Distance education

Please note the upcoming deadlines and revised course start dates
for our distance education courses. Please let us know if we can
provide further information.

Learning at a Distance:
Cultural Resource Management at the University of Victoria 1997
Fall/Winter Distance Education Courses

    *   Introduction to Museum Studies
    *   Human Resource Management in Cultural Heritage Organizations
    *   Museum Information Management

We are pleased to announce three distance learning courses for
museum and heritage professionals. These are offered in September
1997 on either a credit or non-credit basis through the University
of Victoria, to assist you in developing your knowledge and
skills--in the places and at the times best suited to your learning
needs.

Our print-based 'Introduction to Museum Studies' survey course is
offered from September through April, and we are introducing two new
computer-mediated Special Topics courses in 'Museum Information
Management' and 'Human Resource Management in Cultural Heritage
Organizations' which run from September through December.

In our Survey Courses, you work with a tutor who stays in touch by
e-mail or phone to answer questions you may have and to provide
timely and useful feedback on your assignments.  In the new Special
Topics courses, you interact through e-mail on a weekly basis with
the course instructor and with other course participants to discuss
topics, explore issues, and undertake a range of individual and
group activities and assignments. In all courses, you are encouraged
to interact with people in your organization and your community to
gather information and to apply your learning in practical
situations.

The following is a listing and brief description of each course. If
you would like to receive further information, including learning
outcomes, course outlines, computer and communications requirements,
and registration materials, please contact us at the address below,
or visit our web site.

Please note that you may register by fax, mail, e-mail, or on-line.

A.  Survey Courses

Introduction to Museum Studies

This comprehensive survey of museums in contemporary society
provides a solid philosophical foundation in museum studies,
balanced with an understanding of the knowledge and skills required
in professional practice and the issues and problems encountered in
the workplace. Themes include ethical basis for practice, roles, and
relationships with communities, impacts of technology, and impacts
of changing sources of funding. You will gain an understanding of:

    *   diversity of tasks, skills, and types of expertise in museum
        practice

    *   museological literature, sources, and reference materials

    *   structure and functions of the museum community

    *   forces and impacts of change


Course Materials: You receive six binders, containing teaching
units, a wide range of instructional materials, and a set of
posters. You also receive a video series on loan for the duration of
the course. Two texts are required; these may be ordered with the
course, or you may find them in your organization's library.

Special Requirements: You are strongly encouraged to have access to
a collections holding institution, as a staff member or volunteer,
in order to consider your learning in a practical context. Some
assignments involve a review of the institution's policies,
facilities, or programs.

Course Dates: September 9, 1997 - April 17, 1998; please register by
August 15 Course Fee: $640, credit or non-credit, (Canadian Funds)
plus $50 for two textbooks

* Please note that our other survey course 'Introduction to Heritage
Conservation' is being revised; we hope to have it available again
in January 1998.

B.  Special Topics Courses

Our new Special Topics courses use a combination of print, audio,
and computer-mediated instructional materials. You interact by
e-mail with fellow participants and the instructor, are encouraged
to consider practical problems in your workplace and community, and
balance independent study with group activities and discussion. You
require access to a computer that supports e-mail and either
Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Recommended technical
requirements for each course are outlined in detail on the
registration form. Peripherals and software may include some or all
of the following: modem, CD-ROM player, and Internet browser.

Please register early as the class size is limited.

Human Resource Management in Cultural Heritage Organizations

People in museums and cultural organizations bring a remarkable level
of enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to their work, despite
significant organizational change, uncertain funding, and high levels
of stress. This course examines methods for creating a positive work
environment, and explores issues and ideas that influence the way we
manage and work with people. It stresses integrated, planned
approaches to human resource (HR) development for museums and related
organizations. Finding the right people and keeping them depends on
our ability to encourage and support an environment of growth and
learning. You will strengthen your ability to manage and develop human
resources as you:

    *   define the central role of people in achieving goals &
        objectives

    *   recognize the impacts of social, economic, and political
        factors

    *   understand the nature and implications of museum work on HR
        management and development

    *   describe methods and structures required for effective human
        resource management

    *   develop specific forms and procedures for human resource
        activities

    *   articulate the importance of an integrated, planned approach

    *   assess ways that organizational dynamics and culture,
        leadership styles, and practices influence
        individual/institutional performance

Instructor: Lois Irvine draws on extensive museum human resource
management and consulting experience in her on-campus and distance
teaching. Based in Alberta, Lois balances her teaching with
international consulting activities and her work as Chair of the
Canadian Museums Human Resource Planning Committee

Course Materials: You will receive a binder, audio tapes, and access
to a dedicated web site.

Dates: September 9 - December 12; please register by August 8

Fee: $589 (Canadian funds), credit or non-credit

Museum Information Management

Information is increasingly recognized as a vital asset in museums and
heritage organizations. This course encourages you to define the kinds
of information your organization holds and the values it represents to
you and your publics. It explores the importance of integrated
information management and communication systems in collections
research and management, and other aspects of museum and heritage
work, and emphasizes ways in which computer-based systems and
electronic communications technologies can be used. Your ability to
manage information in the museum and heritage context will be
strengthened as you:

    *   recognize the importance of information, and the
        perspectives that influence its value

    *   identify the types of information that are gathered and
        managed

    *   understand the evolution of information management

    *   define the roles of staff

    *   explore issues of access

    *   understand how technology serves the needs of museums

    *   appreciate integrated approaches

    *   assess museum information systems

    *   identify external resources

    *   anticipate emerging technologies and changing institutional
        roles

Instructor: James Blackaby is Senior Systems Developer with the
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. He has taught this course
in an immersion format on campus, and his extensive consulting work
with heritage and museum agencies gives him a wealth of systems
experience.

Course Materials: You will receive a binder, CD-ROM, and access to a
dedicated web site.

Special Requirements: Access to a computer that supports CD-ROM.

Dates: January 5 - April 4, 1998; please register by December 8

Fee: $589 (Canadian funds), credit or non-credit

Acknowledgements We acknowledge, with thanks, the support of the
Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage,
the British Columbia Heritage Trust, and the Innovations Fund of the
British Columbia Ministry of Skills, Training and Labour.

For Details, Please Contact:

    Joy Davis, Program Director
    Cultural Resource Management Program
    Division of Continuing Studies
    University of Victoria
    PO Box 3030 Victoria, BC  V8W 3N6
    Canada
    Phone 250-721-8462 Fax 250-721-8774 E-mail joydavis<-a t->uvcs< . >uvic< . >ca
    register on-line at our web site
    <URL:http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/CRMP>

In addition, we are offering a series of on-campus immersion courses.
Please contact us for information.

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