NVCC COLLEGE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
HIS 186 - COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT (3 CR.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Discusses the fundamentals o f collections policy, deaccessioning, appraisal, and curatorial management.  Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

This course discusses the fundamentals of collections policy, deaccessioning, appraisal, and curatorial management of artifacts obtained from archaeological and historic building sites.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

General college entrance competencies

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion, the student should:

    A. be able to summarize issues that should be addressed in a standard collections policy and collections forms,

    B. be able to identify current ethical and legal issues in collections management,

    C. know the sequence and steps typically followed in acquiring and accessioning museum objects,

    D. know and evaluate the factors to be considered when developing a program of basic care and protection of historic objects,

    E. be able to recognize the physical properties of material typically found in history museum collections and describe the requirements for their care, and

    F. be able to compare different types of surveys and long range plans and discuss their role in the effective management and care of collections.

MAJOR TOPICS TO BE INCLUDED
    A. Acquisitions
1. collections policy
2. gift and loan forms
3. deaccessioning


B. Accessioning

 
1. documentation
2. cataloging procedures
3. records management (manual and automated)


C. Care of historic objects

 
1. handling and moving procedures
2. pest management
3. housekeeping
4. security


D. Requirements for the care of specific materials

 
1. environmental modification and monitoring
2. exhibit and storage materials


E. Conservation of historic objects

 
1. identification of conservation needs
2. selection of a conservator
3. conservation resources New 9/97
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