The RHSV is offering a series of 6 linked workshops which cover cataloguing and digitisation. This series of workshops starts with basic concepts and builds in complexity.

We have spaced the workshops so that participants have time in which to put into practice their new skills before the next workshop.

Some participants will want to book for the full series of 6 workshops and others will want to choose those individual workshops that are most suitable for them. So, although the series is designed as a cohesive whole, the individual workshops also work as stand-alone training sessions. The first two workshops repeat ones we offered earlier in 2019.

All workshops are limited to 20 participants and will be lead by Sophie Shilling, our digital expert. They are all to be held at the RHSV: Officers’ Mess Upstairs, RHSV 239 A’Beckett St, Melbourne. This room, unfortunately,  is only accessible by a staircase – there is no disabled access.

Module 1: Computer cataloguing for absolute beginners

FRIDAY 26 JULY 1PM – 4PM

This is a workshop for those who are new to computers, and small organisations who do not have the resources to use cataloguing software. Using only Excel, we will demonstrate how to create a simple catalogue that still complies with international standards. It will cover some cataloguing terminology, simple keyboard shortcuts for efficiency, and how to back-up your Excel files. We will also learn how to use and create a thesaurus/controlled vocabulary. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to create a catalogue in Excel that can be exported to a cataloguing software program in the future.

Module 2: Using cataloguing software

FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 1PM – 4PM

This workshop is for small organisations that are going to start use cataloguing software. Participants will have the opportunity to create catalogue records using cataloguing software, and will learn how to move import an existing catalogue from Excel. This workshop is suitable for those who have created catalogue records using Excel and are looking to try some good cataloguing options before committing to one software application.

Module 3: Scanning for beginners

FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER 1PM – 4PM

This workshop is aimed at those who are new to scanning. It will cover some terminology relating to digital images, and how to prepare documents for scanning before participants scan some documents using flatbed scanners. Participants will compare the document to the digital image and learn basic image manipulation to have the best possible digitised version. Then, file naming and storage standards will be applied to the digitised documents. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to scan documents confidently.

Module 4: Digitising books and photographing objects

FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 1PM – 4PM

In this intermediate digitisation workshop, we will introduce participants to best-practice digitisation techniques and procedures. Participants will have the opportunity to digitise books using a book scanner, and to set up a site for object photography. Then, we will introduce some image manipulation techniques including making thumbnails and watermarks. This workshop is aimed at those who are comfortable using a flatbed scanner and would like to expand their digitisation and digital image manipulation skills.

Module 5: Looking after digital files

FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 1PM – 4PM

This is a basic digital preservation workshop. The workshop will begin with brief project management skills including templates for policies and procedures. We will discuss digital storage, how to create backups, and how to check if files are damaged. Participants will learn how to describe an object using Dublin Core so that digital files can be discoverable.

Module 6: Making collections accessible

FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER 1PM – 4PM

Objects need to be accessible, whether that is to people managing a collection, to visitors, or to the public. This workshop will introduce themes of copyright and privacy that relate to historical collections. Participants will learn how to optimise catalogue records for discovery, how to write for social media, and create digital exhibitions.

All 6 workshops:  RHSV members: $125    Non-RHSV members: $175

Individual workshops: RHSV members: $25       Non-RHSV members: $35

Queries: +61 3 9326 9288 / office@historyvictoria.org.au

And, finally, a date-claimer for our first workshop in 2020:

Born Digital

FRIDAY 24 JANUARY 2020 1PM – 4PM, Officers’ Mess Upstairs, RHSV 239 A’Beckett St, Melbourne

This workshop is a stand-alone workshop which will be presented in partnership with AMaGA. It covers Born Digital documents – those documents that only exist in digital format. Although it is not part of our 6 module series it is naturally a good fit as a coda.  So, this is a date-claimer as bookings for this stand-alone workshop will not open for several months yet.