Blog and Newsletter

Project Management 101: Planning Your Project

Two-part webinar

February 5 and 19, 2015  (1 hour each afternoon)

11 am PST / 2 pm EST

Produced by the Coalition to Advance Learning in Archives, Libraries, and Museums

Join your colleagues from archives, libraries and museums for a two-part, interactive learning webinar that will introduce the fundamentals of project management: planning a project. All of our fields struggle with unstable budgets and dynamic technology, so learning to think and act in terms of projects is critical—it can be the difference between turning an idea into a successful, resourced initiative or not. Led by representatives from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the webinars will focus on the key elements of a project plan: the idea, the audiences, funding options, a work plan, an evaluation, and more. We will also discuss how to critically examine your project ideas, asking, Is it fundable? Valuable? Sustainable? And if not, what could you do differently? While learning these fundamentals, you will also benefit from the insights and experiences shared by your fellow participants from across archives, library, and museum institutions.

February 5     Key Elements of a Project Plan (1 hour)

This session will describe how careful planning leads to more successful projects.. We will cover how to develop an idea, define your audience, look at funding options, do an environmental scan, assess your resource capacity and needs, and develop a project scope and schedule for implementation. Attendees will be invited to use the two weeks between webinars to outline a project idea based on these key principles. Submitted project plans will be reviewed by webinar moderators with individual feedback provided for each submission.

February 19   Evaluating Your Project Plan (1 hour)

In this highly interactive second session, we will use sample project ideas and case studies to look at how we can assess the strength of a project plan before it is implemented. We will also discuss other project management resources and where to learn more about the topic.

How Will I Benefit?

After participating in this two-part webinar, attendees will be better able to:

• Why project management is a critical skill
• What it takes to turn an idea into a fundable project
• Where to learn more about project management
• How to evaluate staff and institutional capacities to manage a project

Who Should Attend

This topic is relevant to all organizational roles: you may be currently managing or soon will be managing a project, or you may be a contributor to a current or future project.  

Presenters and Moderators

• Robert Horton, Associate deputy director, IMLS
• Sarah Fuller, Program specialist, IMLS

Register Now

Registration Info

About the Coalition to Advance Learning in Archives, Libraries and Museums

This is the inaugural project from the Coalition to Advance Learning in Archives, Libraries and Museums, which is supported by grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The purpose of the Coalition is to work in deliberate coordination across organizational boundaries to devise and strengthen sustainable continuing education and professional development (CE/PD) programs that will transform the library, archives, and museum workforce in ways that lead to measurable impact on our nation’s communities. Look online for a complete list of Coalition members.

The Donald Peterson Student Scholarship Award Subcommittee invites applications from archival science students and recent graduates of archival programs.  The award subsidizes travel to the Society of American Archivists Annual Meeting for students presenting research or actively participating in an SAA-sponsored committee, section, or roundtable.

 

Award and application information follow below.  The application deadline is February 28, 2015.  If you have any questions regarding the award or the application process, please contact Dawne Lucas, Donald Peterson Student Scholarship Award Committee Chair, at dawne_lucas@unc.edu.

Purpose and Criteria for Selection

Established in 2005, this award supports students and recent graduates from graduate archival programs within North America to attend SAA’s Annual Meeting. The goal of the scholarship is to stimulate greater participation in the activities of the Association by students and recent graduates. This participation must include either a presentation of research during the Annual Meeting or active participation in an SAA-sponsored committee, section, or roundtable.

 

Eligibility

Awarded to an SAA member in good standing who is currently enrolled in an archival education program or who graduated from an archival education program in the previous calendar year. Applications are evaluated based on the merits of the applicant’s essay and letters of recommendation.

 

Sponsor and Funding

The Society of American Archivists, in honor of Donald Peterson (1908-1999), New York lawyer and philatelist, whose deep appreciation of world history and preservation developed early through his stamp collecting and held true throughout his life.

 

Prize

Up to $1,000 in support of registration, travel, and accommodation expenses associated with the SAA Annual Meeting.

 

First Awarded

2006

 

Application Form and Documentation

Submit three copies of the following to the address on the application form:

1.       A 500-word essay describing the applicant's career goals and potential impact on the archival profession.

2. Unofficial transcript to verify student status or copy of graduate diploma.
3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals having definite knowledge of the applicant's qualifications.
4. Application form.

Application Deadline

February 28, 2015

J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award

Society of American Archivists

The J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award Subcommittee of the Society of American Archivists seeks nominations for the 2014 award. 

http://www2.archivists.org/governance/handbook/section12-jameson 

Established in 1989, this award honors an individual, institution, or organization that promotes greater public awareness, appreciation, or support of archival activities or programs.  The individual's or institution's contributions may take the form of advocacy, publicity, legislation, financial support, or a similar action that fosters archival work or raises public consciousness of the importance of archival work.  Contributions should have broad, long-term impact at the regional level or beyond. Up to three awards may be given each year.

Recent Winners:

2014: LGBT Center of Central PA History Project

National History Day

2013:  Dr. Warren Stewart

2012:  Eve Kahn, Bebe Miller, Phillip Stewart

2011:  “Who Do You Think You Are?” (NBC)

2010:  The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation

2009:  Ross King (Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board)

2008:  Data-Intensive Cyber Environments (DICE)

Eligibility: Nominees must be from outside the archives profession.  Individuals directly involved in archival work, either as paid or volunteer staff, or institutions or organizations directly responsible for an archival program are not eligible for this award.

Mailed materials must be postmarked by February 28, 2014 and should be sent to:

J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award Committee

Society of American Archivists

17 North State Street, Suite 1425

Chicago, IL 60602-4061

Nominations may be submitted electronically; please see the nomination form for details.  For more information on SAA awards and the nominations process, please go to: http://www.archivists.org/recognition/index.asp

SALTED PAPER PRINTING WORKSHOP

February 18, 2015

3:30-7:30 PM
Location: Northeast Document Conservation Center, Andover, MA (www.nedcc.org) 

Registration now open to all – Only 5 seats left!

 

This workshop will allow the participants to create their own salted paper prints by guiding them through the steps of the process. A brief lecture will acquaint the participants with the basic chemistry and variations of the process and discuss preservation concerns.  Interested participants are invited to tour the NEDCC facilities at 2:30 PM.

This workshop is designed for those with limited training in chemical photography who have an interest in learning more about salted paper printing. Pre-program and student participants are welcome as is anyone would like to get hands-on experience in printing.

 

INSTRUCTORS: 
Amanda Maloney and Maggie Wessling, Assistant Photograph and Paper Conservators
Northeast Document Conservation Center

Registration Fee:  
AIC (American Institute for Conservation) Member $125 
Regular $175

FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER:

https://www.nedcc.org/preservation-training/salted-paper

The 2015 Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) Awards nomination deadline is Thursday, January 15, 2015.   

The Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) is currently accepting nominations for two awards created to recognize excellence in information literacy and instruction. 

The LIRT Librarian Recognition Award will be presented to an individual librarian in appreciation for her/his contributions to the field, while the LIRT Innovation in Instruction Award will be given to a Library that demonstrates innovation in support of information literacy and instruction.

The Pinkett Award was established in 1993 and recognizes and acknowledges minority graduate students, such as those of African, Asian, Latino or Native American descent, who, through scholastic and personal achievement, manifest an interest in becoming professional archivists and active members of the Society of American Archivists.
The recipients of the award will receive full complimentary registration to the SAA Annual Meeting and related expenses for hotel and travel for attending the Annual Meeting of the Society of American Archivists on August 16-22, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition, each recipient receives a complimentary one-year membership in SAA. The Pinkett is awarded to minority students, with preference given to full-time students possessing a minimum scholastic grade point average of 3.5 while enrolled in a graduate program focusing on archival management during the academic year proceeding the date on which the award is given. For more details or to download the application form please visit: http://www2.archivists.org/governance/handbook/section12-pinkett.  The deadline to apply is February 28, 2015.

Live-In Caretaker/Farm Hand wanted at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, a 19th-century museum and farm in Livermore, Maine. This is a year-round position in exchange for housing in a 1-bedroom apartment, utilities included. The Caretaker is responsible for daily animal care, seasonal farm chores, weekly cleaning of buildings, general maintenance, assistance with program preparations, and overall site cleanliness and safety. Restrictions on the use of the buildings/grounds apply. No pets allowed. For more information, email norlands@norlands for a detailed job description. Email cover letter and resume to norlands@norlands.org.

The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is a living museum and working farmstead operating under methods of the 1800s.   Our mission is to preserve the heritage and traditions of rural life in Maine's past, to celebrate the achievements of Livermore's Washburn family, and to use living history methods to make values, activities, and issues of the past relevant to present and future generations.

FMI: www.norlands.org

Director of Development, Maine Maritime Museum
Maine Maritime Museum, an internationally recognized cultural institution located on the Kennebec River in
Bath seeks a Director of Development who will play a key role in the leadership team and help the museum
continue to grow and excel.

The Museum

Maine Maritime Museum (MMM) is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to promoting an
understanding and appreciation of Maine’s maritime heritage and culture through gallery exhibits, an
historic shipyard, educational programs, a research Library, and narrated excursions along area waterways.
Founded in 1962, the Museum is located on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River
in Bath, “The City of Ships” and provides a unique experience to visitors of all ages from around the world.
The MMM experience includes indoor galleries with changing exhibits on historic and contemporary maritime
issues, the monumental evocation of the schooner Wyoming, an active boat shop that teaches traditional
skills to students and adults, and river and industry tours that help people gain an entirely new
understanding and perception of Maine’s maritime culture. More than 250 volunteers spend their time
working with the staff, the collections, and visitors to contribute to the enrichment of thousands of lives.
Engaged donors support the Museum in order to leave a lasting legacy that will inform – and transform –
future generations. MMM strives to enrich the lives of residents and visitors and be the fullest expression of
what a museum can be.

The Museum has a staff of 22 FTEs, 250+ volunteers, and an active board of trustees. MMM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and adheres to the highest standards of the museum industry.

The Position

The Director of Development is responsible for the strategic development plan and oversees all aspects of
the Museum's fund raising activities to meet annual financial objectives. With assistance from a full-time
development associate and additional administrative and marketing support, the Director of Development
reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the board to ensure the museum raises the funds
necessary to fulfill its mission.

Specific Duties Include:

 Annual and Long-term Development Plan – Works with the Executive Director and Development
Committee to create the strategic development plan to meet specific financial goals that include annual
giving, major gifts, planned giving, individual and business membership programs, sponsorships,
foundation giving, grants, fundraising and cultivation events, restricted project support and campaigns.

 Donor Stewardship – Develops and implements a personal cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plan for prospects, major donors, and trustees. Supports the Director and Trustees in donor stewardship and cultivation. Keeps current supporters informed and involved and is creative in thanking and acknowledging donors.

 Annual Giving – Develops and implements an annual giving plan including a summer appeal and yearend
appeal, Trustee giving, Compass Circle (major gifts), prospect cultivation, and timely gift
acknowledgement. Works with trustees and staff on prospect identification and cultivation.

 Individual Membership – Leads development and visitor services staff to grow membership program through enrollment of new members, retention of current members, and to increase membership levels.

 Corporate Support – Works with development staff, Trustees, and other museum staff to identify
prospects and solicit and cultivate support from the corporate sector. Forms strong and mutually
beneficial relationships with business leaders that lead to annual giving, business memberships and
sponsorships.

 Foundation Giving and Grants – Solicits gifts and grants from foundations and agencies for annual giving and specific project support. Where appropriate, works with other museum staff and outsidegrant writers to maximize funding opportunities.

 Planned Giving – Develops and implements plans to encourage bequests and deferred gifts to the museum. Stewards known bequest donors and cultivates estate attorneys.

 Capital Campaign – Working with the Executive Director, the Campaign Chair and Campaign Committee, provides leadership for campaign fundraising and support for all participants in their fundraising efforts. Assumes responsibility for a designated prospect pool, manages donor assignments,and ensures proper and timely gift acknowledgments are made.

 Special Events – Develops and works with museum facilities staff to implement special events for
fundraising and stewardship. Specifically, takes the lead on the annual Mariner’s Award event and
supports Compass Circle and other cultivation events throughout the year.

 Community Relations – Develops effective relationships in the community and actively share stories
of positive outcomes to build support for the Museum’s mission and activities.

 Finance and Data Integrity – Works with the Finance Office and administrative staff to ensure proper
record keeping in Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge systems.

 Other duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications:
 Minimum of a B.A. or B.S. with at least five years of proven success in development.
 Adherence to the highest ethical standards and demonstrated ability to work effectively with donors,
board members, and leaders in the business and philanthropic community.
 Experience researching, cultivating and soliciting individual and corporate donors as well as grant
writing for foundation and agency support.
 Excellent oral and written communication and strong leadership and strategic project management
skills. Ability to work well with a wide variety of individuals.
 Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events and travel.
 Experience with donor management software, especially Raiser’s Edge.

Salary commensurate with experience, competitive benefits, positive working environment.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please send a cover letter and resume to John Settelen, Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington Street,
Bath, ME 04530. Electronic submissions accepted at jsettelen@maritimeme.org. No phone inquiries.
This position is subject to background checks including sex offender, criminal and credit checks. EOE.

The Museum is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day) from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Visit www.mainemaritimemuseum.org for more information.

(PDF version for easy sharing)

The leadership of Maine Archives and Museums (MAM), the membership organization dedicated to “supporting and promoting Maine’s collecting institutions,” was distressed to read about Governor Paul LePage’s recent characterization of Maine’s nonprofits as “takers, not givers” who “don’t pay their fair share,” and to learn that he wants to consider ending these organizations’ tax exemptions. The governor expressed these opinions during a November 6, 2014 interview with WCSH 6, selections of which are available on the channel’s website.

The Maine Library Association has awarded the Outstanding Librarian of the Year award and the Journalism award for 2014.  The Outstanding Librarian of the Year for 2014 is Jennifer Alvino, director of the Windham Public Library.  Alvino was nominated by her staff as well as town manager Tony Plante and former American Library Association president Maureen Sullivan.

 

This year’s journalism award is given to Portland Press Herald staff writer Ray Routhier for his support of Maine libraries in general, and specifically for his piece entitled, “Maine Libraries Write New Chapter on Lending.”

 

The awards will be handed out at the MLA conference on Sunday, November 16^th at the annual banquet.