SMC e-bulletin

SMC Monthly e-bulletin March 2007

SMC held a successful consultation event on the Draft Culture (Scotland) Bill on 1 March. Over 35 delegates attended with excellent cross-museum sector representation. Greig Chalmers, Scottish Executive, and Sue Selwyn, Scottish Executive secondee, outlined the key components of the Culture Bill before delegates discussed key issues in workshops. These sessions were very productive and will inform SMC�s response to the draft bill consultation. We will publish SMC�s response on our website when it has been finalised. SMC would like to thank all the delegates for their contribution to the event.

SMC, in conjunction with Scottish Screen, are taking four events to Tartan Week in New York. Collectively called Journeys from Scotland to America, the events will take place at the New York Historical Society from 3 � 5 April.
The events are John Paul Jones � America�s Hero Scotland�s Pirate, presented by David Lockwood from the John Paul Jones Cottage Museum in Dumfries; John Muir � The Original �Wild� Child and his Legacy presented by Jo Moulin, from John Muir�s Birthplace in Dunbar; and The Museum of Piping � Over the Isles to America presented by Robert Wallace, Principal of the College of Piping in Glasgow and Scottish Screen�s intriguing fusion of sound clips, music, Gaelic song and poetry entitled The Island Tapes � A New Way to a New World.
This is an exciting opportunity for our members to reach an international audience and we wish them well in the Big Apple.
SMC is also coordinating a meeting at Ellis Island on 3 April. Museum, library and archive professionals from both America and Scotland will be attending to look at the potential for developing a unique online resource for the countries� shared heritage.
Details will be posted on the SMC website.

Show Scotland 2007 is gaining momentum and is set to be even bigger and better than last year, with the programme and website due to be launched at the end of the month. If you are organising an event this year, please refrain from publicising it until after this national launch.
Thanks to all those who have already registered their event. If you haven�t already registered an event, don�t miss out, we would love to hear from you. Go to http://www.showscotland.com to register or, if you have an idea you would like to discuss further, just call External Programmes Manager Catriona Murray. T: 0131 550 4142
Our grants programme has now closed and, although we are unable to support any more events financially, we are still giving advice and looking to include new events and other museums and galleries wishing to take part.

The deadline for Round One of the Significance Scheme has passed.
The twenty-two applications received from a range of institutions across the sector in Scotland have now entered into the assessment process.
Dates for Round Two have been confirmed as:

• opening date 10 April
• closing date for Notes of Interest 31 May
• closing date for applications 7 September.

Round Two will allow for partnership applications and, although the criteria for assessment will remain unchanged from Round One, the onus will be on partners to demonstrate that their �distributed� collection is managed in a coordinated manner across all the partners.
Enquiries should be directed to Significance Scheme Manager Mike Taylor. 
E: [email protected]

Many thanks to everyone who took part in this scoping exercise. Over 30 responses were received, and clearly much time and consideration went into each one.
Responses are now being analysed and key findings collated for production of a discussion paper which it is hoped will stimulate further debate and action within Scottish museums. This paper will be available on the SMC website in April and sent to subject specific networks and museum forums around the country.
SMC Collections Development Manager Gillian Findlay would welcome any comments or further information you may have on this topic along with evidence of how collections research is handled and prioritised in your museum. E: [email protected]

A group of collection managers representing museums across Scotland met in late January to discuss what benefits there might be from establishing formal communication links for peer support. The group unanimously decided to set up a Scottish Collection Managers Forum e-mail listing in the first instance to begin sharing information and knowledge around core collections management activity. To find out more about the group and how you can access the e-mail list, contact Pam Kerr. E: [email protected]

Recent staff changes include

• Catriona Murray has joined us as External Programmes Manager. Catriona worked with us in the past as Communications Manager before travelling around the world.
• Administrative Assistant Helen Raggett is now our Support Services Manager.
• ICT Manager David Watters moved on to take up a post at Edinburgh University.
• Workforce Development Manager Lissa Duncan has also moved on to work at Edinburgh University.

We are currently recruiting for a Workforce Development Manager and for an Administrative Assistant �
see http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/about/vacancies_intro.asp

Contact details for staff can be found on the web at http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/about/staff_intro.asp

Congratulations to the following SMC members whose applications were considered by MLA�s Accreditation panel in February:

• West Dunbartonshire Council � Clydebank Museum � Full Accreditation
• Falkirk Council � Callendar House � Full Accreditation; Kinneil Museum and Grangemouth Museum � Provisional Accreditation.

If you have any queries about Accreditation, please contact SMC Accreditation Manager Susie Hillhouse.  (Tues, Wed, Thurs)  T: 0131 550 4124 
E: [email protected]

The Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel has been requested by the Scottish Executive to draw up a comprehensive Code of Practice for the Treasure Trove system. One element of the Code concerns the allocation of Treasure Trove cases in the event of multiple applications for acquisition from duly accredited / registered museums. Since this has in the past proved a sensitive issue, it is felt appropriate to consult within the whole museum community over the criteria SAFAP intends to enshrine in the new Code. The draft criteria can be found on the Treasure Trove website http://www.treasuretrovescotland.co.uk and responses are invited before a deadline of 27 April 2007. All responses will be carefully considered by SAFAP and the outcome will be notified in a future issue of this bulletin.
Responses should be sent to Alan Saville, Treasure Trove Unit, National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.  E: [email protected]
E-mail responses are preferred and all responses received will be acknowledged.

The next meeting of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel will be on 4 July 2007.
Please refer to the Treasure Trove website http://www.treasuretrovescotland.co.uk which has now been completely updated. New cases will be advertised on the website and will continue to be advertised in the SMC e-bulletin.
The following cases have been claimed by the Crown and will come before the Panel at the meeting of 4 July. Case details are available on request from accredited/registered museums.
TT.97/06  Medieval bronze seal matrix, Carriden, Falkirk.
TT.98/06  Romanesque strapend, Gavinton, Scottish Borders.
TT.99/06  Medieval lead seal matrix, Scotlandwell, Perth & Kinross.
TT.100/06  Late Bronze Age razor, Ardnave, Islay, Argyll & Bute.
TT.101/06  Roman brooch, EH brooch and Viking strapend, Crail, Fife.
TT.102/06  Bronze Age flint scraper, Arthur�s Seat, Edinburgh.
TT.103/06  Neolithic carved stone ball, Pitmilly Law, Fife.
TT.104/06  Early Christian grave marker, Stirling.
TT.105/06  Iron Age enamelled mount, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway.
TT.106/06  Decorated stone spindle whorl, Leven, Fife.
TT.107/06  Late Bronze Age sword, Watten, Caithness, Highland.
TT.108/06  12 medieval/later finds, Crail, Fife.
Jenny Shiels, Treasure Trove Administrator, National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF. E: [email protected]

The Big Lottery Fund is re-opening the People's Million Programme, a �15m partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV in which viewers vote for the project they want to receive funding. Organisations will be able to apply for grants of up to �80,000 for local projects across the UK that will help communities to transform, use or enjoy local environments. Voting will take place towards the end of November 2007.
To find out more, visit http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_peoples_millions.htm
Application forms should be submitted by 17 May 2007.

National Museums Scotland has published its internal guidance on practical and accessible exhibition planning with a particular focus on exhibition design. It is available to download at http://www.nms.ac.uk/exhibitionsforall.aspx

MDA has published a revised version of SPECTRUM, the UK and international industry standard for documentation, updated to reflect current best practice in the heritage sector and recent changes in legislation. New features include the integration of relevant parts of MLA London and MDA's Revisiting Collections initiative. This is a new approach to collections information which helps museums to create services and exhibitions for diverse audiences. The revision also includes material to support the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Cultural Property Unit guidelines on due diligence in combating illicit trade.
The standard, developed to represent consensus by museum practitioners, is designed to underpin the requirements of the MLA Accreditation Scheme.
The revised version of the standard is available to download from http://www.mda.org.uk/spectrum.htm

Children�s Art Day provides opportunities for thousands of children, their teachers and families to get involved in art projects organised by galleries, museums, schools and other organisations. Events will take place during the week 25 June to 1 July, with the majority of events happening on Thursday 28 June and at the weekend.
Advice and information about the day is on the web at http://www.engage.org/projects/artworks_orgs.aspx
You can register any events or activities via http://www.engage.org/projects/cad_register.aspx
Registering entitles you to a free website listing and free stickers and balloons.
The deadline for registering is 29 May 2007.

Teach the Teachers How to Get Their �Hands On� Museum Objects
Various venues and dates in May
In collaboration with Glasgow Museums, SMC is about to publish Hands On, an early years and primary school teachers guide to learning from objects and paintings.
To indicate interest in attending a Hands On training course, please contact Lucy Adams at SMC.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]

Unearthing Scotland�s Archaeology in the Highlands
The Council for Scottish Archaeology is currently organising the 2007 Scottish Archaeology Fair and is looking for participants. The Fair will take place at the Strathpeffer Pavilion, near Dingwall, on Saturday 5 May, and forms part of CSA contribution to Highland 2007. Participants range from local archaeology, history and heritage societies, to national organisations such as Historic Scotland. There is no particular theme for the event but CSA is keen to encourage hands-on activities, and where possible, relating these to the local area. There is no cost to attend, and the event itself will be free to the public. If you are interested in participating, or want more information, contact the CSA.  T: 0131 668 4189 
W: http://ww.scottisharchaeology.org.uk
The deadline for registering an interest is 16 March.

Tourism Training. 100k Welcomes
This tourism development initiative has a portfolio of training events to help you deliver great customer experiences in Scotland.
For details, see http://www.100kwelcomes.co.uk

Development Opportunity for Boards of Trustees
The Clore Leadership Programme has announced a programme of development work with Boards of Trustees in arts organisations and museums. The programme offers an organisation the opportunity for the whole Board, together with the senior executive team, to spend a day discussing and considering how they are operating as a Board, how their relationship with the Executive has developed, how they are tackling issues such as recruitment, succession planning, diversity, financial information and analysis, legal responsibilities, and strategic planning.
In the first year, 12 day sessions will be available, catering for a range of organisations of different sizes and from different art forms and locations. It is hoped the first event will take place in May or June this year.
The deadline for applications is 10am, 16 April.
E: [email protected]  W: http://ww.cloreleadership.org

Valuing Diversity
29 March, Glasgow
SMC and the Museums Association are jointly hosting a meeting to celebrate diversity in the workforce of Scottish museums.
Ensuring diversity becomes part of the everyday operation of museums is a key priority within SMC, defined by the recently published �A national workforce development strategy for Scotland�s museums�. A diverse workforce is essential in enabling services to be delivered successfully to a wide range of users and museums must look towards producing a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.
The MA has recently launched the Diversify Toolkit to assist museums in creating positive action traineeships to address this issue. With the imminent completion of the first Museum and Galleries Traineeships in Scotland it is timely to celebrate the benefits traineeships can bring to trainees and their host organisations.
For further information, contact MA/SMC Development Officer Scotland Fiona Wilson.
E: [email protected]

Procedural Manual Workshop
30 March, Edinburgh
An opportunity to begin building an outline Procedural Manual that will support your museum's documentation system and help you meet the criteria for Accreditation.
MDA.  E: [email protected]  W: http://www.mda.org.uk/procmanwk.htm

Documentation Planning
4 April, Edinburgh
A practical course giving participants an opportunity to begin work on a documentation plan for their own organization.
MDA.  E: [email protected]  W: http://www.mda.org.uk/docplan.htm

Scottish Museums Federation Spring Meeting 2007
23 April, Perth
Free of charge for SMF members, �10 for non-members (includes membership for 2007)
The meeting will focus on the new National Significance Scheme managed by SMC. Other presentations will include a review of projects for the Year of Highland Culture, a masterclass on natural history collections, and a discussion on the sharing and management of knowledge in the Scottish museum sector.
To book, contact Joe Traynor.  T: 01389 772 011  E: joe.traynor@west-dunbarton/gov.uk

Responding to Climate Change
25 April 2007, London
�50 for Icon members, �75 for non-members
Topics at the Institute of Conservation Care of Collections Group AGM and annual meeting will include

• what size is your carbon footprint?
• sustainability in heritage organisations.

E: [email protected]
W: http://www.icon.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=410&Itemid=16

Revisiting Collections
25 April, Edinburgh / 26 April, Perth
Free of charge
Revisiting Collections is a UK-wide programme which enables museums to

• engage with new audiences
• extend their understanding of their collections
• capture this knowledge as part of their internal systems.

MDA and SMC are running these introductory seminars to

• provide an overview of what Revisiting Collections is and how you can apply it in your museum
• inspire you to think about how you might extend your knowledge and understanding of your collections
• allow you to register your interest in becoming a Revisiting Collections pilot museum with SMC.

Sue Thornton, MDA.  T: 01223 415760  E: [email protected]

MDA Documentation Essentials
10 May, Edinburgh
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �50 for SMC / ASVA members, �70 for non-members
An introduction to the basic principles of museum documentation, exploring the benefits of good documentation practice and the content of a simple but effective system. Topics covered include SPECTRUM, the Accreditation Scheme, object entry, accessioning, marking and labelling, cataloguing, location and movement control, exit and loan. 
SMC Training.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/pdfs/Training_Programme_May_-_June_2007.pdf

Care of Paper and Photographic Collections
7 June, Edinburgh
�35 for SMC members� volunteers, �85 for SMC / ASVA members, �110 for non-members
An exploration of how paper and photographic collections can become damaged whilst on display, in storage and when being handled and measures that can be taken to prevent such damage.
SMC Training.  T: 550 4110  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/pdfs/Training_Programme_May_-_June_2007.pdf