Resolution Update

Well, I've been hard at work on my New Year Resolutions!

1) Migrate to updated version of collection management database.

I spent several days week before last on the phone and online with technical support to migrate my data from the old collection management database to the new version.  There are still two modules to migrate, but my tech support person, Vanessa, is hard at work on those!  I'm actually working in the new system now.  And with any luck (once I get over the current hurdle -- installing another workstation), I'll have a volunteer or two working in it too!  I have one volunteer who is willing waiting in the wings.  I just need to feel comfortable teaching her how to use the new system.

2) Complete inventory of all collections in storage.

With the help of two volunteers, I've made strides on the inventory of collection storage.  There certainly seems to be more questions than answers at the moment, but we should have a comprehensive list of what is in storage soon!

3) Develop & implement plan for moving collections off-site.

This one I've waited on until I know more details about the renovation.  The Capital Campaign is making major headway, and this project looks to be taking off!

4) Gain more meaningful followers on the Museum's social media tools (Facebook & Twitter).

With the help of the Marketing and Education Departments, the social media tools are gaining followers.  I haven't analyzed the numbers but I think there will be meaningful gains.  Be sure to like the Museum on Facebook and Twitter, if you haven't already.  We do a lot of different features: Dates in History, Facebook Fridays, and now Science Saturdays and Whatzit Wednesdays!  Be in the know... 

5) Be an advocate for the Museum while at work and while not at work.

This is much harder to count or measure.  However, I was asked this morning to give a presentation about collection management in late February.  And I'll be attending the Texas Association of Museums' annual meeting & conference in March.

I can't wait to see what the next few weeks hold ...!

New Year's Resolutions

I know many of you have created resolutions this New Year in order to start fresh or improve yourself.  Your resolution may be to be healthier, by eating right or working out, or it may be to learn a new skill, like learning a foreign language or developing a hobby.

I myself have developed my own personal New Year Resolutions.  And I think I need to develop ones for my little corner of The Petroleum Museum. 

We at the Museum anticipate 2012 to be interesting, to say the least.  We hope to finish our Capital Campaign and to start our $15M renovation of the oil & gas industry exhibits.  With those events looming, there is a lot to take care of!  Before demolition, we have to move the collections, both what's on display and what's in storage, off-site.  So, there's a lot of prep work that I need to complete before the ground-breaking. 

Below are my resolutions or goals for the upcoming year.  Many of these I started last year, but for whatever reason, never finished or just dropped the ball.  Some of them are re-focusing on what my job duties entail and trying to be better in those duties.

1) Migrate to updated version of collection management database.

2) Complete inventory of all collections in storage.

3) Develop & implement plan for moving collections off-site.

4) Gain more meaningful followers on the Museum's social media tools (Facebook & Twitter).

5) Be an advocate for the Museum while at work and while not at work.

Wish me luck in keeping my New Year Resolutions!  What are your resolutions?