This Awareness Training course is designed to provide all museums staff, including volunteers, docents, and visitor services staff with a comprehensive understanding of how museums operate and the vital role they play in maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This course will guide students through the inner workings of museums, including the types and functions of different museum departments and the critical importance of protecting employees, visitors, and collections. Consider this course a great staff orientation tool for new hires and as an annual refresher course for those seasoned staff members.
Students will look into the protection measures that safeguard the museum, learning about both visible and invisible protocols. The course will teach students how to handle visitor interactions, follow procedures, and respond to potential breaches. Additionally, students will explore the various risks that museums face—from fires and theft to natural and man-made disasters—and learn proactive strategies to mitigate these threats.
This course will also cover practical guidelines for working around collections and exhibits, including how museums staff can be part of the solution and help collections from further damage by learning how to conduct themselves professionally around our treasures. Students will discover the importance of setting a good example for visitors, and you’ll learn how to promote an inclusive environment by understanding and supporting principles of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI).
Finally, the course will emphasize the role of all musuem staff as the face of the museum, focusing on professional conduct, effective communication, and building positive relationships with visitors and colleagues.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the structure and function of museums and the importance of protecting our collections.
- Apply protocols effectively, ensuring the protection of the museum’s collections, staff, and visitors.
- Working around collections and exhibits with care, following best practices to prevent damage.
- Demonstrate professional behavior that reflects positively on the museum, including effective communication and visitor interaction.
- Support and promote an inclusive environment, recognizing and addressing issues of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
- Confidently represent the museum, contributing to its mission of preserving and sharing culture and knowledge.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate of completion, demonstrating their proficiency in awareness practices. The course takes approximately 1 hour to complete.