Managing Previously Unmanaged Collections

Managing Previously Unmanaged Collections

Instructor: Angela Kipp
Course Date: February 3, 2025
Cost: $400
Enroll and Pay
Working with a previously unmanaged collection is one of the most challenging and rewarding projects in the career of a museum professional. Challenging because of the variety of issues like leaking roofs, missing documentation and the question as to whether there is actually a floor underneath those piles of objects. Rewarding because of the variety of new discoveries and the skills that are learned, along with the satisfying feeling of getting things done.

The process of securing the collection and making it accessible needs the mindset of a collections manager as well as the one of a project manager. This 4 week course helps you to get a grip on your unmanaged collection by developing a plan to tackle it, defining achievable goals by creating logical exits and finding ways to keep the project going even if you are limited in time, staff and money.
    Course Goals
    Participants will learn ways to approach previously unmanaged collections in general and more specifically will help to get the process of managing their own collection started. In four weeks we will cover how to detect and manage issues like hazardous material and facility shortcomings, define a rough outline for a collections policy, lay out a strategy to process the collection, and finally we will think about networking opportunities and staff issues - even if YOU are your staff.

    Participant Outcomes
    Participants will:
    • Develop an understanding on how to approach an unmanaged collection without putting themselves or others at risk.
    • Learn how to develop a strategy to manage their collection.
    • Improve the workflow when cataloging an unmanaged collection or a huge backlog.
    • Develop their networking and human resource management skills to serve their collection.

Angela is working on the 2nd edition of Managing Previously Unmanaged Collections and has been collecting feedback and stories on what to include in the new edition to make it even better than the first. On December 19, 2023 she held a Zoom chat to lay out her plans for the 2nd edition and solicit feedback. You can view the recording on our YouTube Channel Umanaged Collections Talk.


Too learn more about taking an online professional development course with Museum Study visit What is involved in taking a Museum Study course?

Required Text:

Kipp, Angela 2024. Managing Previously Unmanaged Collections, Second Edition. Rowman & Littlefield, 260 pages.

Museum Study students can take advantage of a special offer from Rowman & Littlefield to purchase the book at a discount.


Managing Previously Unmanaged Collections addresses the American Association for State and Local History's Stewardship of Collections Standard 2, The Institution legally, ethically, and effectively manages, documents, cares for, and uses the collections.

  • Does the institution take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of artifacts and archival items in its care?
  • Does the institution use methods and materials for storing and exhibiting artifact and archive collections that promote their preservation?


Comments from participants:

I enjoyed the context to learn more and to share my situation with others. It's good to know I'm not alone in my quest to get organized!

 

I really liked the realistic approach taken for the presentation.

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