Webcast Series

IMLS Presents Webinar Series Based on 'Connecting to Collections' Initiative

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums, presents a webinar series based on the national initiative "Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action".

Date:

 Ongoing Access

Location:

 learningtimesevents.org/c2c

Sponsor:

 IMLS, AASLH, HP and LearningTimes

Description

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in partnership with Heritage Preservation, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) and LearningTimes, presents a webinar series based on the national initiative Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action.

These six webinars (now available in their on-demand format) are free of charge to staff of museums, libraries, and archives who seek to enhance collections care at their institutions. 

Using the content of the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, Forums, and Workshops, these highly interactive webinars will connect you with experts and colleagues to discuss issues of common concern. The series has a dual focus: four webinars will help you learn how to conduct outreach to the media, the public, and funders on behalf of collections, and two webinars will help you derive maximum benefit from the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf.

The IMLS national initiative, Connecting to Collections, created a national network of individuals and institutions committed to preserving collections for future generations. The webinars are designed both for individuals who have been part of this network and want to reconnect, and for those who have not previously been involved but are eager to participate. The series will be of particular interest to staff members of small to mid-sized institutions.

You are also encouraged to organize a group in your institution or community to participate in the webinar then work together to put in action what you have learned. The webinars will be archived and available online for those who cannot participate at the scheduled time.

The series is being offered in association with LearningTimes, which specializes in producing live online conferences, webcasts, podcasts, and educational programs for organizations and associations in museums, libraries, K–20 education, government, publishing and training.


Schedule of Events

The free Connecting to Collections Webinar Series featured six live online sessions.  Descriptions of each session appear below.


The series was launched with a Double Feature!

Telling the Story of Your Collections to the Press

Thursday, October 28, 2010
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT Presenter: Anne Edgar, Founder and Principal, Anne Edgar Associates, New York Commentator: Judith H. Dobrzynski, Arts Writer, New York Do you feel that your collection is rich in stories, but no one is interested? Publicist Anne Edgar, who has generated media coverage for museums large and small, will discuss how to attract the attention of journalists, especially for stories that don’t appear compelling at first glance. She will be joined by Judith H. Dobrzynski, freelance arts contributor to the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and other publications. Even if you are not responsible for public relations at your institution, their advice will help you present your collections’ stories in a way that will draw attention. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EDT: BREAK

Using Social Media to tell Your Collections’ Stories

Thursday, October 28, 2010
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. EDT Presenter: Nancie Ravenel, Objects Conservator, Shelburne Museum, Vermont Commentator: Colleen Dilenschneider, Museum and Non-Profit Blogger, California While the morning session will focus on attracting the attention of journalists who will tell your story, this afternoon’s session on social media will help you tell the story yourself, directly to readers, through the ever-expanding worlds of Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Foursquare, and beyond. Nancie Ravenel, a conservator with an interest in social media, has taken the lead in using social media to share information about the Shelburne Museum. Colleen Dilenschneider writes the popular blog Know Your Own Bone, and helps museums and non-profits evolve through community engagement using social media.

Getting the Most from your Bookshelf: Care of Art and Objects

Thursday, November 4, 2010 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. EDT Presenter: Kristen Laise, Vice President for Collections Care Programs, Heritage Preservation
Commentators:
  • Margaret Holben Ellis, Eugene Thaw Professor of Paper Conservation, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University and Director, Thaw Conservation Center, Morgan Library & Museum
  • Catharine Hawks, Objects Conservator, Virginia
  • Deborah Long, Objects Conservator, Gerald Ford Conservation Center, Nebraska
More than 3,000 libraries, museums, and archives now have the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a set of collections care resources designed to assist small institutions in caring for their collections. While rich with information, the Bookshelf can be challenging to navigate. Kristen Laise, who organized selection of Bookshelf texts and prepared The Bookshelf User’s Guide, will lead participants through means to find the information they need in the Bookshelf and in its companion Guide to Online Resources. Catharine Hawks, a conservator of natural science collections who consults regularly with small museums, Peggy Ellis, author of The Care of Prints and Drawings, and Deborah Long of the Gerald Ford Conservation Center at the Nebraska Historical Society will answer questions about steps you can take at your own institution. NOTE: While this session will be of primary interest to institutions that have the Bookshelf, others may well find it of interest. The Bookshelf Users Guide, available as a PDF, is a useful guide to resources for collections care for all, as is the Guide to Online Resources. It is recommended that all participants have both resources handy during the webinar.

Funding for Collections Care

Monday, November 22, 2010 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST Presenters:
  • Debra Hess Norris, Chairperson, Art Conservation Department, University of Delaware
  • Lee Price, Director of Development, Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts, Philadelphia
One of the biggest challenges in moving ahead with collections care projects can be finding adequate funding. Donors, board members, and even your own development staff often see collections care as less than compelling. The speakers in this webinar have achieved success in raising funds for collections care, both on behalf of their own organizations and for others. Debbie Hess Norris will demonstrate how enthusiasm in making the case, coupled with a rich understanding of the stories behind your collections, can yield success in fund-raising. Lee Price will discuss strategies for successful grant applications.

Public Outreach and Collections Care

Thursday, December 2, 2010 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. EST Presenters:
  • Susan Blakney, Chief Conservator, West Lake Conservation, Skaneatles, New York
  • Amber Kerr-Allison, Paintings Conservator and Limited-Term Researcher, University of Delaware, Art Conservation Department
  • Beth Tice, Associate Director, Central Libraries, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
Public awareness is the key starting point for building support --from individuals, from local government, from the private sector. When people have first-hand experience with the issues facing your collections, they can become effective advocates in the community. Susan Blakney has helped many small museums with which she has consulted involve their communities in their collections. Beth Tice has reached beyond the university community to show the residents of Waco ways in which the library’s collections and resources can help them preserve their own treasures. Amber Kerr-Allison has conducted public outreach activities at the Smithsonian’s Lunder Conservation Center.

Getting the Most from your Bookshelf: Care of Paper, Photographs, and Audiovisual Collections

Thursday, December 9, 2010 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. EST Presenter: Kristen Laise, Vice President for Collections Care Programs, Heritage Preservation Commentators:
  • Julie Page, Co-Coordinator, California Preservation Program
  • MJ Davis, Conservator in Private Practice, Vermont
  • Jean-Louis Bigourdan, Image Permanence Institute, Rochester, New York
More than 3,000 libraries, museums, and archives now have the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a set of collections care resources designed to assist small institutions in caring for their collections. While rich with information, the Bookshelf can be challenging to navigate. Kristen Laise, who organized selection of the Bookshelf texts and prepared the User’s Guide, will lead participants through means to find the information they need in the Bookshelf and its companion Guide to Online Resources. Julie Page, a librarian, consultant, and expert on emergency preparedness, Jean-Louis Bigourdan, a contributor to the IPI Media Storage Quick Reference, and MJ Davis, a paper conservator who consults regularly with small museums, libraries, and archives, will answer questions about steps you can take at your own institutions. NOTE: While this session will be of primary interest to institutions that have the Bookshelf, others may well find it of interest. The Bookshelf Users Guide, available as a PDF, is a useful guide to resources for collections care for all, as is the Guide to Online Resources. It is recommended that all participants in this webinar have both resources handy during the webinar.


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About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.



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