Learn here about the courses I teach at the UT School of Information. For more on iSchool course offerings, visit our course page.
INF 385T: Disaster Planning and Response
Disaster events, like floods and fires, can cause severe damage and loss in cultural heritage collections. How will you respond when disaster strikes? This course introduces students to the fundamental preservation concepts, planning strategies, and applied response techniques that make a difference. The class will evaluate the physical impact of fire, water, soot, mold, and insects on varied media, including books, flat paper, audiovisual materials, and other items. Disaster planning exercises model proactive methods to minimize damage. Hands-on response drills enable students to practice salvage techniques, and to triage and prioritize impacted materials.
INF 386E: Planning and Understanding Exhibits
Exhibits are a powerful way for libraries, archives, museums, and cultural institutions to engage the public with their collections. This course offers students the opportunity to plan and install an exhibit, focusing on objectives such as: crafting a narrative around physical objects; drafting exhibit text; accommodating media preservation issues; building basic display supports; and publicizing the exhibit. Students will learn about the historical origins of modern-day exhibit practices, and will visit and evaluate current exhibits on campus and in the Austin area.
INF 393C: Preservation Science and Practice
Ever wondered how libraries and archives safeguard historical materials for future generations? Preservation is the answer. In this course, students learn collections care strategies that enable today’s information stewards to protect our growing cultural record. Scientific foundations and practical exercises will address common preservation challenges, such as environmental control, mold, insects, pollutants, and light damage. Modern topics in health, safety, and sustainability will highlight the developing nature of the field. Students will evaluate preservation risks for books, paper, electronic media, and other collections materials.
INF 393C: Introduction to Paper Conservation
Conservation is the practice of prolonging the lifetime of cultural materials, often with a focus on physical intervention. This course will introduce ethical principles of conservation; conservation documentation; and hands-on treatment techniques. Students will become familiar with conservation materials and tools. Decision-making exercises will explore the practical application of conservation ethics in paper-based collections. Hands-on treatment techniques will focus on methods offering the greatest and most accessible benefit with minimal materials. These will include dry cleaning, humidification and flattening, mending, and others. Students will practice their skills on modern and archival materials. They will also complete one full conservation treatment, with written and photographic documentation.
