MANAGING ARCHIVAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Course Timetable:

Registration: Fall 2026

Course duration: January - March 2027

AABC Anti-Racism Bursary

This course is eligible for the AABC Anti-Racism Bursary which covers the course registration cost and required textbook(s). More information about the bursary, eligibility, and a link to apply can be found HERE.

Bursary application deadline: T.B.D.

Course Description:

Using the publication Photographs: Archival Care and Management, students will be introduced to the history and management of photographs. Through reading and practical assignments, students will learn about strategies and best practices for practical appraisal, processing, and long-term preservation, and how to leverage the use of this engaging visual format for exhibits and outreach opportunities. 

Topics for the course modules include:

Module 1.    Photographic history, technology and processes

Module 2.    Appraisal

Module 3.    Accessioning and arrangement

Module 4.    Description

Module 5.    Preservation

Module 6.    Reference, copyright and public outreach

Module 7.    Digitization

Students will receive, by electronic mail, a Self-study Guide which includes instructions, supplementary readings (where applicable), self-study questions, and in most modules, a practical project. The self-study questions and projects will be submitted to the Instructor for evaluation. Upon successfully completing all the course assignments, students will receive a certificate of completion for the course.

Students can expect to work about 10-12 hours per week on readings and assignments for the duration of the course.

Instructor: Lisa Glandt, AABC Education and Advisory Services Coordinator

Cost: AABC members $350.00 (CAD) / Non-member $500.00 (CAD); plus the cost of the course textbook

Textbook: Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler. Photographs: Archival Care and Management (SAA, 2006).

Note: As of 2019, hardcopy versions of this textbook are no longer being printed. An electronic version (ePub or PDF) of the textbook is available from the SAA Bookstore.

Student Comments on the Course:

"Thank you so much for all the guidance and comments. It was very enjoyable and inspiring for the whole learning period!"

"This was such an interesting course. I appreciate that the module questions and projects are something I can refer to as I continue with processing our collections. I am registered for the next course and am looking forward to more great content."