How to Safely Handle, Pack, Move and Store Small Objects

Half-day Training Workshop

9.30am-12.30pm (GMT), Friday 20th November 2020

Trainer: Anita Hollinshead

The Section for Archives and Museums is running a half-day workshop on caring for small and medium sized object collections. The workshop will explore how to minimise the risk of damaging collections and injuring staff, volunteers and visitors through safe object handling, packing, moving and storage.

Delegates will, through a combination of slides and practical demonstrations, learn about potential hazards in collections, protective clothing and equipment, condition checking, assessing and mitigating risk and how to choose the most appropriate materials for packing, storage and display purposes. How to safely handle a range of different materials and object types will also be covered.

By the end of the session, delegates will be able to safely and confidently handle and store the objects in their care, preserving their physical condition and improving their usability for research and exhibition purposes.

Freelance museum consultant Anita Hollinshead leads this three hour training session, which will include a Q&A surgery session inviting attendees to submit specific questions in advance relating to the objects in their care.

The event has been tailored for people involved in collections care at all levels and across different sectors, including archives, museums, conservation and libraries. No prior experience in museum collections management is required, making it ideal for trainees and for more experienced heritage, library and information professionals wanting to diversify their collection care skills.

This event would also be an excellent follow-up for those who attended SAM’s sell-out Museum Collections Management for Archivists training days in 2018/19.

Delegates will receive links to sources of further information and notes on the topics covered by the presentation, including a summary of the Q&A portion. Short films of the practical demonstrations will be available via the ARA website for all attendees.

Agenda:

9.30-10.45 Handling & Moving Collections

Hazards in collections, PPE, moving equipment, safe handling practices, condition checking, risk assessment, risk management, documentation

10.45-10.55 Break – delegates can grab a drink before the short film starts

10.55-11.05 Film – safe object handling

11.05-12.00 Packing & Storage

Techniques, appropriate materials and containers (including a short film), sources of further information

12.00-12-10 Film – packing demonstration

12.10-12.30 Q&A – delegates will be encouraged to submit their questions in advance of the workshop

Admission fees

ARA members: £7.00

Non-members: £10.00

Book Online

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