MAM CARES Workshop, March 23, 2018

MAM CARES: CATALYZING ACCESS, RESEARCH, AND EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
Launched with a $25,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, CARES (Catalyzing Access, Research, and Education Solutions) will determine the potential for community and statewide collaborations in collections-driven research, education, storage, preservation, and conservation efforts, and inform the conceptual design of a MAM collections center in Missoula.

In fall 2017, MAM received a prestigious $25,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) program, Museums for America. Only 24% of applications to this highly competitive program were funded, placing MAM in the national ranks of 138 projects that support the IMLS goal to to connect communities to their artistic and cultural resources. IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew says, “As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other.”

Montana has a rich history, and its institutions hold important collections of artwork, documents, and archival materials. However, many of the state’s museums and libraries are experiencing shrinking capacity as collections continue to grow. CARES will determine the potential for collaborations in collections-driven research and inform the conceptual design of a MAM collections center in Missoula.

Project Director Brandon Reintjes says, “Museums and libraries tend to develop and expend resources independently. However, there are significant opportunities for us to collaborate with our colleagues throughout the state, specifically in regards to collections. We’re extremely proud to have received this important national grant.” Nearly $22,000 of the total grant will stay in Montana communities and provide direct benefits for Montanans, including training stipends and new access to much-needed resources.

Denver-based book and paper conservator Beth Heller to Missoula to provide training to statewide museum and library staff. Local experts also contributing to the project include consulting architect Warren Hampton, Mansfield Library Head of Archives and Special Collections Donna McCrae, and Sue Near, a 35-year veteran of collections and administration at the Montana Historical Society. Their efforts will benefit an estimated 50 staff from institutions across the state, and by their efforts, help the public to enjoy, study, and understand our cultural collections.

CARES Activities

• Statewide Collection Assessment
  In fall 2017, MAM contacted the directors of more than 230 Montana museums, libraries, and archives with a request to participate in a survey to identify significant needs, challenges, and opportunities. MAM will post the analysis prepared by conservator Beth Heller in early 2018.
• Events
  MAM invites artists, collectors, community members, educators in K-12 and higher education, staff and volunteers of museums, libraries, archives and other cultural heritage organizations to help determine how a new collection facility can spark interdisciplinary collaborations, enhance access to scholarship and educational resources, and improve the care of cultural collections. Workshop seating is limited and registration is required.

  Limited travel funds are available for participants who attend a workshop and charrette scheduled for the same day.

  • March 23
    Preservation of Books and Paper Workshop, Friday, March 23, 9 a.m. – noon: Presented by Beth Heller Conservation of Denver, CO. Beth will focus on care of books, historic and archival documents, and works of art on paper. MAM thanks Archival Methods and University Products for donating sample materials for workshop participants. Register for this workshop! Please fill out the registration form and email it to Lily Scott.

    Conservation and Preservation Design Charrette, Friday, March 23, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.How can a new facility improve the long-term care of art, documents, and other cultural materials? Register for this event! Please fill out the registration form and email it to Lily Scott.

  • April 23
    Research and Education Design Charrette: Monday, April 23, 9 a.m. – noon: How can a new facility meet the needs of K-12 and higher education? What are opportunities for collaborating to generate new research and educational materials? Please fill out the registration form and email it to Lily Scott.
  • May 11
    Introduction to Archive Management, Friday, May 11, 9 a.m. – noon: Donna McCrea, Head of Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana, will introduce policies and procedures, and cover topics such as identifying and organizing physical and digital archival material, best practices for storage and handling, and options for providing access to internal and external users. Register for this workshop! Please fill out the registration form and email it to Lily Scott.

    Physical and Digital Storage Design Charrette: Friday, May 11, 1 – 4 p.m.: How can a new facility improve the security of cultural collections in Missoula and across the state? How can it support collaborations that make digital information more accessible? Register for this event! Please fill out the registration form and email it to Lily Scott.

(Image: Jacob Lawrence, Seattle Arts Festival, Bumbershoot’76, screen print, MAM Collection, gift of J. Scott Patnode in honor of Stephen Glueckert, 2017.)