Archives and Museums (Skill enhancement course)

Paper Code: 
25SHIS 601
Credits: 
04
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

In this course, students will gain familiarity with the structure and operations of archives and museums in India. They will explore how heritage is preserved and sustained in the Indian context, as well as the challenges encountered in this endeavor. Additionally, students will discover various career pathways and gain insights into employability aspects within the museum and archives sectors, both domestically and internationally. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the dynamic field of heritage preservation and museum curation, offering valuable insights into potential career opportunities in this field.

 

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

25SHIS 601

Archives and Museums

(Theory)

 

 

CO1-Explain the definition, types and Movements related to Museum.

CO2- Assess the technique of collection and conservation of objects in Museums

CO3-  Examine Archives as a repository of History from close quarters

CO4-Analyze archive management and preservation of records.

CO5- Evaluate the evolving roles of museums and archives in contemporary times.

CO6-  Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Orientation of methods of conflict resolution, Case studies based on management and resolution of various conflicts in different regions, Lectures, Classroom discussions based on real life situations and case studies 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects
 
12.00
Unit I: 
Museology

Definition of Museology, significance,Types of Museums-Digital, Virtual, Crafts,Media

Museum Movement in India 

12.00
Unit II: 
Collection and Preservation

Methods of Collection and Conservation of Objects in Museums

Preservation and Techniques 

12.00
Unit III: 
Archival Science

Meaning, Scope, Objectives and Classes of Archives

Importance of Archives: Value of Records as Sources of History

Classification of Records

12.00
Unit IV: 
Management of Archives

Appraisal and Retention of Records

Conservation and Preservation of Records

Digital Archives

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Role of the Curator

Changing Role of Museums and Archives: In-house and Out-reach activities

Visit to a Museum / Archive and Report presentation on the same

Essential Readings: 
  • A Guide to the National Museum. New Delhi:National Museum, 1997.
  • Agarwal, O.P. Essentials of Conservation and Museology. Delhi: Sundeep Prakashan, 2007.
  • Agarwal, O.P. PustakalayaSamagriAur Kala-VastuonKaParirakshan. Delhi: NBT, 1999.
  • Balloffet Nelly, Hille Jenny and Judith Reed, Conservation and Preservation of Records Archives, American Library Association, Chicago, 2015.
  • Banerjee, N. R., Museum and Cultural Heritage of India, Agam Kala Prakashan, New Delhi, 1990
  • Cook Michael, The Management of Information from Archives, Gower, Hampshire,1999.
  • Dobreva, Milena and Ivacs Gabriella, Digital Archives: Management, Use and Access, Facet Publishing, London, 2015.
  • Dwivedi V.P, Museums and Museology: New Horizons, Agam Kala Prakashan, New Delhi, 1980.
  • Edson, G. and D. David. Handbook for Museums. London: Routledge, 1986
  • Forde Helen and Rhys-Lewis Jonathan, Preserving Archives, Facet Publishing, London, 2013.
  • GuhaThakurta, Tapati. Monuments, Objects, Histories: Institutions of Art in Colonial India. Delhi: Permanent Black, 2004.
  • Ghose Salien, Archives in India, History and Assets, Firma KL Mukhopadhyay, 1963.
  • Kathpalia,Y.P. Conservation and Restoration of Archive Materials. UNESCO, 1973.
  • Harinarayan Nilam, The Science of Archives Keeping, the State Archives, Hyderabad, 1969
References: 
  • Jenkinson Hilary, A Manual of Archive Administration, Oxford, Clarendon Press, London, 1922
  • Johnson Charles, The Care of Documents and Management of Archives, Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, London, 1919
  • Markham S. F., The Museums of India, The Museum Association, London, 1936
  • Plenderleith H. J, The Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art: Treatment, Repair and Restoration, Oxford University Press, New York, 1956
  • Posner Earnest, Archives in the Ancient World, Harvard University Press, 1972
  • Ridener, J. From Foiders to Post Modernism: A Concise History of Archival Theory. LLC: Litwin Books, 2009.
  • Sarkar, H, Museums and Protection of Monuments and Antiquities in India, Sundeep Prakashan, New Delhi, 1981
  • Stielow Frederick J. Building Digital Archives, Descriptions, and Displays, Neal-Schuman Publishers, New York, 2003
  • Thomson John M.A. and Others, Manual of Curatorship: A Guide to Museum Practice, Routledge, New York, 1984.
  • Wittlin Alma, Museums: Its History and Its Tasks in Education, Routledge and K Paul, London, 1949

E Resources

Definition of Museology, Museum Movement in India

Museum Movement in India

Methods of Collection and Conservation of Objects in Museums

Preservation Techniques and Types of Exhibitions

Changing Role of Museums: In-house and Out-reach activities of Museums

Archival Science

Meaning, Scope, Objectives and Classes of Archives

Importance of Archives: Value of Records as Sources of History

Management of Archives

Digital Archives

Academic Year: 
2025-26
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