• Home
• History of the Museum
• Historic Houses
  • Quaker House
  • Evergreen House
  • Where are we?
• What's On?
  • Events
  • Exhibits
  • Workshops
• Programming
  • School/Youth
  • Seniors
  • Groups
• The Collection
  • Collection Items
  • Donating Items and FAQ
• Research
• Other Weblinks
  • Dartmouth Historical Association
  • Halifax Regional Municipality Archives
  • Helen Creighton Folklore Society
  • Walking Tour of Dartmouth (HRM)
  • Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management
  • Cole Harbour Farm
  • Shubenacadie Canal Commission
• Giftshop
  • Items
  • Mail Order
• Newsletter
  • Current
  • Archive
• Contact
  • Staff
  • Board of Directors
  • Committees
• Volunteering
  • Volunteer Positions
  • Volunteer Application Form
  • Warehouse Inventory Volunteer Application
  • Warehouse Volunteers
• Committees
• You Can Help!
  • Membership
  • Individual Donations
  • Corporate Sponsorship

Warehouse Inventory

Volunteer Job Description

Accessioning and entering artifact descriptions into the computer database is one of the most important jobs at the museum. Without our collection, and without it being properly documented, the museum would neither exist, nor function properly.

After the closure of Wyse Road, and the re-location of artifacts into storage at the warehouse, it is increasingly difficult to find artifacts, due to the change in locations. A warehouse inventory will allow us to see what is in the collection in order to prepare exhibits for our new home, as well as packing and preparing artifacts for the move. Finally a picture of each artifact will be added to the database, making it easier to see what items look like, without necessarily having to disturb them in storage.

Ideally inventory volunteers are already familiar with the Past Perfect database, either through helping with accessioning, photo updates or the Lewis Billard photo backlog. Volunteers will be provided training, as well as supplied with an Inventory Procedures Manual. Other valuable training and background information is supplied in the Collection Management Manual.

1. Inventorying
Inventorying documented artifacts requires focus, fine motor skills, patience and attention to detail, as well as the ability to learn and use a computer database (Past Perfect).
2. Photographing
Photographing artifacts requires focus, fine motor skills, neat handwriting, patience and attention to detail, as well as the ability to learn and use a digital camera. Photos must be documented with the camera photo number and the accession number
3. Accessioning
Accessioning of any undocumented artifacts requires focus, fine motor skills, neat handwriting, sewing and attention to detail, as well as the ability to learn and use a computer database (Past Perfect). Artifact information is recorded into the Accession Ledger, the number is then applied to the artifact (using pencil, nail polish and ink or sewing in a tag), and relevant information is entered into the computer database.
4. Packing
Unpacking and packing artifacts requires focus, fine motor skills, patience and attention to detail.
5. Scatter/Gather

Once a week the data from the laptop must be transferred onto the main computer at Evergreen. Data should be checked for accuracy. Photos must also be transferred from the camera and uploaded into each record. This will be completed by the Curator or an experienced volunteer only.

Note:
Working in the warehouse is not glamorous. Temperatures are kept below room temperature, as artifacts prefer it colder than humans do. The job will involve bending, lifting, moving and carrying heavy artifacts, as well as sitting at a computer station. Light levels are below average, and you will probably get dirty. You may also be exposed to low levels of mould, which are within acceptable museum standards, but may affect people with sensitivities or allergies.

Ideally a warehouse volunteer is available at least once a week, in order to remain familiar with the process and the database. Cataloguing shifts are available from 9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm, until completed. Each shift can accommodate 1-2 teams with 1-3 volunteers per team (unpacking/packing and accessioning previously unaccessioned artifacts, database entry and a photographer).

The Dartmouth Heritage Museum asks that volunteers be willing to:

• Help the museum to achieve its aims and objectives in relation to the warehouse inventory project
• Attend orientation and training sessions followed by scheduled shifts
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information about the Museum
• Work as a team member with other volunteers and paid members of staff
• Carry out their agreed tasks to the best of their ability
• Meet the commitment agreed to and give reasonable notice when this is not possible
• To adhere to all information set down in training and in museum policy/handbooks
• Provide feedback as the project develops

In return, Volunteers may expect from us:

• Tasks that match both the needs of the Museum with the skills, knowledge, experience and interests of the volunteer.
• Opportunities to learn and develop new skills in a welcoming and friendly environment.
• Safe working conditions with the right supervision, training and tools for the tasks assigned.
• effective communication from the DHM staff to keep you up to date with the project as it develops.

More information is available at:
Warehouse Inventory Project at the Dartmouth Heritage Museum

The volunteer application form is avaialble at:
Warehouse Volunteer Application Form

Copyright 2009