SMC e-bulletin

SMC Monthly e-bulletin September 2007

This year�s AGM will be held at the City Arts Centre, Edinburgh, on 29 November. Further details of the day will follow but expect an opportunity to see some highlights from the City of Edinburgh�s collections as well as hear about and see the results of the SMC brand and identity review consultation.
Retiring from the Board this year will be Dr. Graeme Roberts (Chair), Molly Duckett (Independent Director), Mungo Campbell (University Director), Gerry Power (co-opted) and John Lynch (co-opted) and therefore the following posts will be vacant: Chair, Local Authority Director x 2, Independent Director, University Director, National Member Director x 2. Nomination papers will be distributed in October.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member of the SMC Board, please call Executive Assistant Emma Davies.  T: 0131 550 4122

SMC will be on the road with a preferred re-brand option during the week commencing 15 October. All members will be invited to one of the 4 consultation events, in Inverness, Dundee, Glasgow and Dumfries. This consultation process is important as the re-brand and identity review has developed from views expressed by members at the 2006 AGM. A separate stakeholders / partners meeting will also be held to which organisations will be invited to attend. For further details, contact Emma Davies.  T: 0131 550 4122. 
E: [email protected]
In conjunction with the re-brand, SMC is also redeveloping the website. Members may be contacted for their views.

Round Two of the Recognition Scheme closed on 7 September. The successful applicants will be announced in February of next year.  The dates for Round Three are
� round opening 17 October
� closing date for Notes of Interest 3 December
� applicant workshop w/b 17 December
� closing date for applications 3 March.
If you have any questions about the scheme, contact Recognition Scheme Manager Mike Taylor.  T: 0131 550 4137  E: [email protected]

It is time to start planning for Show Scotland 2008 which will be taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend 2 � 5 May 2008.
New guidelines and application forms for event funding will be issued in October.
For further information, please contact Eithne Ni Chonghaile at SMC.  T: 0131 550 4123  E: [email protected]

SMC is commissioning research about the impact of two positive action traineeships created by the partnership of SMC, Culture & Sport Glasgow, City of Edinburgh Council Museums, St Andrew�s University and the Black Environment Network.
The study aims to

• evaluate the overall impact of the traineeship
• assess the traineeship model.

Anyone interested in undertaking the research should send a completed note of interest (http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/news/2007/PAT_evaluation_note_of_interest_form.doc)
to SMC Workforce Development Manager Catherine Cartmell by 21 September.  E: [email protected]

Please note that the deadline for pre-applications for SMC main grants is 19 October. Pre-application forms can be downloaded from our website, at http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/grants/SMC_Grants/mgpreappform0907.doc
A main grants workshop will take place in Glasgow on 5 October.
For details or to booking a place, please contact SMC Grants Development Manager Beverley Davies.  T: 0131 550 4115  E: [email protected]

Andrew Salmond has joined us as Their Past Your Future Scotland Project Manager to take forward stage 2 of the successful initiative. To contact Andrew, telephone 0131 550 4143 or e-mail [email protected]
We are currently recruiting for a Collections Development Manager (maternity cover), to start in November, to lead on our Collections Development Strategy and its 3-year Action Plan, managing the strategy and developing projects to support museum development. The post holder provides advice, assesses grants, and raises awareness of standards and good practice. A secondment would be welcomed. The closing date for applications is 21 September. For details, e-mail [email protected]

Victoria Whitcomb has been appointed as the new SMC Standards Manager, starting on 25 September. She will deal with the Accreditation programme. In the interim, if you have any queries about Accreditation, please contact SMC Head of Research and Standards Alison Colvine.  T: 0131 550 4136  E: [email protected]

At the SMC Board meeting on 4 September, national membership was approved for the National Library of Scotland.
NLS has an exemplary reputation for its historic collections and expertise and its traditional role of preserving the past for future generations has been complemented in recent years by a commitment to ensuring much easier access to its collections.

Produced by SMC in collaboration with Glasgow Museums, this guide for teachers and museum educators working with early years and primary school pupils demonstrates how to incorporate object-based learning into teaching and how to get more out of museum and gallery visits.
The guide is now available to order, price �12 + �4 p&p (+�2 p&p for each additional copy) to addresses in the UK. Send a cheque, payable to Culture & Sport Glasgow, to Communications Section, Martyr�s School, Parson St., Townhead, Glasgow G4 0PX.
If you require multiple copies or an invoice or have any other queries, phone 0141 271 8307, fax 0141 271 8354 or e-mail [email protected]
To pay by credit card, phone 0141 276 9576.

The Conservation Grant Scheme launched by the Association of Independent Museums in association with the Pilgrim Trust is intended to help small museums which are AIM members with the remedial conservation of accessioned objects in their collections.
For eligibility and conditions, see www.aim-museums.co.uk
The deadline for the first round of applications is 30 September.

A reminder - if you need conservation advice, it is available free of charge to SMC members from the Scottish Conservation Studio.  T: 0131 331 5875  E: [email protected]

The next meeting of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel will be on 23 October. The deadline for bids for that meeting is 2 October.
New Treasure Trove cases are now advertised on the TT website www.treasuretrovescotland.co.uk but also continue to be advertised in this bulletin.
If any museum is planning an exhibition using Treasure Trove objects, please advise the Administrator so that details can be publicised on the Treasure Trove website.
The following cases have been claimed by the Crown and will come before the Panel at the above meeting. Bidding museums can request case details from the Administrator.
TT.38/07 Roman silver trumpet brooch and two prehistoric tools, near Haddington, East Lothian.
TT.39/07 Roman silver denarius, Glenluce, Dumfries & Galloway.
TT.40/07 Four Roman finds, Comrie, Perth & Kinross.
TT.41/07 Silver gilt fede ring, Kinglassie, Fife.
TT.42/07 Post-medieval lead seal matrix, Culross, Fife.
Jenny Shiels, Treasure Trove Administrator, National Museums Scotland.  E: [email protected]

Recent Heritage Lottery Fund grants include:

• �23,000 to Grampian Transport Museum to purchase a 1908 Argyll 14/16hp motorcar. The car will undergo a conservation assessment by a team of volunteers who will then complete appropriate repairs. The car will feature in a display to be developed by the volunteers.
• �23,700 to Upper Nithsdale Art & Crafts Community Initiative Ltd to renovate an historic building in Sanquhar�s town centre. The building will be turned into an Arts and Cultural Centre for use by the local community. The local museum archive collection will be transferred to the Centre.
• �34,600 to Muirkirk Enterprise Group to rebuild a dry stane dyke. An associated exhibition will be developed in partnership with the Muirkirk Heritage Museum.
• �50,000 to The Hebridean Trust to convert an �A� listed former cowshed in Hynish on Tiree into an exhibition and interpretation facility.

Details of HLF�s forthcoming Strategic Plan Our Heritage, Our Future are available on the HLF website at http://www.hlf.org.uk/English/MediaCentre/Archive/New+Vision.htm
If you would like a hard copy of the document, please phone 0131 225 9450 or e-mail [email protected]

The Thackray Museum in Leeds is developing a funding bid to the HLF Collecting Cultures programme and is consulting with relevant organisations on their chosen collection focus which is the area of sexual health and contraception, including

• historic contraceptive devices
• advertising and promotional materials relating to contraception and sexual health
• drug remedies and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases
• related medical instruments not already represented in their collections.

The Thackray would be grateful to hear from any museum with a collecting interest in this area to ensure that the national picture is taken into account when developing the application and to get a sense of the significance of their collection.
They would also like to hear from anyone interested in collaborating in

• collections based research in the area of contraception and sexual health
• developing professional knowledge and skills in both the collection and the practical aspects of acquisition through purchase
• temporary exhibitions and loans
• audience development and learning programmes linked to the collection.

The application is being worked up for a 1 November deadline. If you can offer any information please contact Emma King, Thackray Medical Museum.  T: 0113 205 6528  E: [email protected]

For news of the London 2012 Olympics culture programme, you can subscribe to a newsletter � see http://culturenews.london2012.com/form.aspx?formID=44363
The first issue is due out in April.

The Guardian newspaper is inviting nominations for the 2007 Guardian Family-Friendly Museum Award. For details, e-mail [email protected] or see www.guardian.co.uk/kidsinmuseums  The closing date is 19 October.

MDA has published an Intellectual Property Manifesto for collections which aims to increase understanding of the relationship between IP issues and best practice in the management of museum collections. It sets out MDA's priorities for delivering services which will best enable museums to take advantage of the commercial, creative and educational opportunities presented by effective management of their IP.   To download a copy of the manifesto, and for advice and information on intellectual property issues, see http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/get_to_grips_with_copyright

Making the Case is a report designed to assist with funding applications for documentation projects. Commissioned by MLA East of England and East of England Regional Archives Council and managed by MDA, the report is available to download free from the Collections Link website at http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/raise_funds

For the purposes of TV licensing, computers are considered to be TV receivers if used to receive TV programmes as they are being shown live on TV in the UK. Museums must therefore either have a TV licence or implement measures to safeguard against the possibility that computers are used by staff or visitors to watch live TV.
MLA guidance about TV licensing is available from MLA ICT Adviser David Dawson.  T: 020 72731415  E: [email protected]

This is a UK-wide week of activities and events aimed at inspiring young people (14-30 year olds) to have ideas and make them happen. The MLA Partnership and the national Make Your Mark campaign are promoting the value of an enterprising culture in museums, libraries and archives. The Week provides an opportunity for museums to highlight the importance of creativity and enterprise and engage a young (and often hard to reach) audience. For advice on how the sector can get involved in the Week, see http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//E/enterprise_week_11847.pdf, tel 0207 273 1444 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]

Historic Scotland in partnership with Learn Direct and Build, Scottish Screen, School of Scottish Studies, Learning and Teaching Scotland and Am Baile are starting work on a project to create an archive of traditional Scottish building techniques and skills related to the building industry and built environment. They are looking to compile collections of film footage, sound recordings and photographs showing such techniques and skills in action. If you have material relevant to the project, please contact Moses Jenkins, Historic Scotland.  T: 0131 668 8617  E: [email protected]

Part-time Study at the University of St Andrews
St Andrews University is planning to start a new group of students on the part-time Graduate Diploma/M.Litt. course in Museum and Gallery Studies in January 2008.
The part-time course is only offered every two or three years, so please enquire now if you are interested.
If you are working in a museum or gallery, either paid or as a volunteer, you can use your practical experience towards the coursework as well as learning new skills to gain a recognised qualification. The part-time course option is a version of the full-time course and offers an overview of the purposes and activities of museums and galleries. It is open to applicants with a degree in any subject and to students without a degree but with considerable experience in a museum or gallery. Work is spread over two years and students attend four short, sociable residential schools in St Andrews, which include contributions by professionals from the sector.
The first residential school will run from Monday 21 � Friday 25 January 2008.
Futher residential schools will be held in June 2008, January 2009 and June 2009.
The deadline for applications is 30 September.
For more information, see the website http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~mgstud/ or contact Margaret Hall.  T: 01334 462414  E: [email protected]

Leadership Development
MLA has announced a series of leadership development days aimed at people who have a disability or are from a black minority ethnic background. The workshops, to provide support for those on the cusp of taking on leadership roles, will begin in October.
For details, e-mail [email protected]

Leading Archives and Museums 2007-08
The national leadership development programme Leading Archives and Museums was commissioned by MLA as part of its Workforce Development Strategy. Two programmes are scheduled for 2007-08:

• Future Leaders Programme, 4-6 Dec and 6-7 Feb, in the Midlands
• Senior Managers Programmes, 27-28 Nov, 29 Jan, 27-28 Feb, in the South of England.

FPM Training.  T: 08702 406206  E: [email protected]  W: www.fpmonline.co.uk/LAM.htm

Cultureuro Seminars
September � December, various locations
�85
Information on European cultural co-operation and funding opportunities.
E: [email protected]  W: http://www.euclid.info

Diversifying Your Volunteer Team
25 September, London
�50 for participants from London Boroughs, �65 for participants from outside London
Advice on how to diversify your volunteer base and have your volunteers reflect your local community.
Georgina Siddall, MLA London.  T. 020 7549 1712.  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/uploads/documents/MLA_London_Delegates_Booking_Form_2007.doc

Introduction to Fundraising
27 September, London
�75 for participants from London Boroughs; �90 for participants from outside London
Ideas on how to fundraise, what to fundraise for and funding opportunities available.
Georgina Siddall, MLA London.  T. 020 7549 1712.  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/uploads/documents/MLA_London_Delegates_Booking_Form_2007.doc

Care and Management of Domestic Technology
1 October, Dundee
Free
NMS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on effective curation and aspects of collections care including disposal, handling hazardous substances, registration and storage.
Andrea Hallam, Tayside RDCF.  E: [email protected] 
W: http://www.nms.ac.uk/careandmanagementofdomestictechnology.aspx

Share Options: Making Lending Easier
2 October, London
�110 for MA members, �185 for non-members
Current lending practice in the UK and resources for easier loans administration.
Museums Association.  T: 020 7426 6940  E: [email protected]

Fundraising Fundamentals
2-3 October, Glasgow
The basics for funding and supporting your organisation, covering planning approaches to funders, putting together an effective proposal, and sustainability.
SCVO.  T: 0131 474 8019  E: [email protected]  W: www.scvo.org.uk/training

Introduction to Museum Ethics
3 October, Edinburgh
�35 for SMC member museums� volunteers, �50 for SMC / ASVA members,
�75 for non-members
This course aims to identify key ethical issues and to introduce elements of the Museum Associations� Code of Ethics.
Training, SMC.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/training/01ethics.asp

How Do I Get That Job?
4 October, Gloucester
�20 for MPG members, �40 for non-members
How to construct effective applications and perform well at interviews, so that you have the best possible chance of getting a museum-related job.
Liz Neathey, North Somerset Museum.  T: 01934 621028  E: [email protected]

Developing and Evaluating Online Learning Resources
17 October, Stirling
�35 for SMC member museums� volunteers, �70 for SMC / ASVA members,
�90 for non-members
Developing e-learning resources, exploring different methods, different audiences and how they use online resources. Also basic information on developing websites.
Training, SMC.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/training/02onlinelearning.asp

Introduction to Pest Management
18 October, Inverness
Free of charge
NMS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on the damage insects and other pests can cause to collections; how to prevent serious damage; and how to implement procedures like object quarantine and a pest management programme.
Hazel Bews.  E: [email protected]  W: http://www.nms.ac.uk/introductiontopestmanagement.aspx

Using Generic Learning Outcomes in Exhibition Planning
26 October, Elgin
Free of charge
NMS Knowledge Exchange Workshop introducing Generic Learning Outcomes.
Hazel Bews.  E: [email protected]  W: http://www.nms.ac.uk/usingglosinexhibitionplanning.aspx

Museums Association Annual Conference and Exhibition
22-24 October, Glasgow
�435 for MA members, �710 for non-members, special rates for various categories,
for example �10 for Scottish Museum Federation members (to join SMF, contact [email protected])
The conference will explore three central themes: collections-related knowledge; increasing visitor numbers; and measuring value.
W: http://www.museumsassociation.org/asset_arena/text/rm/conference

Preventive Conservation Forum. Visit to the Museum on the Mound
29 October, Edinburgh
Free of charge
An opportunity to tour the museum, learn about the displayed and stored collections, and how preventive conservation measures are managed and monitored in the museum.
Doug MacBeath, Curator, Museum on the Mound.  T: 0131 243 5445  E: [email protected]

Working with Audiences
31 October � 1 November, Edinburgh
�60 for engage personal members, �70 for engage organisational members and partner organisations, �80 for non-members
Involving audience groups and the impact that this can have on programming, gallery education activities, audience development and the development of institutions.
Jessica van Zanten, engage.  T: 020 7490 4690  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.engage.org/downloads/engageScotconf07.pdf

Making the Most of Your Board
8-9 November, Glasgow
�230
Ways of improving the performance and contribution of your board.
Arts & Business Scotland.  T: 0131 220 2499  E: [email protected]  W: http://www.AandB.org.uk

Archaeology and Identity
8-10 November, Glasgow
�100 for SMA members, �120 for non-members
The Society of Museum Archaeologists conference will consider themes such as devolution, museum trusts and human remains.
E: [email protected]  W: http://www.socmusarch.org.uk

Care of Textiles
15 November, Edinburgh
�35 for SMC member museums� volunteers, �85 for SMC / ASVA members,
�105 for non-members
Guidance on identifying care needs, handling and moving, storage, support, protection and the display of various textiles.
Training, SMC.  T: 0131 550 4110  E: [email protected]
W: http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk/areas_of_work/training/03textiles.asp

Scottish Museums Federation AGM
19 November, Newtongrange
As well as the business of the AGM, there will be presentations on oral history, Collections Navigator at Glasgow Museums, and a masterclass about Banners.
Information about the Fed is available at http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/find_a_network/regional_networks/scottish_fed

Introduction to Visitor Studies and Evaluation
23 November, Stornoway
Free of charge
NMS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on the value of visitor studies and evaluation.
Hazel Bews. E: [email protected]  W: http://www.nms.ac.uk/introductiontovisitorstudiesandevaluation.aspx

Making the Most of Plastics in Your Collection
26 November, Edinburgh
Free
How to identify and care for plastics and a discussion about plastics in relation to art, design and social history.
Susan Lambert.  T: 01202 363121  E: [email protected]

Trustee Training
27 November, Glasgow
�55
The roles and responsibilities of board members in the cultural sector.
Pennie McIntyre, Arts & Business Scotland.  T: 0131 220 2499  E: [email protected]  W: http://www.aandb.org.uk