Collections Conservation and Management

 

The fundamental role of the conservation professional is to preserve and restore, as appropriate, cultural property for present and future generations. We have a lot to learn from the experiences and events of people who have gone before us. However, we can't learn much from the past if we don't have records of it. Imagine how much history is lost to us when an ancient artifact is destroyed -- by perfectly well-meaning people who want to save it. As a Collections Conservation and Management specialist, you will learn how to save the fragile reminders and markers of the past -- preserved for future generations to learn from.

 

Program Highlights

This is an intensive, fast-paced learning experience that you will undertake in four consecutive semesters. You'll start your classes in September and spend your first three semesters, during the fall, winter and summer, at the college. Following your introduction to the field of conservation, you will gain experience in the care and handling of most common museum materials, including ceramics, glass, stone, metals, wooden objects, leather and proteinaceous materials, textiles, works of art on paper, books, archival materials, and photographs. Once you've learned the theory and practical skills, you'll treat museum artifacts from local, regional, and national sites. Complementary courses, workshops, assignments, and community-based projects will offer off-campus opportunities to practice conservation methods. A full-time, unpaid, curriculum-based internship in your final semester (September to December) provides an invaluable learning and work experience.

 

Word from the Workplace

"The diverse curriculum offered at Fleming gave me the unique opportunity to study this field through in-depth lectures, lab sessions, projects, hands-on activities and educational field trips. The professional staff were very capable, supportive and extremely understanding, and helped me hone my skills to meet today's competitive job market." Tracy Satin, Program Graduate
Smithsonian Institution's National Museum
of American History, Washington, DC

 

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming College's Collections Conservation and Management program is the only college-level training in this field in Canada. It is widely recognized as providing the optimum synthesis of art and science; graduates are appreciated for their professional ethics and standards, and hands-on experience in the field.

 

Work Experience

There are many opportunities to get practical experience both at the college and off-campus. In your fourth semester, you will take on a challenging, full-time, curriculum-based internship at an approved site. Students should be prepared to relocate for the internship, to pay full tuition fees, and be self-supporting during this semester. You can negotiate your own internship with faculty assistance and several students have participated in internships abroad. The internship is an unpaid study experience. Every reasonable attempt will be made to fit students to appropriate sites. Satisfactory completion of the internship is a prerequisite for graduation.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

• respect for tangible and intangible heritage
• a love of history
• good colour perception
• visual acuity
• manual dexterity
• ability to work in teams
• sense of humour
• time management skills
• good communication skills
• team skills

 

Career Opportunities

Expect to find work in heritage, historical, or cultural organizations and centres, such as archives, museums, historic sites, cultural/heritage institutions, and conservation labs. The employment rate of graduates is very impressive, especially if you are willing to move for work, and take the initiative in developing a network of contacts in the field. Job titles include:

• conservation technician
• museum technician
• curatorial assistant
• conservator
• museum registrar
• heritage interpreter
• preservation officer

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 1 College (C) Grade 12 Chemistry course 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Recommended:
Strong Science background. (Although not required for admission, this will help to prepare you for the program.) 

Mature Students  If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. 

All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory science course, through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Interested in exploring other history/heritage related programs for career options? Why not consider the post-graduate Museum Management and Curatorship program?

 

Health Requirements

If you have a complex medical history, we strongly advise you to discuss your concerns with the program co-ordinator, and to consult with your doctor. You must update your Tetanus immunization prior to the start of classes. In addition, students are required to present current Standard First Aid and CPR (C Level) certificates, WHMIS training and a current police records check.

 

Additional Costs

You should plan to spend approximately $1,900 on books, supplies, and miscellaneous costs. You will be required to pay fees to complete certification in WHMIS training, First Aid, CPR  and for a police records check. Students are also required to purchase a few tools, brushes, slide film, lab materials and appropriate health and safety equipment. Additional fees may be required for field trips or specialized workshops. A laptop and digital camera are assets.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
History of Technology I	15.00
Lab Methods I	30.00
Lab Techniques I	90.00
Material Science I	60.00
Preservation Management I	60.00
Preservation Management II	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 2
History of Technology II	15.00
Lab Methods II	30.00
Lab Techniques II	90.00
Management Practices: Entrepreneurship for the Arts	45.00
Material Science II	60.00
Preservation Management III	60.00
Preservation Management IV	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 3
History of Technology III	15.00
Internship and Career Orientation	15.00
Lab Methods III	30.00
Lab Techniques III	90.00
Material Science III	60.00
Preservation Management V	30.00
Preservation of Books - Photos - Archival Material	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 4
Internship	600.00
General Education Elective

Semester 1

History of Technology I

Course Number: SCIE044

This course examines the history of the materials and technology used in the fabrication of artifacts made from ceramic, glass, stone and metal. The origin of these inorganic materials and material characteristics will be studied.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Lab Methods I

Course Number: SCIE038

This course provides an introduction to the materials, techniques, applications, and methods available for the treatment, stabilization, and care of ceramics, glass, stone, and metal artefacts. The identification, treatment and stabilization of decorative surfaces including colourants, pigments, etc. are also examined. Accurate condition assessment skills will be emphasized. Relevant theoretical laboratory knowledge and skills will be developed.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Lab Techniques I

Course Number: SCIE041

This course is predominantly applied laboratory work designed to teach the student the principles and techniques of ceramics, glass, stone and metals conservation. This course relies on and further develops an understanding of the history of technology and the characteristics and properties of inorganic materials most commonly found in museum collections. Students will be provided with the opportunity to develop practical and theoretical skills in the identification, assessment, cleaning, stabilization, repair, and care of inorganic materials through a variety of lab projects.A fieldwork component introduces special topics such as conservation and preservation issues related to cemeteries, stone buildings and petroglyphs.

Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00

Material Science I

Course Number: SCIE107

Material Science I provides an introduction to inorganic materials encountered in museum collections, including: ceramics, glass, stone and metals. The chemical composition, structure and deterioration of these materials are discussed. A variety of scientific techniques and conservation treatments are presented through lectures, practical experiments, applied projects and self-directed learning.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Preservation Management I

Course Number: MUSM039

This course examines the context for the emergence of the preservation movement and the conservation profession: its history, philosophy, and development: issues in professionalism, including the role of professional associations, accreditations and ethical practice: workplace awareness: written and photographic documentation: and computer applications for conservation.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Preservation Management II

Course Number: MUSM040

This course introduces integrated approaches to preventive conservation and collections maintenance. Areas of study will include the agents of deterioration and the behaviour of specific materials and/or artifacts, environmental monitoring techniques and use of specialized equipment, the control of the agents of deterioration and the principles of preservation management, such as policy development, risk assessment, collection surveys, storage, disaster planning, integrated pest management, etc.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 2

History of Technology II

Course Number: SCIE045

This course examines the history of the materials and technology used in the fabrication of artifacts made from wood and leather and other proteinaceous materials. The origin of these organic materials and their material characteristics will be studied.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Lab Methods II

Course Number: SCIE039

This course provides an introduction to the materials, techniques, applications and methods available for treatment, stabilization and care of wood, leather and proteinaceous materials. The identification treatment and stabilization of decorative surfaces including colourants, finishes, pigments is also examined. Accurate condition assessment skills will be emphasized. Relevant theoretical laboratory knowledge and skills will be developed.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Lab Techniques II

Course Number: SCIE042

This course provides an opportunity to develop practical skills in the assessment and treatment and care of a variety of organic materials, including wood, leather, skin, fur, and other collagenous and proteinaceous materials. A variety of object types, such as furniture, mixed media and ethnographic artifacts are presented. Special emphasis is placed on ethical awareness in conservation, and safe use and maintenance of laboratory tools. Competencies in written, drawn, and photographic documentation are further developed.

Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00

Management Practices: Entrepreneurship for the Arts

Course Number: MUSM044

This course introduces a framework to ethically manage a department or establish and operate a small or freelance business within the Canadian heritage conservation/cultural/arts community. Through a combination of theory, discussion and applied practice, students will explore learning activities such as: personal/professional assessment of strengths and weaknesses as they apply to entrepreneurship and small business operation; management practices for small business (time management, project management, resource management, etc); business ownership models; basic advocacy and marketing principals for small business and the development of basic advertising and promotional materials and an effective business plan (including marketing / financial components) Other areas of investigation will include: market research and planning; the process of responding to a request for proposal (RFP); grantwriting; proposal writing and tendering; drafting and interpreting business contracts; working with suppliers; client relations, costing and financial issues; insurance consideration and designing an effective work environment.

Note: Proficient writing skills are critical for successful course completion. Should these skills be deficient, faculty may recommend upgrading.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Material Science II

Course Number: SCIE108

This course provides an introduction to organic materials in museum collections, including: wood, leather, skin, fur, bone antler, horn, ivory, tortoiseshell, feather, and quills. Students will discuss the chemical composition, structure, and deterioration as well as the applied decoration and finishes. A variety of scientific techniques and conservation treatments will be presented through lectures, practical experiments, applied projects, and self-directed learning.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Preservation Management III

Course Number: MUSM041

This course consists of three units. Unit I, Exhibitions and Display Mounting, provides an introduction to the process of exhibit development and design (including policy and planning) as well as developing specific production skills. Unit II, Packing and Storing, examines planning, resource requirements, design, and construction of storage systems and protective enclosures. In Unit III, Mouldmaking, Casting and Use of Reproductions, students will examine proven and experimental techniques and processes, and have the opportunity to apply and explore them in the lab.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Preservation Management IV

Course Number: MUSM042

A comprehensive understanding of collections management practices allows the conservator to participate more fully in the decision making process as well as assume responsibility for some of these functions. The course introduces current issues in collections management: the role of the registrar and conservator in tracking and movement of objects (management of acquisitions, temporary deposits, loans, methods of transportation): provides a framework for understanding registration and records management systems and explores current and future trends in computer application including international standards for documentation and the role of organizations such as the Canadian Heritage Information Network and Museum Computer Network.The management of museum collections is governed by a complex framework of legal and ethical guidelines. An understanding of these, together with practical skills in the planning and implementation of inventory and collections surveys, the development of collection plans and policy and knowledge of skills in ensuring the long term stability of collections. As well providing a general framework for the management, control and growth of collections. This course examines traditional and non-traditional trends and issues such as stewardship versus ownership of cultural property: co-stewardship agreements: contemporary collecting and working with artists.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 3

History of Technology III

Course Number: SCIE046

This course examines the history of the materials and technology used in the fabrication of textile and paper artifacts. The origin of these organic materials and material characteristics will be studied.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Internship and Career Orientation

Course Number: MUSM023

The 15 week internship is a key opportunity to synthesize theory and practice in an approved conservation laboratory, museum or related setting under the direction of an experienced practitioner. In order to plan for an effective placement, students will complete an assessment of personal needs and resources: update resumes: initiate a search and selection process: negotiate and draft a learning contract and work plan and examine research methods for the project to be completed during the internship. In preparation for exit from the program, job search skills, contract work and human resource issues in the museum sector will also be reviewed. The course will be delivered as a combination of group workshops and one-on-one sessions.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Lab Methods III

Course Number: SCIE040

This course provides an introduction to the materials, techniques, applications, and methods available for the treatment, stabilization, and care of textile, paper, parchment, and vellum artifacts. The identification, treatment, and stabilization of decorative surfaces, including colourants, pigments and applied finishes, are also examined. Accurate condition assessment skills will be emphasized. Relevant theoretical laboratory knowledge and skills will be developed.Pre-requisitesLab Methods I (SCIE038)Lab Methods II (SCIE039)History of Technology I (SCIE044)History of Technology II (SCIE045)Lab Techniques I (SCIE041)Lab Techniques II (SCIE042)Material Science I (SCIE035)Material Science II (SCIE036)Co-requisitesLab Techniques III (SCIE043)History of Technology III (SCIE046)Materials Science III (SCIE037)Preservation of Books-Photos-Archival Material (SCIE047)

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Lab Techniques III

Course Number: SCIE043

This course is predominantly applied laboratory work. The focus will be on the identification and assessment of materials, cleaning methods: basic treatments: repair techniques and storage and display methods for textiles and works of art on paper. Emphasis is placed on the written, drawn and photographic documentation of objects. Conservation skills are developed through the mastery of theoretical and practical laboratory work. NOTE: Students wishing to pursue a specialization in textile conservation should be prepared to develop additional sewing skills.Pre-requisitesLab Techniques I (SCIE041)Lab Techniques II (SCIE042)Lab Methods I (SCIE038)Lab Methods II (SCIE039)History of Technology I (SCIE044)History of Technology II (SCIE045)Material Science I (SCIE035)Material Science II (SCIE036)Co-requisitesLab Methods III (SCIE040)History of Technology III (SCIE046)Material Science III (SCIE037)

Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00

Material Science III

Course Number: SCIE109

Material Science III provides an introduction to organic materials encountered in museum collections, archives and libraries including: paper, parchment, textiles, and information media. Chemical composition, structure, deterioration as well as the applied decoration, using colourants and finishes are discussed. A variety of scientific techniques and conservation treatments are presented through lectures, practical experiments, applied projects and self-directed learning.Pre-requisitesMaterial Science I (SCIE107)Lab Methods I (SCIE038)Lab Techniques I (SCIE041)History of Technology I (SCIE044)Material Science II (SCIE108)Lab Methods II (SCIE039)Lab Techniques II (SCIE042)History of Technology II (SCIE045)Co-requisitesLab Methods III (SCIE040)Lab Techniques III (SCIE043)History of Technology III (SCIE046)Preservation of Books-Photos-Archival Material (SCIE047)

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Preservation Management V

Course Number: MUSM043

Conservation is motivated by two things: a love of objects, and a dedication to ensuring that these objects will continue to speak about the past and present for time ahead. This course examines some of the special problems related to managing diverse and challenging collections. The conservation and management issues arising from unique collections of a specific nature or type of object will be assessed.PrerequisitesPreservation Management I (MUSM039)Preservation Management II (MUSM040)Preservation Management III (MUSM041)Preservation Management IV (MUSM042)

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Preservation of Books - Photos - Archival Material

Course Number: SCIE047

The conservation challenges of library and archival holdings are compounded by the nature of the institutions in which they are housed and the provision of public access for research and study. The philosophy of archival and library preservation will be assessed (preservation of information versus the object) as well as integrated approaches to preventive conservation and the use of new technologies. Building on the knowledge and skill base developed in the Conservation and Material Science of Paper, this applied module includes off-site visits to, and assessment of, library and archival collections.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 4

Internship

Course Number: MUSM021

The internship provides the opportunity for students to observe and experience, at first hand, the operations and activities of a conservation practice and preservation management in the public or private sectors. The fifteen week full time block placement is designed to integrate theory and practice as well as introduce new techniques, methods, approaches and equipment beyond the scope of the Fleming program. The internship can be developed as a specialized and focussed learning opportunity or a more general placement in preventive conservation and preservation management. Projects are planned and directed with faculty support and implemented under the supervision of a qualified practising conservator or preservation manager.Please Note: Full tuition fees apply and students must be registered with the college before starting their internship. Internships are not paid.

Units: 600.00
Hours: 600.00