Dean of Postgraduate Research
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Extension: 7285
Email:
lucy.johnston@canterbury.ac.nz
Summer Research Scholarship Scheme
2014-2015
Project Application Form
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to
summerscholarships@canterbury.ac.nz
The Project
Title of Project (max 30 words):
Canterbury Museum Collections Online: Objects from the First World War
Project Leader(s):
Dr Chris Jones (Senior Lecturer, History); Ms Sarah Murray (Adjunct Fellow, History)
Host Department/Organization:
History (HACA)/Canterbury Museum
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Affiliation to project
Brief outline of project
Describe the proposed research project – maximum of 400 words (box will expand as you type).
Note that this information will be published on the web in order to attract student applicants and therefore be
mindful of any Intellectual Property issues
Canterbury Museum staff have been working on the development of a Collections Online database, which
will provide access to and information about some of our collections (written at a level a twelve year old could
understand, a standard museum practice). As part of this the Museum wish to include a cluster of objects
relating to the First World War. This will form part of its contribution to the centenary commemorations.
Canterbury Museum’s Collections Online is due to launch in late 2014, and will provide another form of
access for our visitors while some collections remain inaccessible due to the Canterbury earthquakes. With
heightened interest in the Museum’s First World War collections due to the centenary, this particular project
will be useful for historians, student researchers, and genealogists as well as the general public.
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Aim of the Project:
To provide at least one hundred object entries for First World War material (objects to be advised by
Canterbury Museum). This will involve the successful student working on an Excel spreadsheet to:
o
o
o
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Update information to current data standards
Where known, complete fields that are currently blank
Research and write Collections Online entries for each object. Each entry is to highlight the
significance of the object and provide additional information/interpretation likely to be of
interest to virtual visitors to the Museum
Include sources consulted in a professional bibliography
This project will continue to develop a long-standing relationship between Canterbury Museum and the
University of Canterbury, which has, to date, seen UC students complete work on earthquake collections,
architectural plans, pictorial collections, exhibition concepts, and Museum education lessons. It links to an
ongoing Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. It builds upon, in particular, links to the
University’s History Department, and offers students an opportunity for practical work experience in a
Museum context.
If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail all locations.
The student will be expected to work Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm at Canterbury Museum. Visits to the
University and access to its Central Library for research purposes are also anticipated.
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details
n/a
Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project –
maximum of 100 words.
The student will be involved as part of a Human History curatorial team in a professional Museum
environment. The project will not only offer the student a ‘real life’ work experience that will build team-work
skills, but will also provide an opportunity for them to develop further their research and writing skills for
online publication. The project will be excellent preparation for MA-level research and/or lay the foundations
for a future curatorial career. It will help prepare the student to transition from the tertiary sector into a
museums/ galleries environment.
Specific student requirements
Please provide details of all requirements you have for the student to work on this project – for example, if specific
courses/experience are necessary.
- Knowledge of New Zealand history, particularly First World War history, to the level established via the
successful completion a HIST480 research dissertation in this area
- Knowledge of material culture/history of objects
- An Honours degree in History at 2:1 or above.
- Ability to write clearly and comprehensibly
- Ability to self manage and meet targets
- Professional and courteous approach
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