October 2010 Update

New Look
You'll notice that the blog look has changed.  I think this format and colouring aligns a bit better with the ANSM website and branding.  So enjoy, check out some of the archived posts, and let me know what you think. 


Social Media Workshop

We’ve had overwhelming response to the upcoming social media workshop in Halifax.  There is a waiting list of participants, so we’re looking at how we can expand the training to meet everyone’s needs.  Tracey and I are very excited about this workshop and will be in touch with participants over the coming week with more details.

QR Code Project

As you may have noticed, Alexandra took over the blog earlier this week to let you all know about the recent trip to Cape Breton.  The project is progressing nicely.  The web space for media is up and running, multimedia files are being created, and marketing and visitor instructional materials are well under way. 

Database Renewal Project

I am very happy to announce that I’ll be reviewing the beta version of our new database system with the developer next week.  Once I play around with it a bit, the first Passage database will be migrated into the new system and we’ll begin active beta testing with member sites. 

IMPORTANT:  If you have not responded to the database survey, you will not be given priority for migration to the new system.  This survey is our paper trail of who was migrated when and why.

Regional Group Meetings

Two regional meetings will be taking place in November.  The first will be in Pictou on November 2^nd.  This will be the first Northeast meeting in several years, so if you’re in this region, it would be great to see you there.  The second meeting will be in Bridgewater on November 5^th.  For those in the southwest who have never attended a curator’s group meeting, this is a great opportunity to start connecting.

Blog Poll

There is a new blog poll online.  I’ve had a number of conversations recently with people who are facing major cutbacks and possible closure of their museums.  So that got us wondering – how are you dealing with the current economy and financial reality?  Have you cut back your hours, laid off staff, cancelled programs or services, or maybe something else?  Let us know how you’re trying to save money.  If you have taken measures not mentioned in the poll, please email me and let me know what you’ve done and how successful it’s been.  We’ve got some museum friends in other provinces that are looking for ideas and would love to hear from you.  No personal or museum names will be shared; we’re strictly looking for information.

Artefacts Canada Tally

This month we had uploads from the Southwest and Northeast region, so the stats have changed a little bit.  The overall tally went up by an even 500 records, which now puts us at 156,540 records on Artefacts Canada. 

Here are the new regional stats:

Southwest: 69,923

Central: 39,648

Northeast: 25,731

Cape Breton: 21,238

Congratulations to the Southwest Region for uploading the most records in October.