University of St Andrews
Museum Collections Unit
Strategic and Operational Plan
2013-2016
Version 2015
The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532
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1.
Introduction
1.1
Statement of Purpose
The museum collections of the University of St Andrews are a central part of the heritage
of Scotland's oldest university. The Museum Collections Unit exists to develop and care
for these collections and to make them accessible to all, through a variety of methods,
including displays, publications, digital technology and community engagement
programmes. The Unit aims to provide the highest quality facilities and services,
matching the aspirations of its parent University.
1.2
Historical Perspective
The collections of the University of St Andrews have been forming since very shortly
after teaching began in the University in 1410. Many of the objects now included in the
Museum Collections were originally acquired for quite different purposes, for example as
teaching specimens, equipment or as University furniture. Some, such as silver and
portraits, relate to the University's history and heritage. Other objects have simply
accumulated randomly because the University was seen as a suitable repository for
material. From about 1700, a collection of what were then termed 'curiosities' – largely
natural history and ethnographic specimens – was displayed in the University Library,
with some access permitted to external visitors. The first University 'Museum' was
established in 1838 jointly with the St Andrews Literary and Philosophical Society and its
collections were displayed in rooms in the United College, principally Upper College
Hall. The 'curiosities' were transferred to the new Museum. The collections grew rapidly
and included material in the fields of zoology, geology, botany, anatomy, ethnography,
archaeology and numismatics, systemically arranged. In 1904 the St Andrews Literary
and Philosophical Society transferred its share in the Museum to other bodies including
the University and the University assumed sole responsibility for the remaining
collections, which were moved to the new Bell Pettigrew Museum in 1912. The Bell
Pettigrew Museum functioned as a university and town museum until the 1950s, when it
was reduced in size and its non-zoological collections were removed to appropriate
departments. The management of the museums collections was somewhat haphazard
from the 1950s to 1990: for example, there were no professional curatorial staff and no
accessions register was maintained. Another museum within the University appeared in
1957 when the Archaeological collections were put on display in Swallowgate, but this
was closed in 1988 (and the collections transferred to the National Museums of Scotland
and North East Fife District Council) following the cessation of the teaching of
archaeology classes in the University. The current Museum Collections Unit was
established in 1990 with the appointment of the first Keeper of Collections. The activities
of the Unit have since been directed mostly towards achieving the two principal aims
highlighted in the above statement of purpose.
1.3
Current Facilities/Premises
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The Museum Collections Unit manages three Accredited museums, MUSA, the Gateway
Galleries and the Bell Pettigrew Museum; and the MUSA Collections Centre, an open
access store and research centre. These and other premises and facilities are described
below.
 MUSA, the Museum of the University of St Andrews, opened to the public on
September 30th 2008. It comprises four exhibition galleries plus an education centre,
the ‘Learning Loft’, and a viewing terrace. Visitor figures: around 35,000 per annum.
 Gateway Galleries (North Haugh), opened 2005. Two exhibition areas: a) Permanent
display introducing the University’s history and collections and signposting MUSA;
b) Temporary exhibition gallery (about four exhibitions per year on subjects
appropriate for a university gallery, using the University’s or other collections).
About 10,000 visitors per annum.
 Bell Pettigrew Museum (Bute Building): Natural History museum used for teaching
and research in Biology; open to the public during the summer vacation two
afternoons per week plus other advertised days. About 1500 visitors, in addition to
student use.
 The MUSA Collections Centre, an open access store and research centre, opened
2010 (adjacent to curatorial offices at 87 North Street). Access by appointment.
Public tours currently first Wednesday of the month; visits for specialist groups by
appointment.
 Additional display areas: a) University ‘state rooms’ (e.g. Senate Room, Parliament
Hall, Lower College Hall, College Hall St Mary’s) displaying paintings and
furniture; b) displays in foyers and seminar rooms of teaching departments that hold
collections (e.g. Physics, Classics, Psychology, Social Anthropology).
 Museum / Library store (North Haugh), opened 2010. New, purpose-built storage.
Since completion 50% of the main museum store on the ground floor has been
occupied by Special Collections, University Library, as a temporary (3-5 year)
measure during their decant and construction of new Special Collections facilities.
Regaining this space is a priority.
 Separate stores for geology (Irvine building area), zoology (Bute building) and
human anatomy material (Medical and Biological Sciences building).
 Museum Collections Office (87 North Street): accommodation on two floors for 7-9
staff, plus a meeting room.
1.4
Analysis of User-Groups and Operating Environment
The museum collections and venues have a large and diverse range of users and potential
users. These can be simplified into 'internal' groups: staff, students, potential students
and alumni of the University of St Andrews; and 'external' groups including outside
institutions such as schools, nurseries, further education colleges, other universities,
museums and related organisations; specialist groups; researchers; the local community;
and the public, including families and community groups as well tourists and other
visitors to St Andrews. Figures for internal and external audience engagement, including
University teaching and work with schools, are provided in the Annual Report.
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Internal market context:
 Use of collections for teaching and research within departments e.g. Biology,
Geology, Social Anthropology, Art History, Medieval History, English (creative
writing) etc.
 Cross-departmental teaching and research, e.g. by Museum and Gallery Studies
students.
 Experiential support and activities provided for students involving the collections or
our venues e.g. placements with the collections and learning and access teams, frontof-house work.
 Access via exhibitions / displays / IT / events / activities / learning and access
programmes / publications for the benefit of the University community.
External market context:
 Use of collections for research by outside individuals or institutions (universities,
museums, etc).
 Access provision to schools, nurseries and further education colleges through targeted
events and programmes and on-line resources.
 Access via exhibitions / displays in our museum venues / loans to external exhibitions
/ IT / events / activities/ learning and access programmes / publications for the general
public, including families, community groups, etc.
 Educational or other enquiries from the public.
The museums and collections are an important part of the University of St Andrews, in
terms of research and teaching and as the University's 'front door', to which all visitors
are welcomed. The venues and associated outreach programmes visibly project the
institution to, and enable engagement with, a variety of audiences, including schools and
the local community, that can be challenging for the University to reach. They are also a
part of the museum and heritage provision within the small historic town of St Andrews,
which includes the British Golf Museum, St Andrews Museum (Fife Cultural Trust –
formerly Fife Council), St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum and the Cathedral and
Castle (Historic Scotland). The University's museums are also a part of the wider
Scottish and UK museums sector and have a specific relationship to other university
museums in Scotland, the UK, Europe and further afield, often sharing similar
collections, operating contexts and strategic priorities. Curatorial staff represent the
University on the committees of University Museums in Scotland (UMIS), the Scottish
Museums Federation and Fife Museums Forum, among other groups. Unit staff provide
mentoring support to local independent museums, such as the St Andrews Preservation
Trust Museum and Fife Folk Museum. Strategic planning has taken account of current
local tourism priorities, such as those of the St Andrews Partnership and Visit Scotland
(Fife area) and of Scottish and UK museum strategies and priorities, including the
National Development Strategy for Scotland's Museums and Galleries (Museums
Galleries Scotland, 2012) and will be refined as these evolve, taking account of new
opportunities for collaboration and development.
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Considerable internal and public consultation was conducted in advance of the
establishment of the Gateway Galleries and MUSA, which informed the development of
the operations, services and facilities of these venues and of the Museum Collections
Unit, including the later provision of an open access store, the MUSA Collections Centre,
to increase access to stored collections for researchers and the public. Audience research
and visitor analysis has continued, with methods including visitor books, comments
cards, exit surveys, monitoring of visitor patterns, market research, written feedback
forms at learning and access events and focus groups (including alumni, teachers’ and
visual impairment focus groups). A one-year Audience Development Officer post was
established with Recognition Funding from Museums Galleries Scotland (running
October 2011-October 2012). In-depth analysis of the views and experiences of current
users and non-users was conducted through interviews, in addition to review of current
methods of evaluation and assessment of information gained through these. Additionally,
a pilot Youth Curators group (age range 13-17) was established, and feedback from this
demographic analysed, as research showed they are among our hardest-to-access
potential user groups (outside of school visits, etc), despite being a key target audience. A
report of the findings of the Audience Research Project is given in the internal documents
‘Audience Report’ (series of three) and ‘Audience Development Recommendations’.
With the trial of major temporary exhibitions in Gallery 4 at MUSA, from 2013-2015, a
pilot strategy for extensive consultation with user groups as an integral part of exhibition
planning has been launched. This additional consultation work and a more varied and
intensive programme of audience development and visitor consultation has been made
possible by the addition to the staffing complement of a new Learning and Access
Curator post (October 2013, made permanent June 2014).
All evaluation work has informed strategy and planning in the Unit, including the
creation of this Strategic and Operational Plan.
Opportunities for and potential barriers to outreach and audience development are
summarised in the Learning and Access Policy and Plan 2013-16, which likewise have
informed this document. The aim of the Learning and Access Policy and Plan is 'To
ensure that different audiences share, learn from and enjoy the heritage of the University
of St Andrews'.
Consultation on draft and final versions of the Strategic and Operational Plan 2013-16
has included the senior management and collections, learning and access, operations and
projects and visitor services teams of the Museum Collections Unit; the Deputy Principal
(representing the University Executive); and the Audit and Risk Committee (the Unit's
managing committee, a sub-group of the University Court, our governing body). Within
the context of the broad Plan 2013-16, annual plans will be produced from 2014,
allowing for flexibility, responsiveness and uptake of opportunities. Annual reports are
submitted to the Audit and Risk Committee. The Strategic and Operational Plan will be
thoroughly reviewed and revised before or during 2016.
1.5
Alignment with University Strategic Planning
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The Museum Collections Unit’s strategic aims and planning objectives support and align
with key elements of the University’s 2008-18 Strategic Plan. First is the contribution
made by the Collections and the Unit staff to enhancing the quality of teaching and
facilitating research in the University’s very successful Museum and Gallery Studies
(MGS) programme. All of the Unit’s curatorial staff contribute actively to the MGS
course, giving it a strong practical relevance that is acknowledged internationally. Unit
staff also support teaching and research in a range of other subject areas, including Social
Anthropology (Material Culture module), Classics, Biology (Science, Museums and the
Public module), Medieval History, Art History and English (creative writing). More
broadly, the Unit’s collections and services, including the museum venues, the MUSA
Collections Centre and the Learning and Access programme, make an important
contribution to cross-disciplinary Knowledge Transfer and Exchange, e.g. through
exhibitions and associated programmes. They enhance the learning experience of
students, encourage cultural engagement and contribute to a vibrant and energetic
research and teaching culture in many subject areas. Activities and figures are recorded
in the Annual Report.
Many aspiring museum professionals, drawn particularly from the postgraduate MGS
course, but also from various undergraduate disciplines, volunteer within the Unit,
gaining professional experience which allows them to make informed career choices,
assists personal development, societal engagement (e.g. through assisting at particular
public events) and prepares them for the workplace.
The museum venues are important parts of the public face of the University, and have a
role to play in attracting highly qualified students and staff to St Andrews. They promote
the University’s unique identity and intellectual and cultural heritage. They enhance the
student experience and offer a focal point for alumni relations, providing social spaces
and fostering life-long relationships with students and graduates through engagement
programmes. The University's Strategic Plan 2008-18 (p.5, 2.1.2) highlights that 'New
opportunities for cultural engagement will be provided by the development of the new
University museum (MUSA)'. The Learning and Access programme promotes
community relations and encourages diverse audiences, including locals, tourists and
school groups to visit the University and participate in inspiring learning experiences.
The Unit is well-placed to participate in partnership and collaborations with external
bodies. Its staff serve on several national and local museum committees, e.g. University
Museums in Scotland, Scottish Museums Federation, 'Scotland and Medicine' and Fife
Museums Forum and are members of key groups including the Museums Association,
University Museums Group and Universeum (the European Academic Heritage
Network). Recent collaborations include participation, on the board of management, in
the UMIS 'SPIRIT' project, a partnership of 9 Scottish universities which received a
Scottish Funding Council grant to make collections level descriptions and catalogue
records of their museum holdings accessible on-line through Culture Grid, allowing
researchers and other users to remotely search the museum holding of all the universities
for the first time. The Unit is also working with Aaron Quigley, Chair of Human
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Computer Interaction, University of St Andrews and partners including the University of
Edinburgh, on the SMART (Scotland's Museums Augmented Reality Tourism) project, to
utilise augmented reality by using smart phones and handsets to promote public access to
content and information about items in stored and displayed collections.
Unit staff are encouraged to undertake appropriate skills training and participate in
continuing professional development, resulting in increased effectiveness and efficiency
in the management and delivery of the collections and services. The MUSA curatorial
trainee scheme, which since 2008 has employed two recent graduates in Museum and
Gallery Studies on one-year fixed–term contracts to start their museum careers, focusing
on the fields of collections management and learning and access, has received wide
acclamation from the museum community throughout the UK.
Steps have been taken to ensure that recent ‘Estate’ developments are energy efficient
and reduce environmental impact, in accordance with the University's Sustainable
Development Strategy. For example, green measures at MUSA include a ground-source
heat pump and solar panels. The beneficial effects of these are highlighted to visitors to
this building, which is one of the main public portals of the University, and MUSA has
attracted visits from Fife Environmental Trust, school groups and university students
studying environmental sustainability. In August 2014, MUSA gained a Gold standard
(the highest award) in the Visit Scotland ‘Green Tourism Award’ scheme.
MUSA and the Gateway Galleries were a natural focus for events and activities
connected to the University’s 600th anniversary, which spanned the period 2010-2014
with the pinnacle of celebrations occurring in Autumn 2013. Since 2010 the Unit has
curated a series of anniversary-themed temporary exhibitions in the Gateway Galleries
(detailed below). A long-term display in the outer gallery, 'Journeys: 600 years of the
University of St Andrews' charts the University's development and links the institutional
journey to personal experiences over six centuries. An exhibition of 'hidden treasures' of
the museum collections was held at the Gateway Galleries, Autumn 2013. At MUSA, the
focal point was an international loan exhibition of medieval maces of early European
universities (supported by external funding), with an associated academic conference
organised by the School of Art History. An ambitious and inspiring exhibition-related
outreach, learning and events programme was well attended and received positive
feedback from diverse audiences. The conservation and collecting programmes continue.
The Unit actively sought to derive maximum advantage from the celebration of the
University’s 600th anniversary with respect to profile, initiatives and fundraising, and
achieved this, with several significant external grants, well-attended and positively
reviewed exhibitions and events, and positive publicity in local and national newspapers
and magazines, television and radio.
1.6
Review of Strategic and Operational Plan 2009-12
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The Strategic and Operational Plan 2009-12 was prepared shortly after the opening of
MUSA and took account of the major strategic and operational impact this was
anticipated to have on the Unit’s activities.
The majority of key objectives 2009-12 have been achieved. These included:
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Maintain and further develop MUSA and associated displays, services, facilities and
outreach programmes including those associated with the ‘Learning Loft’.
Redesign ‘permanent’ display gallery at Gateway Galleries to act as signpost for
MUSA.
Achieve long-term strategic solution to collections storage problems through
relocation of stored collections to: (a) an ‘open access’ museum store; and (b) the
planned Library / Museum store – stores constructed and operational from 2010.
Purchase and install new electronic collections cataloging system – Adlib installed
2010.
Complete SPIRIT / UMIS collaborative project for on-line access to museum
collections records.
Upgrade website – Museum Collections Unit’s website, within the wider University
website, upgraded and relaunched 2011.
Raise University and public awareness of the Museum Collections by production of
published guides and catalogues for MUSA – Guide and Children’s Guide to MUSA
published.
Develop merchandise to maximise retail income.
Prepare for University’s 600th anniversary: undertake conservation work and
collecting; plan temporary exhibitions; plan engaging public programmes - including
series of anniversary-themed temporary exhibitions, accompanied by learning and
access programme, held in the Gateway Galleries 2010-12 on subjects as diverse as
the 450th anniversary of the Scottish Reformation, with a particular focus on the town
and University of St Andrews; 200 years of the teaching of Chemistry; the 100th
anniversary of the Bell Pettigrew Museum; and 400 years of the University Library.
Secure establishment of the two intern posts, both to maintain services and activities
and to assist MGS course student recruitment – initially secured until 2015, and since
made permanent.
A small number of specific objectives have not yet been realised. Chief among these is
‘make the collections catalogue available on-line’ [on the University’s web-site].
Although collections records can be accessed through the Culture Grid website, internal
IT difficulties have meant that it is not yet possible for users to access the catalogue
through the University’s own website, though web-space for this is reserved in the
Museum Collections Unit’s pages. The University’s IT Department is actively working
to resolve this issue. Secondly, although two guides to MUSA have been produced, no
artefact-specific catalogue has yet been published, largely due to lack of financial
resources and staff time. A catalogue of the archery medals has been rescheduled for
2015; and a catalogue of highlights of the museum collections will be produced during
2015.
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Some objectives, due to their non-finite nature, necessarily remain ongoing, such as
‘continue programme of temporary exhibitions in the Gateway Galleries; ‘conduct visitor
evaluations’. On-going and unresolved objectives have been carried to the Plan 2013-16.
Achieved objectives are detailed in Appendix III.
2.
Strategic Aims
2.1 To maintain and improve standards of curatorial care and collections management,
and to preserve and develop the collections in accordance with the Collections
Development Policy.
2.2 To maintain and develop the museum venues, services and facilities, reflecting the
high standards of the University of St Andrews and taking account of audience
research and visitor evaluation. Produce an active programme of temporary
exhibitions and continue to establish MUSA as a small but leading university
museum and popular visitor attraction.
2.3 To provide access to the collections, both for the University community and general
public. Further develop our learning and access programmes and facilities for
audience engagement aimed at diverse users, including previously under-represented
groups, offering a range of experiences for inspiration, learning and enjoyment and
encouraging cultural engagement.
2.4 To develop the use of our collections and venues to facilitate, produce and promote
high quality research, including both collections-based research and research into
museological practice. Be a key provider of Knowledge Transfer and Exchange.
2.5 To develop the use of our collections and facilities for University teaching and for
providing experience for professional development for students, for example by
volunteering in the Museum Collections Unit or front-of-house at MUSA.
2.6 To promote the University and its unique identity and intellectual and cultural
heritage through high-quality services and programmes, which serve as models of
best practice, aid student recruitment and enhance the student experience, provide a
focal point for alumni relations and foster links with the local community.
2.7 To develop staff skills and competencies through effective training, leadership and
professional development.
2.8 To foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and ambition, participating in
effective and productive internal and external partnerships.
2.9 To develop appropriate retail and other commercial activities, maximising potential
income from merchandising and commercial use of our facilities.
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2.10 To play a major role in the University’s 600th Anniversary celebrations, including
through a series of themed temporary exhibitions and collecting and public
engagement programmes. Seek to derive maximum benefit from the Anniversary
with respect to profile, initiatives and fundraising.
2.11 To demonstrate the value of the collections and promote effectiveness and
efficiency in the administration and management of the collections and facilities, in
order to justify financial support from the University and external funding agencies.
2.12
To support the University’s Sustainable Development Strategy.
3. Summary of Key Priorities, 2013-16
The Unit’s key objectives, linked to the relevant strategic aims, are discussed in detail
below. However, for clarity, the major project objectives are summarized here.
 Regain full use of North Haugh museum store and work area, currently temporarily
shared with Special Collections, to enable optimal collections care and expansion
through acquisitions programme.
 Investigate the potential for replacing Gateway Galleries with improved exhibition
space, nearer town centre and under control of Museum Collections Unit staff.
 Transfer data from separate electronic catalogues for Geology, Zoology and
Communion Token collections to Adlib, creating one integrated electronic collections
catalogue.
 Make collections catalogue available on-line on the University website.
 Tackle priority areas of documentation backlog, as identified in Documentation
Policy and Plan – eliminating the documentation backlog will require financial and
staffing resources, but is crucial for collections management and maintenance of
Accredited status.
 Obtain up-to-date insurance valuations for all items likely to be over £50,000 – to
meet new requirement of insurers.
 Apply for Accreditation; address any issues raised.
 Pilot temporary exhibition in Gallery 4, MUSA; assess potential for further temporary
exhibitions there.
 Review potential at Gateway Galleries / replacement exhibition space for annual /
short exhibitions showcasing diverse research of academic staff in University
Schools.
 Investigate potential for joint exhibitions space with Special Collections.
 Continue to develop robust visitor consultation strategies, including over planning for
new temporary exhibitions in MUSA.
 Further enhance the visitor experience at MUSA, through development of new
interactives and creation of new language guides.
 Continue Young Artist Award (YAA) schools programme – requires dedicated
internal or external funding.
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Increase schools participation outside YAA.
Give conference papers / publish research on the museum collections or museological
practice.
Host UMIS conference on research, 2013.
Relaunch and develop Friends group.
Play a major role in the University's 600th celebrations. Special project: an
international loan exhibition of medieval maces of early European universities in
MUSA with an associated conference organised by School of Art History (dependant
on external funding).
Secure renewal of MUSA Operations Officer and Curatorial Trainee posts, to
maintain operations and service levels.
Continue to develop retail and hire functions at MUSA including trialing
merchandising for temporary exhibitions
4. Planning Objectives within the Strategic Aims
The following objectives for the period 2013-2016 are arranged in groups according to
the list of strategic aims in section 2 above. Prioritised objectives are marked in bold. The
annual review of the Plan also enables new objectives to be introduced and existing
objectives to be time-adjusted, as necessary. The objectives have target dates, where
applicable, though some are necessarily ‘on-going’ because of their scale or nature, with
progress recorded annually in the Unit’s Annual Report. Some important activities, such
cataloguing of new acquisitions, are not included in this list because they are ‘routine and
on-going’. However, progress in these and other ‘routine’ areas of work is also recorded
in the Annual Report, as are activities that arise unexpectedly and are therefore missing
from the Strategic Plan.
4.1 To maintain and improve standards of curatorial care and collections
management, and to preserve and develop the collections in accordance with the
Collections Development Policy.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Continue collections
management
programmes e.g.
conservation,
environmental
monitoring, pest
monitoring as
detailed in
Collections Care and
Conservation Policy
Collection
Curator to coordinate;
Collections
team and
FOH staff
Resources /
Conditions for
achieving
objective
In-house.
External
fundraising for
remedial
conservation
projects
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Completion
date
Performance
indicator
Ongoing
Annual Report
monitoring
Regain full use of
North Haugh
museum store and
work area,
currently
temporarily shared
with Special
Collections, to
enable optimal
collections care and
expansion through
acquisitions
programme
Retro-fit ‘shared’
half of museum store
with suitable
shelving and
racking; collections
re-located to and reorganised in store.
Implement
recommendations of
Dec 2012 security
audits of museum
venues and stores
Co-Directors.
Liaison with
Special
Collections
and senior
University
management.
Dependent on
finalisation /
construction of
new site for
Special
Collections as
part of wider
Library and
University
strategic
planning.
By 2015
Full use of
museum store
and work
areas regained
Co-Director
(O&PE);
Collections
Curators
University
funding
Liaison with
Estates and
contractors
By 2016
Fit-out of store
completed;
collections relocated to / reorganised
within store
Collections
Curator to coordinate
By 2015
Recommendations
implemented
Review Emergency
Plans for museum
venues and stores.
Provide training day
for all Unit staff.
Collections
Curator to coordinate
In-house staff /
Estates /
University
Security
Adviser /
financial
resources
In-house staff;
University Risk
Assessment
team
Achieved
and ongoing
Transfer data from Collections
separate electronic Curator to
catalogues for
co-ordinate
Geology, Zoology
and Communion
Token collections to
Adlib
In-house / IT
Services /
Business
Improvements
/ Adlib.
Financial
resources.
Geology –
2013
(achieved);
CT – 2014
(achieved);
Zoology –
2014
(achieved)
All staff to be
aware of
Emergency
Plans, and
appropriate
action to take
All collections
records held
on one system
Make collections
catalogue available
on-line on
University website
IT Services;
Adlib
By 2015
Collections
Curator to
co-ordinate
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Collections
catalogue online
Tackle priority
areas of
documentation
backlog, as
identified in
Documentation
Policy and Plan.
Seek appropriate
additions to
collections in line
with Collections
Development Policy
Co-Director
(C&E) /
Collections
Curators
In-house staff / 2013-16
Museum and
Gallery Studies
projects
Annual
Report
monitoring
Co-Directors /
Curators
Ongoing
Annual Report
monitoring
Explore
rationalisation of
Collections
Co-Director
(C&E)
2013-16
Annual Report
monitoring
Obtain up-to-date
insurance
valuations for all
items likely to be
over £50,000
Zoology collections
- match archival
accession
information
(provenance, field
collection etc) to
extant specimens,
from 19th century
onward, enhancing
research value of
collection
Co-Director
(C&E)
In-house / Univ
funds and
external funds
inc. Art Fund /
NFA / Heritage
Lottery Fund
Appropriate
liaison with
Environmental
Health and
Safety Services,
sectoral bodies,
interested
parties e.g.
NMS, UMIS
Internal
funding;
external
valuers
By end
2014
Insurance
schedule updated
Secure
external
funding for
temporary
specialist
zoology
curator
2014-16
Archival
information
and specimens
reunited.
Co-Director
(C&E)
4.2 To maintain and develop the museum venues, services and facilities, reflecting
the high standards of the University of St Andrews and taking account of
audience research and visitor evaluation. Produce an active programme of
temporary exhibitions and continue to establish MUSA as a small but leading
university museum and popular visitor attraction.
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Objective
How to be
achieved
Resources /
Conditions for
achieving
objective
In-house
Completion
date
Performance
indicator
Apply for
Accreditation;
address any issues
raised
Senior
Curator to
co-ordinate
2013 achieved
Curators /
external
partners /
Museum and
Gallery
Studies staff
In-house staff
and budget
Ongoing
Full
Accreditation
status
renewed acheived
Annual Report
monitoring
Continue
programme of
temporary
exhibitions and
associated events in
the Gateway
Galleries
Pilot temporary
exhibition in
Gallery 4, MUSA;
assess potential for
further temporary
exhibitions
Co-Director
(C&E),
based on
600th maces
exhibition
Staff capacity
and budget for
further
exhibitions
2013 - maces
exhibition
achieved. 3
more
temporary
exhibitions in
G4
programmed,
2014-15, to
be reviewed
throughout
and on
completion of
programme
2014
CoDirectors,
Collections
&
Exhibitions
Curator –
further
exhibitions
Carry out pilot
Learning and
strategy of intensive Access
visitor consultation (L&A)
during exhibition
Curators
planning process for
MUSA temporary
exhibitions
Investigate
Co-Directors
potential for
replacing Gateway
Galleries with
improved
exhibition space,
nearer town centre
and under control
In-house staff
Liaison with
University
Executive
14
2014-15
Review of
outcome of
trial
Pilot strategy
evaluated,
L&A Curators
to evaluate
suitability for
different
exhibition
topics
Annual
Report
monitoring
of Museum
Collections Unit
staff
Review potential
at Gateway
Galleries /
replacement venue
for annual /short
exhibitions
showcasing diverse
research of
academic staff in
University Schools
Conduct visitor
evaluations of
displays and
services; respond
proactively
Effectively market
and promote
venues, facilities
and services
Refresh and
enhance displays
and interactives at
MUSA including
options to replace
the Memory Bank
Investigate
possibility of
offering free wi-fi
access for visitors to
MUSA
Create new, more
visitor-friendly
language guides for
the museum which
will be integrated
into the audio
guides
Maintain MUSA
Visit Scotland 5 star
grading
L&A
Curators,
Collections
&
Exhibitions
Curator
Consultation
with academic
Schools
2014-15
Consultation
completed;
decision
achieved
L&A
Curators
In-house staff;
MGS students
Ongoing
Annual Report
monitoring
MUSA
Operations
Officer to coordinate
Co-Director
(O&PE),
MUSA Ops
Officer to coordinate
In-house staff
and budget
Ongoing
Increased
visitors / users
In-house /
external funds
2013-16
Improved
displays and
facilities
MUSA Ops
Officer; IT
Services
IT advice on
security, cost,
feasibility
2014-16
Establish if
free wi-fi is
feasible; if so,
implement this
L&A
Curators,
MUSA Ops
Officer
In-house
budget;
translation
services
2014-16
Improved
language
guides;
enhanced
audio-guide
Co-Director
(O&PE),
MUSA Ops
Officer
In-house
Ongoing
Grading status
– maintained at
5 star annually
to date
15
4.3 To provide access to the collections, both for the University community and
general public. Further develop our learning and access programmes and
facilities for audience engagement aimed at diverse users, including previously
under-represented groups, offering a range of experiences for inspiration,
learning and enjoyment and encouraging cultural engagement.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Resources /
Conditions for
achieving
objective
In-house staff;
appropriate
budget
In-house staff
and budget
Completion
date
Performance
indicator
Implement Learning
and Access Policy
and Plan 2013-16
Provide diverse
engagement
programmes and
learning
opportunities at all
public venues inc.
MUSA Collections
Centre
Provide learning and
access programme
for all temporary
exhibitions
Continue Young
Artist Award
(YAA) schools
programme
L&A
Curators to
co-ordinate
L&A
Curators to
co-ordinate
2013-16
Annual report
monitoring
Ongoing
Engagement
figures
L&A
Curators to
co-ordinate
In-house staff
and budget
Ongoing
Delivery of
programme
L&A
Curators
Secure
University /
external
funding
2013-16
L&A
Curators
In-house staff
and budget
2013-16
Internal
funding
secured from
2013 on.
Engagement
figures
Engagement
figures
Increase schools
participation
outside YAA
Target underrepresented groups,
initially through
youth (13-17)
engagement
Investigate potential
for promoting
current University
research at bimonthly public
event, along
'Inspired By' talks
L&A team
In-house staff
and budget /
external funding
2013-14 and Successful
ongoing
engagement:
numbers and
participation
L&A
Curators
In-house staff
and budget
2015
16
Results of
consultation
and feasibility
study.
model
Carry out ‘Victorian L&A
Technologies of the
Curators
Future’ project,
funded through a
Teaching
Development Award
– end product will be
a teaching resource
aimed at school
children
In-house staff,
MGS student
input, budget
provided
through Dean’s
Office
2015
End of project
report and
engagement
figures
4.4 To develop the use of our collections and venues to facilitate, produce and
promote high quality research, including both collections-based research and
research into museological practice. Be a key provider of Knowledge Transfer
and Exchange.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Give conference
papers / publish
research on the
museum collections
or museological
practice.
- Complete
catalogue of
archery medals
- Produce
artefact
highlights
catalogue
Host UMIS
conference on
research, 2013
Encourage research
on the museum
Completion Performance
date
indicator
Co-Directors;
all curatorial
staff
Resources /
Conditions
for achieving
objective
In-house;
staff capacity
and time
Retired
Director
Funding
secured
2015
Co-Director
(C&E)
working with
external
publisher.
Collections
team to
facilitate
photography.
Co-Director
(C&E),
MUSA Ops
Officer
Co-Directors;
collections
Internal
funding, time
2015
In-house;
liaison with
UMIS
Autumn
2013 achieved
Well-attended
conference achieved
Provision of
access and
Ongoing
Use of
collections for
17
Ongoing
Papers and
publications
produced
collections by
University members
and external
researchers
Encourage and
support M.Litts on
the collections /
reviewing internal
museological
practices by MGS
students.
Investigate
possibility of
hosting joint PhD
students, with
academic Schools
Promote, conduct
and record
Knowledge Transfer
and Exchange
staff
facilities for
research
research
Co-Director
(C&E); all
curatorial staff
Work closely
with MGS
course staff
2013-16
M.Litts
produced
Co-Director
(C&E)
Close liaison
with academic
Schools
2013-15
Viability of
project
established
Co-Directors;
all curatorial
staff
In-house staff
Ongoing
Knowledge
Transfer and
Exchange
activities.
Annual Report
monitoring.
4.5 To develop the use of our collections and facilities for University teaching and
for providing experience for professional development for students, for example
by volunteering in the Museum Collections Unit or front-of-house at MUSA.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Continue to develop
use of the
collections in
University teaching,
both for Museum
and Gallery Studies
and other
appropriate
undergraduate and
postgraduate
programmes (ongoing).
All curatorial
staff to support
MGS teaching;
L&A Curators
to coordinate
support for
other
disciplines
Continue to recruit
Co-Director
Resources /
Conditions
for achieving
objective
In-house; staff
capacity
Completion Performance
date
indicator
2013-16
Annual Report
monitoring
Operating
2013-16
Annual Report
18
students for MUSA
front-of-house
duties and for
collections
management and
other projects
(casual paid and
volunteers)
(O&PE),
MUSA Ops
Officer; all
curatorial staff
budget
monitoring
4.6 To promote the University and its unique identity and intellectual and cultural
heritage through high-quality services and programmes, which serve as models
of best practice, aid student recruitment and enhance the student experience,
provide a focal point for alumni relations and foster links with the local
community.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Relaunch and
develop Friends
group
Co-Director
(O&PE);
MUSA Ops
Officer
Resources /
Conditions
for achieving
objective
In-house;
liaison with
Development
Completion Performance
date
indicator
Relaunch
2013
(achieved);
and
ongoing
Numbers and
participation
of Friends
4.7 To develop staff skills and competencies through effective training, leadership
and professional development.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Staff participation in
appropriate training
and professional
development
opportunities
Co-Directors /
senior staff to
co-ordinate
Resources /
Conditions
for achieving
objective
In-house and
external
courses and
conferences;
training budget
Completion Performance
date
indicator
Ongoing
Staff
development
4.8 To foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and ambition, participating in
effective and productive internal and external partnerships.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Resources /
Conditions
for achieving
19
Completion Performance
date
indicator
objective
In-house; joint
funding
Initiate and / or
support
collaborations
within University
e.g. around research,
exhibitions, public
engagement.
2013: SMART Scotland's Museums
Augmented Reality
Tourism – project
Co-Directors;
all staff
Co-Director
(O&PE)
Liaison with
2014
Human
Computer
Interaction
Project, Uni. of
St Andrews &
Edinburgh
Outcome of
pilot project
Play an active part
in collaborative
initiatives with
appropriate external
bodies (e.g. Dundee
University, Fife
Museums Forum,
UMIS)
2013 – Joint art
exhibition with
Dundee University
Museum Services
Co-Directors /
all curators
In-house /
partnerships
fund
Ongoing
Annual Report
monitoring
Curatorial
trainees
In-house /
collaboration
with Curator,
Dundee
March 2013
- achieved
Exhibition;
visitor numbers
and engagement
figures
2014 – UMIS / SFC
student engagement
with collections
project
Co-Director
(C&E)
Secure SFC
funding;
appoint public
engagement
officer; liaison
with academic
Schools in Uni
2014-2016
Enhanced
student
engagement
with collections
through
teaching and
research
Collaboration
with curators
of British Golf
Museum
2014-15
Visitors
attracted to
MUSA from
BGM; crosspromotion of
both venues

L&A Curator,
2014-15 –
MUSA f-of-h
Collaboration
with British Golf staff
Museum during
its closure
through golf
display in
MUSA, linked
to joint
20
Ongoing
Annual Report
monitoring
promotion of
both venues
4.9 To develop appropriate retail and other commercial activities, maximising
potential income from merchandising and commercial use of our facilities.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Further develop
merchandise range
to maximise retail
income e.g. through
trialing merchandise
linked to temporary
exhibitions
programme at
MUSA
Develop hiring of
MUSA facilities to
maximise income
MUSA Ops
Officer;
MUSA FOH
team
Co-Director
(O&PE);
MUSA team
Resources /
Conditions
for achieving
objective
In-house staff;
funded from
retail profits
Completion Performance
date
indicator
2015
Stock produced
and sale figures
In-house staff
On-going
Annual Report
monitoring
4.10 To play a major role in the University’s 600th Anniversary celebrations,
including through a series of themed temporary exhibitions and collecting and
public engagement programmes. Seek to derive maximum benefit from the
Anniversary with respect to profile, initiatives and fundraising.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Continue exciting
temporary
exhibitions
programme linked to
600th anniversary in
Gateway Galleries
International loan
exhibition of
medieval maces of
early European
universities in
Senior Curator
to lead
Senior
Curator;
O&P
Curator.
Conference -
Resources /
Conditions
for achieving
objective
In-house staff;
loans from
other
institutions
Completion Performance
date
indicator
2014 achieved
Outstanding
series of
temporary
exhibitions;
visitor numbers
Significant
external
fundraising
and
commitment
2013 achieved
External
fundraising
success.
Successful
delivery of
21
MUSA; associated
conference
organised by
School of Art
History
Dr Julian
Luxford,
School of Art
History.
Use of MUSA as
venue for
appropriate 600th
events
Inspiring audience
engagement
programme linked to
exhibitions and
events
Collecting
programme linked to
600th
O&P Curator
from central
University
budget.
Dependant on
securing
£40,000
Recognition
Funding
Liaison with
Development
inspiring
exhibition and
conference.
Audience
engagement
figures.
2013 achieved
Successful
events
programme
Successful
audience
engagement
programme
L&A Curators
In-house staff;
some external
funding
2014 achieved
Collections
Curators
Donations of
material;
purchase fund
2014 –
Acquisitions for
achieved
collections
and ongoing
4.11 To demonstrate the value of the collections and promote effectiveness and
efficiency in the administration and management of the collections and facilities,
in order to justify financial support from the University and external funding
agencies.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Maximise external
funding streams
All senior staff.
Actively raise
project-specific
funds from
bodies inc.
Recognition
Fund, MGS, Art
Fund, etc
Co-Director
Annual report
(C&E)
to SFC; reapply
for grant when
appropriate
Sustain annual
SFC grant
Secure renewal of
MUSA
Co-Directors
Resources /
Conditions for
achieving
objective
In-house staff;
matching
funding from
operating
budget may be
required
Applications to
Workforce
22
Completion
date
Performance
indicator
Ongoing
Funds raised
Achieved –
increased
grant
secured to
2016-17
Achieved
April 2014,
Grant
maintained
Mid to long
term security
Operations
Officer and
Curatorial
Trainee posts, to
maintain
operations and
service levels
Ensure that the
Knowledge
Transfer activities
of the Unit are
properly recorded
and acknowledged
4.12
L&A Curator to
collect and
report all data
Planning
posts
confirmed
as standard
ie
permanent
for these posts
In-house
2013-16
Annual Report
monitoring
To support the University’s Sustainable Development Strategy.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Embed sustainable
development and
environmental
sustainability, in
line with
University strategy
Maintain MUSA
Gold standard in
Green Tourism
Business Scheme
Co-Director
(O&PE); all
staff
Co-Director
(O&PE),
MUSA Ops
Officer
Resources /
Conditions for
achieving
objective
In-house
Completion
date
Performance
indicator
Ongoing
Annual Report
monitoring
In-house
Ongoing
Grading status
23
Appendix I
Resource Plan
(i) Analysis of Staffing (revised July 2014)
The Museum Collections Unit is headed by the Co-Director (Collections and Exhibitions)
(0.7 FTE) and Co-Director (Operations & Public Engagement) (0.6 FTE), with the
following permanent staff: Collections Curator (1 FTE); Collections & Exhibitions
Curator (1 FTE); two Learning and Access Curators (1 FTE and 0.6 FTE); MUSA
Operations Officer (1 FTE); and the three MUSA Senior Visitor Services Facilitators
(0.68 FTE, 0.66 and 0.29 FTE – weekend post). Additionally, two Curatorial Trainees
(‘Collections’ and ‘Learning and Access’) are appointed on 1-year fixed term contracts;
the scheme has been running successfully since 2008 and has been permanently secured.
The Unit also employs casual staff and volunteers across the fields of collections,
learning and access and front-of-house at MUSA, often drawn from the postgraduate
Museum Studies course. All the above posts are funded by the University. A network of
honorary departmental curators, usually professors or senior lecturers of academic
Schools to which the collections relate e.g. Chemistry, Art History, support the curatorial
staff. Externally funded project staff are occasionally employed, working on specific,
time-limited initiatives, e.g. the SFC-funded UMIS SPIRIT project.
As reported in the Resource Plan, February 2013 edition, staffing presented a number of
challenges 2012-13, following the retirement of the Director, Ian Carradice, in August
2012 and the simultaneous maternity leaves of three senior staff, the Operations and
Projects Curator and Learning and Access Curators (job-share), each for a year from
Spring-Summer 2012 onwards. Helen Rawson served as Acting Director September
2012 - June 2013.
Helen Rawson and Emma Jane Wells were appointed Co-Directors of the Museum
Collections Unit in June 2013, with responsibility for collections, exhibitions and
research; and operations and public engagement respectively. A new staffing structure
was implemented, shown in the staff chart (below). A number of previously temporary
posts, including the MUSA Operations Officer and Collections and Exhibitions Curator
were made permanent by April 2014. The new structure brings the capacity of the Unit
to the level necessary to deliver core services and collections management activities, and
current objectives and priorities, in accordance with the Strategic and Operational Plan.
24
Structure of the Museum Collections Unit, July 2014
Co-Director, Museum
Collections Unit (Operations
& Public Engagement)
0.6 FTE
Emma Jane Wells
Learning and
Access Curator
1 FTE
Matthew Sheard
MUSA
Operations
Officer
1 FTE
Ella Voce
Senior Visitor
Services Facilitators
0.66 FTE
Arianna Carlini
0.68 FTE
Joanna Rodgers
0.29 FTE (weekends)
Lili Bagyanszki
Co-Director, Museum
Collections Unit (Collections
and Exhibitions)
0.7 FTE
Dr Helen Rawson
Learning and
Access Curator
0.6 FTE
Alison Hadfield
Curatorial
Trainee
(Learning and
Access)
1 FTE, 12
months, recurring
MUSA Front of
House Staff
5 x Casual Staff
8 x Volunteers
25
Collections and
Exhibitions
Curator
1 FTE
Claire Robinson
Collections
Curator
1 FTE
Jessica Burdge
Curatorial
Trainee
(Collections)
1 FTE, 12
months, recurring
(ii) Analysis of Financial Resources (revised 2014)
The Unit receives an annual ‘Museums Galleries and Collections’ grant from the Scottish
Funding Council, currently £34,000. Retail and venue hire at MUSA provide a minor
income stream, which we are actively seeking to further develop, currently through
reinvesting profits into expansion of retail ranges, including production of guide books,
catalogues etc. Some minor income is provided by photography rights and reproduction
and through the donations box at MUSA and is applied in support of the Unit.
Otherwise, all core staffing and operating costs are met by the University of St Andrews.
External funding is sought for major projects and specific initiatives e.g. Heritage Lottery
and other funding for capital development of MUSA (2008); Museums Galleries Scotland
grant for storage improvements (2013-14). The Recognition Fund has proved an
important source of grants, funding display cases for MUSA; the development of the
MUSA Collections Centre; an audience development project; and supporting the 600th
anniversary exhibition of medieval maces. In order to continue to raise external funds, it
is crucial that the high standards and public services of the Unit are retained and external
museum standards, including Museum Accreditation, are met.
Core Budget Summary 2014-15
Staffing:
Casual staffing
Operating Budget
Total
£313,000
£27,000
£66,000
£406,000
Resource division of operating budget
General Operations, including collections management
MUSA
Learning and Access
Gateway Galleries – temporary exhibitions
Acquisitions Fund
Total
26
26,000
17,000
11,500
6,500
5000
£66,000
Appendix II
SWOT analysis
Assessment and management of specific risks to the collections and services e.g. fire,
flood, theft are addressed in the Emergency Plan. All staff are required to be familiar
with the Emergency Plan and to participate in emergency training.
This SWOT analysis considers the broader Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats relating to the collections, venues, services and operations of the Museum
Collections Unit.
Strengths
 Highly-trained, well-motivated professional staff.
 Stable financial support from University for core activities.
 Expert support from University in specialist areas: Human Resources, IT, Estates,
etc.
 Well-maintained museum venues and storage areas.
 Strong links with academic Schools in University, including contribution and
support to teaching and research.
 Strong relationship with Museum Studies course, including engagement with
students as casual staff and volunteers.
 Strong staff involvement in museum sectoral bodies.
 Experienced partner in collaborative initiatives within / outwith University.
 One of the few University venues that is public facing allowing for strong
engagement and positive impact of the University beyond student and faculty
population.
 Positive public profile; growing visitor numbers at MUSA.
 High-quality diverse public engagement programme, targeting schools, local
community, families and visitors to area.
 Varied programme of temporary exhibitions.
Weaknesses
 Small core permanent staff working at capacity across several venues and key
services means potential disruption in case of extended illness / unexpected loss
of staff; reduced opportunities for participation in new, but important, projects
and initiatives.
 Reliance on casual staff and volunteers for lunch cover etc at MUSA –
problematic during University vacations, especially Summer.
 Gateway Galleries visitor numbers affected by location outside town centre - less
'drop-in' and casual visitors.
 Storage space and opportunity for extending collections reduced by current
sharing of North Haugh store with Special Collections during their redevelopment
project.
27

Difficulties in prioritising projects crucial to the Museum Collections Unit within
the wider University IT Services Department's workload e.g. make collections
catalogue available on-line. No dedicated IT officer.
Opportunities
 Relaunch and further develop Friends' Group to build and sustain engagement and
support for museum collections and services.
 Collaboration on specific projects with University Schools and Units, and with
external museum and other partners.
 Support research agenda, through producing and encouraging research on the
collections and museological practice; hosting and organising UMIS conference
on research, 2013; membership of cross-disciplinary groups such as CATCH
(Centre for Archaeology, Technology and Cultural Heritage, University of St
Andrews).
 Be a key provider of Knowledge Transfer and Exchange and public engagement,
in-line with University Strategic Plan 2008-18.
 Broaden user-groups e.g. through current project to engage youths (13-17) beyond
schools programme.
 Further develop retail / commercial activities at MUSA e.g. venue hire
 Actively participate in 600th anniversary celebrations, maximising profile,
initiatives and fundraising opportunities.
 Take forward findings of Audience Development project, using results to inform
strategic planning.
 Audience development and marketing through social media, in which we are
becoming a leader in the Scottish museum sector.
 Investigation into location of a new temporary exhibitions venue (closer to, or as
an extension to, the MUSA building) that will better meet the needs and strategic
aims of the Unit - including providing exhibition space for academic staff to
promote public access to research
Threats
 Risk to collections e.g. fire, flood, theft, pest infestation.
 In current economic climate, reduced opportunities for raising project-specific
external funding / sponsorship.
 Any major collections management issues, or decline in or sustained negative
experience of public services or facilities, relating to financial resources or
management issues would negatively affect public perceptions, Accredited status
and possibly recruitment to postgraduate Museum Studies course. Need to retain
strong internal management and financial support from University.
 Insurance review – increased staffing at Gateway Galleries may be required, may
limit opening times if financial resources not secured from University.
 Viability of exhibitions in the Gateway Galleries threatened by changes to
buildings management practice, including out-of-hours entry to building by
students, further potential reduction in staffing of reception by Residential and
Business Services.
28

Issues with controlling environmental conditions in MUSA – if not resolved, may
affect necessitate removal of fragile artefact and archival material, affect potential
for loans in.
29
Appendix III
Concluded Objectives, Strategic Plan 2009-12
The Unit’s activities are recorded in an Annual Report, submitted to the Audit and Risk
Committee. These Reports record progress in ‘on-going’ activities and completed
projects. The following objectives were removed from the Strategic and Operational Plan
2013-16 because they had concluded under the Plan 2009-12. They are presented under
the (now differently worded) Strategic Aims to which they related.
4.1 To develop and establish MUSA as a small, but ‘world-leading’ university
museum and popular visitor attraction.
Objective
How to be
achieved
Completion
date
Performance
indicator
Director /
Curators to
write
Resources /
Conditions for
achieving
objective
Internal and
external
funding
Raise University
and public
awareness of the
Museum
Collections by
production of
published guides
for MUSA
Apply for awards
/ Visit Scotland
grading
2009-12
Guide and
Children’s Guide
to MUSA
published.
Children’s Guide
supported by MGS
funding.
O&P Curator
In-house staff
Dec 2009
5 star Visit
Scotland rating.
ASVA ‘Rising
Star’ award to
Operations Officer,
2011. Finalist for
ASVA ‘Best
Visitor Experience
Award’ 2012.
4.2 To develop, produce and maintain high quality displays and exhibitions in the
Gateway Galleries.
Objective
Plan redesign of
Gateway outer
gallery
How to be
achieved
O&P Curator
to co-ordinate
Resources /
Conditions
In-house staff;
30
Completion
date
Commence
2009-10
Performance
indicator
Completed 2012
4.5 To develop our learning and access programmes and facilities for community
engagement aimed at diverse users, including previously under-represented groups.
Our aim is to be seen as one of the University’s key providers of knowledge transfer
and to manage facilities and programmes that are cited as models of best practice.
Objective
Investigate audio
guides for MUSA
to increase access
Implement
Revisiting
Collections
project
How to be
achieved
L&A Curator
Resources /
Conditions
External
funding
Completion
date
2011-12
O&P Curator
Financial
support from
MGS
2009-11
Performance
indicator
Audio guide,
narrated by Joanna
Lumley, launched
2012. MGS
Recognition
Funding
Project completed
4.6 To preserve and develop the University’s museum collections, and improve
collections care and access to stored collections, through innovative and forwardthinking practices in public service delivery and collections management.
Objective
Relocate objects
to (a) openaccess store and
(b) new Museum
/Library Store
Implement
recommendations
of security audits
of Gateway
Galleries and
Bell Pettigrew
Museum
Purchase and
install new
electronic
collections
How to be
achieved
O&P Curator
to coordinate;
liaise with
Estates,
Library,
architects, etc
over
collections
requirements,
fit-out, object
relocation, etc
Collections
Curator,
seeking also
appropriate
advice
Resources /
Conditions
Funding for
store. In-house
staff; external
contractors;
specialist
museum
movers
Completion
date
2009-12
Performance
indicator
Completed 2011,
(a) supported by
Recognition Fund.
In-house staff /
Estates / MLA
Security
Adviser
2009-10
Completed
Dec 2009
Successful set-up
of new system,
Adlib; data
transfer from
Collections
In-house / IT
Curator /
Services /
Senior Curator Business
Improvements /
31
catalogue
Progress SPIRIT
project (UMIS
collaboration) for
putting
collections data
on-line
external firm
Senior Curator P/T assistant
/ Collections
funded by SFC
Curator to
grant
supervise
2010-11
INCA to Adlib
Completed 2011
4.7 To promote the University through our facilities and programmes, to enhance
the University’s reputation and to aid student recruitment, by managing MUSA as
one of the University’s ‘unique selling points’ and using its displays and those in the
Gateway Galleries to showcase the University’s achievements, past and present.
Objective
Redesign
Museum
Collections
website
How to be
achieved
MUSA
Operations
Officer
Resources /
Conditions
In-house /
University staff
Completion
date
2011
Performance
indicator
Website userfriendly and easy
to maintain
4.8 To develop appropriate retail and other commercial activities, maximising
potential income from merchandising and commercial use of our facilities.
Objective
Produce sets of
post cards and
Christmas cards
and develop
further
merchandise to
maximise retail
income
Develop hiring of
MUSA facilities
to maximize
income
How to be
achieved
O&P Curator
Resources /
Conditions
In-house staff;
funded from
retail profits
Completion
date
2009-12
Performance
indicator
Stock produced
and sale figures
O&P Curator
In-house staff
2009-2010
Achieved and
ongoing
4.10 To demonstrate the value of the collections and promote effectiveness and
efficiency in the administration and management of the collections and facilities, in
order to justify financial support from the University and outside funding agencies
Objective
Apply for
How to be
achieved
BP Museum
Resources /
Conditions
In-house staff
32
Completion
date
2009-10
Performance
indicator
Application
‘Recognition’
status for Bell
Pettigrew
Museum
Secure
establishment of
intern posts
Curator and
Senior
Curator
Director and
O&P Curator
submitted:
unsuccessful
Application to
Workforce
Planning
33
Posts to be
renewed
2011
Achieved to 2015