Resources
Below we have included lots of useful links related to different areas of Museum work. We know there will be lots more so do let us know if there is anything we have missed or any other resources you have found useful. Just email us at scottishmuseumsfederation@gmail.com.
trAining AND EVENTS
While we don’t offer our own training programme, we can recommend free and paid training opportunities from a range of organisations across Scotland:
COLLECTIONS
There are lots of useful Subject Specialist Networks across the UK offering specific advice on different types of collections - to look for one visit Subject Specialist Networks or Museums Galleries Scotland have a list available on their website.
Collections Trust provide advice and standards around collections management, including SPECTRUM 5.0 Collection Management Standard
The UK Registrars Group (UKRG) provides a forum for communication and co-operation between registrars, collection managers, exhibition organizers and other museum professionals in fields related to the work undertaken by registrars:
Museums Galleries Scotland have lots of advice on curating and managing collections
The Institute of Conservation (ICON) is the professional body for the conservation of our cultural heritage
Treasure Trove manages the Treasure Trove in Scotland and carries out investigations and object assessments
Scran hosts over 490,000 amazing, fully-captioned images, sounds and videos from over 300 museums, galleries, and archives making it very useful for research
exhibitions
Touring exhibitions group is a non-profit membership organisation, dedicated to supporting the cultural sector to tour exhibitions
DIGITAL MEDIA AND MARKETING
The Arts Marketing Association (AMA) has lots of training and resources about marketing in the arts and culture sector
Scottish Heritage Social Media Group offer peer-to-peer support for social media contributors within the Scottish history, heritage, archaeology and museum sectors
The Museums Computer Group works to connect, support and inspire people working with technology in museums
The Group for Education in Museums provides training and resources for anyone interested in learning in Museums.
Kids in Museums have lots of top tips as well as information on their Takeover Day and Family Friendly Award schemes. Also check out their manifesto, a set of simple guidelines for museums created with children, young people and families setting out what they feel makes a museum a great place to visit
Visitor Services Group is a Membership organisation for individuals whose role involves, uses or benefits from visitor studies
Enagage provides support, advice and training to people working in gallery education as well as running an annual conference
LEARNING AND engagement
Access
MuseumsDCN is the Disability Collaborative Network for Museums C.I.C. They work to promote and embed inclusive practice in the heritage and cultural sector
Autism in Museum works to raise awareness of accessibility in museums
Jobs
From time to time we are asked to share job opportunities across our network. Whilst we are happy to do so, we feel that jobs must pay a living wage at the very minimum, £9.30 an hour. However with this in mind we also feel strongly that organisations should pay employees appropriately for different roles in accordance with the Museums Association Salary Guidelines.
As a sector, one of the ways in which we can recognise the value and impact of our work is through paying of fair wages and supporting colleagues across professions. We’d encourage those who are advertising jobs in museums to adhere to MA Salary guidelines and take note of the Fair Museum Jobs Manifesto.
If you have any questions about our stance on museum jobs please email us scottishmuseumsfederation@gmail.com
You can search for jobs on the below websites:
Ukraine
Illustration by Alo Perez
The Committee of the Scottish Museums Federation stands with those caring for the heritage and culture of Ukraine and condemns attacks on cultural institutions and their staff and volunteers. We have compiled a list of resources to assist those in need. If you know of any other initiatives or resources that can be added to this list, please contact us at scottishmuseumsfederation@gmail.com.
SMF firmly stands against all destruction of cultural heritage in areas of conflict.
We ask that all of our members ensure they abide by the ICOM and MA Code of Ethics at all times and remain vigilant against potentially looted objects, particularly where they could have originated from areas of conflict.