Macquarie University's Museum Collections Mapping Project

This paper focuses on the initial stages of a pilot project, seeking to support and develop object-based learning within the university curriculum across Macquarie University – and to showcase the value of collections as research infrastructure. It is the first multi-site museum project to receive funding at this university – because of expected value anticipated by the removal of potential barriers between the learning and teaching community and university collections.
Potential convergence brought about by the implementation of a university-wide collection database, literary sources, archives, and appropriate technical advances makes this project feasible. The initial task involved a qualitative review of units on campus (including unit guides, assessment tasks, online content, lecture and tutorial topics) to create a shortlist, spanning five faculties. The aim is to achieve high-impact benefits from the integration of objects in the Australian History and Ancient Cultures museum collections. This process has informed the development of a focused short list.
While results are still unfolding, the development of collection sharing pathways (utilising existing technologies) is informing the prioritisation of items for digitisation and sharing.