Modules

Building Collections

Examines how history shapes collections and provides case examples of how museums and libraries can develop new collections strengths.

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Accessing Collections

Discusses who accesses collections and investigates ways that access can be expanded. The emphasis in this module is on in-person access.

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Caring for Collections

Explores multiple dimensions of collections care ranging from physical preservation to cataloguing.

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Digitizing Collections

Considers the complexities of creating digital versions of collections and the benefits of facilitating widespread access through digital copies. 

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How to Use:

The moderator notes and accompanying slideshows are designed for use in a group format with a moderator/presenter and several participants. The group size is flexible- with a smaller group each module can be run as largely a guided discussion with some background, while for a larger group it can be run with more defined boundaries between presentation and break-out discussions.

Discussions are integrated throughout the presentations. If using these resources in an in-person setting, ensure that participants will be able to easily talk with each other. At the start of the presentation, encourage participants who are scattered to move to sit with the group.

If you are in a remote setting, think about strategies for encouraging and moderating discussion appropriate to your participants and platform. If the group size is large, you should be prepared to use breakout rooms to facilitate conversation. 

Each module contains the following elements:

A slide show presentation with accompanying notes for the moderator.  

The notes include a slide-by-slide script, guidelines for leading discussions, and suggestions for customization. In some cases, activities are included as both slides and as a handout for use in different contexts. The presentations are designed to be interactive, with frequent opportunities for discussion and engagement among participants. Slide shows may be presented as written, but you are also encouraged to adapt or excerpt them for use in different contexts.  

Suggested open-access readings and discussion questions 

All suggested readings were available without subscription or paywalls at the linked URLs as of September 15, 2020. The readings are divided into three categories:  

  • Short Readings are typically written for a public audience (e.g., news articles, blog posts) and are appropriate for use in a one-time workshop. They are short enough that 15 minutes could be allocated to having the participants read them during the session.  
  • Academic Articles are longer analyses that are accessibly written but intended primarily for a professional or scholarly audience. These go into greater depth on the topics and provide perspectives that reinforce the themes of the presentation. These would be appropriate assigned readings for an undergraduate course. 
  • Professional Resources are typically lengthy detailed guides that provide an overview of the issues discussed in the module. These would be interesting for participants to skim to get a sense of the scope of knowledge required for professionals in these fields, and are good sources to recommend to participants who wish to go more in depth.