Museumwise members, $85 for non-members. Or you can sign up to participate in a series of all four. The cost to participate in the complete series is $225 for Museumwise members, $315 for non-members.  Reminder that Go! Grant funds can be used to cover the cost of taking one or more of our online courses!

NEW and for a limited time only: Staff, board and volunteers for organizations in the following counties in NY will have the registration fee waived as a service to the South Central regional constituents of the Documentary Heritage Program: Allegany, Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, and Yates.