[NHCOLL-L:3672] Collections Preservation Course starts online early January 2008

[Helen Alten]

Northern States Conservation Center announces the 
start of its basic course on collections 
preservation, beginning in early January 2008.

MS 104 An Introduction to Collections Preservation
Instructor: Helen Alten
Dates: January 7 through February 1, 2008
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 helen at collectioncare.org.

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.

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