Training

Image from 'A behind-the-scenes look at our history collection'.

Staff training provides museum personnel with relevant skills, a better understanding of museum theory and practice and greater insight into museological methods and techniques.  This knowledge can be directly translated into improvements to museum programs, collection care, exhibits and overall operation.  The development of a staff training policy and the implementation of a training program should enable all community museums to upgrade services and to meet National standards.

Developing a staff training policy

A staff training policy forms part of a larger museum management policy.  The policy development process will depend on circumstances, staff and available resources.  The policy should be developed cooperatively with input from board members, volunteers, employees and anyone else on whom this would have a bearing.  The ultimate goal of a staff training policy is to have fully trained staff who can ensure continuity in the museum’s operations and can implement sound museological practice.

Board of Management’s or Museum Committee’s Role

The museum board or committee should take an active role in seeking out training opportunities and in making sure that staff members can participate in these activities.  This could include accessing funding for or paying the costs of courses or seminars, encouraging staff to attend or giving some other form of compensation.  Ideally, a budget needs to be established for staff training and development.

Areas of knowledge

Training may be required for:

• Care of collections and Conservation
• Packing and handling procedures
• Documentation procedures
• Museum operations and administration
• Staff and site management
• Marketing, Public Relations and Evaluation
• Interpretation and education programs
• Exhibition design
• Financial planning and fundraising
• Digitisation of collections
• Museum security
• Cultural planning

Resources

Training needs may be met through:

• Workshops
• Seminars
• In-house training sessions
• In-house library of books and periodicals on museology
• Conferences
• Internships
• Visits and study tours
• Meetings of regional museums groups
• Audio-visual education kits
• University/college courses
• Museums studies programs
• Professional exchanges
• Active participation in professional associations
• Use of information technology and professional literature to keep abreast of professional developments and policies in direct and related areas.

References and further reading:

The Ontario Ministry of Culture and Communications, Ontario Museum Notes: Practical Information on Operating a Community Museum, Number 10 Developing a Staff Training Policy

 Edith Cowan University, Certificate in Museum Studies and Weekend Workshops