Pre-Conference Workshops taught by experts in the field offered in-depth instruction and a chance to learn new skills to enhance your museum web site.

Wednesday, April 22, 1998

Full Day

Design and Usability Evaluation of On-Line and Off-Line Multimedia Applications

Participants will learn how to approach more systematically the design of multimedia museum applications - both online Web sites and off-line (CD-ROMS) - and how to discuss more precisely their requirements and design choices. The second half of the workshop provides a critical examination of design choices and a methodology for detecting usability problems towards an end-goal of usability improvement. (Intermediate)

Linking Databases to Websites

This workshop will explore using database-to-Web linking to provide richer, more powerful Web access to information and to aid in site management. Discussions and case studies will cover linking to object information in collections management systems, site management through database creation of dynamic pages, Dublin Core metadata management, and Java and the integration of Z39.50 for distributed searching. (Technical)

Web Project Management

Participants will be involved in a variety of hands-on exercises that will help them identify and understand the key issues for Project Managers responsible for overseeing the establishment and maintenance of museum Web sites. The workshop will follow the sequence of issues that Project Managers have to deal with in typical World Wide Web projects. (All levels)

Morning: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Museum Intranets: Techniques, Issues, Strategies

Participants will begin this workshop by exploring the importance of Intranets for museums. They will then be introduced to tools and strategies specific to implementing their own Intranets. (Intermediate)

Principles of the Internet & WWW

The World Wide Web global hypermedia system has been called the killer application of the Internet network of networks because it provides a simple point and click graphical interface to the extensive resources available online. The Virtual Library museum pages will be provided as a specific example. Virtual visitor statistics and possible future directions will be addressed. This workshop will provide an introduction to the Internet and the Web; no previous experience will be assumed. (Introduction)

Building Digital Environments

The workshop will consist of an introduction to the concept and characteristics of digital environments, a demonstration of several practical examples dealing with different types of information (art museum vs. science museum) and an overview of guidelines and tools for futher development. (Basic/Intermediate)

Putting Images on the Web: a Hands-on Imaging Workshop

Participants receive hands-on experience putting images on the Web while discovering the issues involved in digital imaging, including the questions of resolution, image sizes, compression, etc. Participants are encouraged to bring a few slides and/or photos from their own collections to scan and work on. (Introduction)

Afternoon: 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Building Your Own WWW System

This workshop is suitable for those wishing to produce Web page(s) themselves, particularly in a museum context. It includes: a basic HTML lesson; hints on structuring and linking Web pages; tips on Web page design to improve appearance and speed loading over the network; intro-ductory information on multimedia formats and manipulation for inclusion in Web pages; and how to publicise your site on the Internet. Attendance at the previous Bowen workshop and basic computer word processing skills would be useful. (Basic)

Design Strategies for Integrating the Web and Interactive Media in the Museum

This workshop will address the balancing act between creativity and pragmatism in museum multimedia design. Issues include: when to do a Web site, a kiosk, or a CD-ROM; mixing and matching forms; and workflow processes that enable institutions to move information easily between these forms. (Intermediate)

Web Graphics: Creation and Online Presentation

Techniques for scanning source images and preparing them for online display will be presented. The basics of scanning and image correction will be discussed, with emphasis toward online graphics concerns. The workshop will then consider design strategies for effective display of images online. (Basic/Intermediate)

Understanding Museums in the Digital Age: Extensions of Marshall McLuhan's Insights

McLuhan's argument that all institutions are transformed as a consequence of the introduction of new media has renewed relevance for contemporary debates over the form, function and purpose of the late Twentieth Century museum. Held at McLuhan's Coach House, on the campus of the University of Toronto (within walking distance of the conference hotel) this seminar-like workshop will explore McLuhan's insights on media and on museums in the current digital shift, ponder the implications of the Web for the museum, and address how museums and their collections can achieve a second, virtual, life. (All levels)