THE LEICESTER SPRING SCHOOL IN NEW MEDIA
organised by the Department of Museum Studies, University of Leicester.
and supported by the Museums Computer Group
19-21 April 2005
(including free entry to 'The Digital Object' - the UK Museums and the Web Conference 2005
www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk/meetings/1_2005.htm)
Book your place at this year's School by downloading the application form:
http://www.le.ac.uk/museumstudies/ssbookingform.doc
NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEAR, the Leicester Spring School in New Media is a three-day course that, through a spirit of collaboration (between public and private agencies, practitioners and training providers), aims to promote innovation and change, contribute to capacity building, and to help UK museums meet the challenges of the digital age.
The School is an occasion to reflect upon the impact and potential of digital media on the modern museum - timely at this moment when 'digital heritage' figures so largely within both the present activity and forward thinking of the sector.
Through a mixture of practical workshops, seminar discussions and demonstrations, the 18 participants have the chance to debate issues, share best practice, identify trends and opportunities, and build informed and effective strategies for working with new media in a museum context.
With contributions from leading practitioners and museum consultants, as well as the higher education and commercial sectors, sessions this year will include:
defining 'digital heritage': theories and concepts
benchmarking museum web sites: standards and guidelines
supporting e-learning: principles, practice and products
writing for the web: accessibility and usability
developing effective digital interactives: planning and design
managing new media projects: from concept to delivery
And then, on the third day of the School (21 April), participants will have free access to 'The Digital Object' - the UK Museums and the Web conference 2005, which will also be hosted here at the University of Leicester in association with the Museums Computer Group, and sponsored by the 24 Hour Museum.
www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk/meetings/1_2005.htm
The School is not aimed primarily at ICT specialists, but rather museum practitioners from a variety of areas of work who wish to expand and enhance their knowledge, and their museum's potential, for future work with new media.
And with its carefully compiled study materials the School will also provide participants with the means to 'cascade' this training, and pass their knowledge on to others.
Similarly, through its affordable cost, provision for assisted places (through a limited number of bursaries), and informal but informed approach to learning, the School also aims to provide an accessible training opportunity.
At last year's School, participants included: a marketing officer, interpretation officer, digitisation project leader, education officer. assistant curator of photography, AV officer, multimedia and design co-ordinator, learning policy officer, documentation officer, curator of health and medicine, PhD student, senior advisor to the Finnish National Gallery.
At the previous School (in 2003) participants included: a new media manager, documentation assistant, senior curator, web manager, research and audience development officer, administration officer, assistant keeper, museum development manager, records & resources management officer, archaeologist-museologist, museums access officer, deputy director, web editor, access & learning manager, ICT officer.
COSTS AND ACCOMMODATION
The fee is £150 (for the three days). This includes the study materials, tea and coffee through the day, a drinks reception at the end of Day 1 and an evening meal on Day 2 as well as access to a range of eateries on campus.
Thanks to concession rates agreed with the University, accommodation is also available for a further £47 or £75 per night (subject to availability) at two local hotels a short walk away from the venue.
To provide an environment that is conducive to learning and active participation, the School is, at present, limited to just 18 places. We anticipate demand will be high. Please note, therefore, that places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Book your place at this year's School by downloading the application form:
http://www.le.ac.uk/museumstudies/ssbookingform.doc
Or, if you would like to know more about the Leicester Spring School in New Media, please contact Dr. Ross Parry on [log in to unmask], or phone +44(0)116 252 3963.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID ABOUT THE SPRING SCHOOL IN NEW MEDIA:
'Fantastic. Day-to-day work seldom provides the opportunity to sit back and think about 'stuff'. I wish I could go on a similar course every month!'
'VERY USEFUL! Gave me the opportunity to meet/discuss with colleagues from professional/larger/better funded etc. institutions and to raise awareness of small independents. I should be able to cascade to others through the County Forum'
'Good opportunity to meet other professionals and share experiences.'
'A very good eclectic mix of practical, theoretical, organisational sessions; now more aware of extent to which my own institution has not taken on board some strategy and policy issues. If I can get them to understand this then the School will have been very worthwhile.
'Good choice of speakers, well-prepared packs, good balance of theory and practice.'
'Excellent resources to take back to colleagues, looking forward to disseminating! Was great to have the material and content so thoughtfully compiled.
'Excellent - well run and a good cross-section of participants - really useful 3 days.'
'The speakers were entertaining and informative and really illustrated how New Media can be used to good effect if properly planned'
'Excellent, useful and timely, considering the wealth the IT projects currently underway in the Heritage sector.'
'The opportunity afforded by the School to have three days away was valuable in itself. With excellent sessions, I gained real benefit from the experience. I have been able to take back to colleagues a greater sense of new media and more confidence to work with it in the future.'
'The course was wonderful, I made some very good contacts and found the information packs and advice incredibly useful.'
'Very useful and good to hear other people's experiences.'
'I really liked the thoughtful approach so that we got a chance to really debate the issues.'
'Excellent teaching of theory and models of application - some of the content from these sessions has been adapted and applied in the workplace though presentation and roundtable discussion.'
Book your place at this year's School by downloading the application form:
http://www.le.ac.uk/museumstudies/ssbookingform.doc
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Dr. Ross Parry
Lecturer in Museums and New Media
Department of Museum Studies
University of Leicester
103-5 Princess Road East
Leicester, LE1 7LG, UK
+44 (0)116 252 3963 (general office)
+44 (0)116 252 3964 (direct line)
+44 (0)116 252 3960 (fax)
www.le.ac.uk/museumstudies/
