I can't speak for everyone involved, but as someone who is engaged with trying to get the blog up and running in a meaningful way for ECPN, here's how I see it:
Why Blog?
I think the better question is why not blog?
*It provides a relatively informal forum in which emerging conservators can pitch their research, and get their names out there!
*It invites collaboration - in that the format of a blog invites informal peer review and discussion, in a more accessible way than other conservation publishing venues permit.
*It's timely - ongoing research can be posted and commented on. There is often a several year lag time with other venues.
*Along with collaboration and review, it encourages transparency in our work.
(see Richard McCoy's musings in Dan Cull's brilliant blog on the role of "conservy" blogs http://dancull.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/the_conservy/)
*a blog invites discussion also on people's thoughts and reflections on the field, not just their research, in a timely and direct way that is not possible through traditional venues.
(here's a good example, again the product of Richard McCoy, guest blogger for Ellen Carrlee:
http://ellencarrlee.wordpress.com/2009/05/11/new-directions-or-radical-ideas/
Indeed, look at all of Ellen's posts on the proceedings at AIC for great examples of how to marry quick dispersal of the research being done in conservation with review. Like this:
http://ellencarrlee.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/aic-2009-in-la-more-sessions/)
*The blog is a playground! Not only to get to know one another one one another's research, but for those of us, like myself, who don't blog on our own, it invites us to engage with and learn how to use emerging technologies and communications methods. And we can even find members to tell us how to begin!
(http://emergingconservator.blogspot.com/2009/08/helpful-thoughts-on-writing-blog-post.html)
*We're already attracting some attention and discussion, no? So I would say it will serve as a touchstone for building the ECPN community. And possibly serve as a base for those interested in some of the great blogging that a few conservators are doing now, through the engagement of guest bloggers and tools like a blog roll.
*It's empowering!
...a forum for professionals entering the field of conservation
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About the Emerging Conservation Professionals Network
In April 2008, AIC formed the Emerging Leaders Network for AIC members just entering the field of conservation (both conservators and conservation students) for the following purposes:
- Create and maintain a forum and network for AIC members who are entering the field of conservation. This includes: undergraduate students, pre-program individuals, graduate students, and conservators with fewer than seven years experience including graduate school or other training.
- Assist AIC in enhancing ways to serve our members who are just entering the field of conservation and help members as they make the transition from student to conservation professional.
- Enhance the dialogue among conservation students, entry level conservators and experienced conservators.
- Increase the involvement of student and entry level conservators in AIC.
- Enhance the dialogue between AIC and the conservation graduate programs.
- Assist in fostering an appreciation of the importance of professional standing within the field; specifically promote attaining the status of Professional Associate and Fellow.
- Promote the importance of service to the profession.
About the Authors
- AIC
- AIC is the national membership organization supporting conservation professionals in preserving cultural heritage by establishing and upholding professional standards, promoting research and publications, providing educational opportunities, and fostering the exchange of knowledge among conservators, allied professionals, and the public.
Contact Us
Ryan Winfield, Blog Moderator
The American Institute for the Conservation
of Historic and Artistic Works
1156 15th Street NW
Suite 310
Washington, DC 20005
202.452.9545
202.452.9328 fax
rwinfield@conservation-us.org
The American Institute for the Conservation
of Historic and Artistic Works
1156 15th Street NW
Suite 310
Washington, DC 20005
202.452.9545
202.452.9328 fax
rwinfield@conservation-us.org
9 comments:
Nice post, Katie.
I'll add that it's an immediate way to communicate in a professional capacity.
And as you say it's an excellent way for conservators to broaden their networks and demonstrate their roles into the broader museum conversations.
Just a quick comment. You reference my musings on the 'conservy'. However, I should point out that those words were actually the words of Guest blogger Richard McCoy.. who I guess was too modest to point this out in his own reply to this post!
Cheers, Dan.
Thanks for pointing out that I incorrectly attributed the post in your blog, Dan! I see that one of the posts I referenced in Ellen's blog is Richard's also. But then again, even the corn droops a little bit when Richard's not in Indy (shhh).. :)
Ha, ha. Funny guys the two yous.
I know it's months and months away but I've already been thinking about the next year's Conservy Awards.
We should talk, Dan. We've got to go even bigger this year!
Maybe send real "Awards"? We may have to look deep into the Dan Cull Weblog budgets to find the resources, but I've got a good feeling about it.
I've edited to reflect Richard's authorship, and to fix that lovely typo at the top of the post.
Katie: Thanks for making the edits.
Richard: Oh, great not content with stealing my blog now you want to spend my money too! lol.
Cheers,
Dan.
Ha, ha. And of course, no need to worry, I'll be digging deep into the Richard McCoy, Itinerant Conservation Blogger, budget to pay for the awards.
Great post - hopefully, we can get some readers to reach out and become new bloggers!
I will wait for your next post!
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