Course Syllabus

Objective: Gain knowledge of theoretical concepts and general definitions associated with the documentation of heritage collections.

Duration: Reading: 5 to 10 minutes

Objective: Understand the importance of documenting heritage collections. Identify the main steps and the purpose of each step.

Duration: Reading: 15 to 20 minutes Quiz: 15 minutes

• 2.1 Why Should We Document Heritage Collections?
• 2.2 How Do We Document Heritage Collections?
  • 2.2.1 Inventory
    • 2.2.1.1 Counts
    • 2.2.1.2 Physical Inventory
  • 2.2.2 Cataloguing
  • 2.2.3 Choosing the Appropriate Process

Objective: Select appropriate tools for the selected documentation process and the objectives of a heritage collection development project. Identify the various types of standards and understand the advantages and constraints related to the application of documentation standards.

Duration: Reading: 20 to 30 minutes Exercise: 20 minutes

• 3.1 What Should be Documented?
• 3.2 Adopting a Descriptive System – Data Structure Standards
• 3.3 Adopting Documentation Standards
  • 3.3.1 Classification Schemes
  • 3.3.2 Controlled Vocabularies

Objective: Ensure the success of a heritage collection development project through effective planning.

Duration: Reading: 10 to 15 minutes Quiz: 15 minutes

• Exercise 1: Quiz – The How and Why of Documenting Collections
• Exercise 2: Situation Scenario Workshop: Documenting an Object
• Exercise 3: Situation Scenario Workshop: Documenting an Object
• Exercise 4: Recap Quiz
• Answers (Exercise 1 and 4 Only)

1. International and National Organizations, Museological and Professional Associations
2. Bibliographies and Directories
3. Documentation and Standardization of Collections
4. Collections Management
5. Digitizing Collection Images
6. Online Dissemination of Collections