Chris Selman Email & Phone Number

Burlington, On, Ca

Burlington, Ontario

• Responsible for the Museums' overall collection management and exhibitions program• Developed and implemented curatorial policies and procedures• Managed the Museums' preventive conservation program and coordinated treatments by contractors• Undertook research relating to the Museums’ permanent collections and potential acquisitions• Responded to research requests from outside stakeholders and provided safe access to collections• Developed and curated exhibitions and curatorial content at the Museums and across digital platforms• Coordinated traveling the exhibition schedule and oversaw their installation and de-installation• Supervised and trained staff, volunteers, and interns in the areas of collections, research, and exhibitions

• Maintained physical and intellectual control of City’s artifact collection• Worked with departmental staff to develop collection priorities and work plans• Held administrator level authority in MISISIS database, comprising 90,000 catalogue records• Coordinated the packing, handling, transportation and security of artifacts between internal and external sites• Worked within the departmental budget to source and purchase collections management supplies• Directed and guided staff and interns in aspects of collections management• Assisted with treatment and preventive conservation, including mitigating risk to collections storage• Supported exhibit development at all City of Toronto’s Historic Sites and other, non-traditional, locations• Met with community members to discuss and facilitate artifact donations and loans • Responded to research and loan requests from the public and outside institutions

Canada

Collections Consultant, Museums Association of Saskatchewan • Reviewed and revised the collections management section of the province-wide “Standards for Saskatchewan Museums” guidebook • Researched and completed a learning presentation on “Sustainable Museum Collections” focusing on mission-focused collecting, preventive conservation, and records management • Wrote collections management resources regarding: mission-based collecting, artifact acquisition, deaccessioning and disposal, and artifact photographyAssistant Conservator, Leaf by Leaf Book & Paper Conservation Services • Tear and infill repair to paper documents using accepted conservation and handling practices and created custom storage enclosures for preservation after treatment Project Coordinator, Association of Nova Scotia Museums • Completed final edits and revisions to the Association’s “Collections Database Disaster Recovery Plan”• Researched and developed a User Engagement Plan for NovaMuse.ca, Nova Scotia’s community museums’ collections sharing website, winner of the 2013 CMA Award of Outstanding Achievement Project Coordinator, Whirl-i-Gig (CollectiveAccess Development Company)• Migrated MIMS database system into CollectiveAccess database system using custom written coding maps • Researched and wrote corresponding technical report Research Consultant, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic • Undertook extensive archival research of the CSS Acadia as part of a report for the Museum’s “Acadia 100 Year Anniversary” ceremonies

• Participated in all aspects of registration, including cataloguing and inventorying • Created and updated collections database records and paper files • Improved the general storage of artifacts, including re-shelving and re-housel• Participated in exhibition development meetings with program and curatorial staff• Worked with curatorial staff and volunteers to complete comprehensive archival storage relocation

Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Team member for the installation of the Positions as Desired, Migrating Landscapes, and Peace exhibitions• Designed and constructed custom display mounts for artifacts• Completed condition reports for incoming loaned artifacts• Set up and installed exhibit lighting, temporary wall partitions, and display cases

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

• Aided in the administration and standardization of 52 Nova Scotia community museums’ collection database systems totalling nearly 200,000 artifact records• Collaborated with stakeholders to troubleshoot technical issues, train new users, and enhance usability of system• Active member of the Information Management & Access Committee , which works to steer the province-wide CollectiveAccess database system as well as NovaMuse.ca, the database’s public face • Developed a new database of Nova Scotia manufacturers, including establishing metadata and vocabulary standards, this project will enhance NovaMuse.ca as a research tool

Jordan, Ontario

• Oversaw transfer and formatting of registration and curatorial records into PastPerfect database• Completed inventory and cataloguing of archival, archaeological and historical collections• Developed and implemented an environmental monitoring system through the exhibit and storage areas • Monitored exhibit and storage conditions using environmental monitors • Team member during installation and de-installation of travelling exhibitions• Contacted archival organizations to research and enrich records within the Ball’s Falls collection• Wrote a final report summarizing completed work and developed a future plan for collection work• Created the first Volunteer Guide for individuals working in the collection and database• Supervised and trained interns and volunteers as they completed collection and database work• Worked independently to follow established contract timelines and meet established deadlines

Brighton, Ontario

• Developed and implemented filing systems to meet administrative, legal, and financial requirements• Indexed municipal and archival files in accordance with Brighton’s classification scheme and retention schedule• Facilitated the organization and monitoring of records which included shelving, labeling, boxing, and moving of documents• Handled confidential files in an ethical and professional manner • Assisted in training permanent staff on organization and disposal of records

Nova Scotia, Canada

• Assisted in the development and design of an innovative new, shared database system and the accompanying public-user interface, “NovaMuse” • Developed several museum policies and guidelines (Collections Management, Acquisitions, Exhibition, Research, Copyright) for the use of institutional members within the Association• Participated in regional Curator’s meetings across the province, including oral presentations regarding my project to-date• Visited museums across Nova Scotia alongside the provincial Museum Advisor, counselling community museum workers on various museum management topics

Prince Edward County, Ontario

• Developed content, researched artefact histories and designed the layout for three temporary exhibitions• Oversaw the day-to-day operations of the museum which included opening and closing procedures and responding to general inquiries • Prepared exhibit spaces for new installations, including painting, creating artifact mounts, and lay-out design

Prince Edward County, Ontario

• Created new digital finding aid for Macaulay Heritage Park’s historical records • Participated in the “Museum Forum” which provided input for the Museums of Prince Edward County’s new Strategic Plan • Worked with Head Curator to prepare museum artefacts for storage during building renovations

Diploma, Collections Conservation & Management

Activities and Societies: Student Librarian 2010 - 2011

Ba Honours, History