A presentation by Laura Whitton given at the Collections Trust Briefing Day for Museum Development Officers in London on 23 November 2009

1. COLLECTIONS TRUST MUSEUM DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS BRIEFING DAY 23.11.09

2. Introductions: Who we are What we do Key services for MDOs: Collections Link Standards MDA Codes Collections Management Software Useful websites Practical Guides Contents

3. Who we are... Supporting Networks Laura Whitton Networks Officer [email_address] Susanna Hillhouse Networks Officer [email_address] Simon Sheffield Online Services Officer [email_address] Helen Briscoe Office Administrator [email_address]

5. Our role... MDOs help knowledge to flow We assist MDOs to find the resources that can help museums manage their collections more effectively and so provide better access for the public

7. Tools to help you connect with other MDOs, with other collections practitioners, expert groups, specialist networks, training providers... An enhanced database of training and skills development opportunities A comprehensive online library of best practice resources and information from within the sector An opportunity to contribute your best practice guidance to the community Key services: Collections Link website re-launch 2010

8. Key services: Standards We publish and maintain SPECTRUM, the standard underpinning the Collections Management requirement for MLA’s Accreditation scheme The Accreditation Resource Directory is on Collections Link and provides support and advice for museums on the standards they need to achieve

9. Key Services: MDA Codes Many of your museums also use MDA Codes MDA Codes help your museums to manage their collections – it’s their code Alongside the accession number, an MDA code provides a unique identifier for the object which can be vital if the object is loaned Helps to identify objects when aggregating digital substitutes MDA Codes can be obtained by contacting Helen Briscoe [email_address] , 0207 022 1889

10. Key Services: MDA Codes Collections Trust list all of the MDA Codes online so that museums can find out quickly and easily if they already have one

11. SPECTRUM Partners are the only collection and digital asset management software vendors who have a licence for the commercial use of SPECTRUM Only SPECTRUM Partners are allowed to say they are SPECTRUM Compliant, after a formal testing process Key services: Partnership with Collections Management Software suppliers

12. Key services: Collections Management Systems You may need to advise a museum on the suitability of a Collections Management software system The Software Survey is on the Collections Trust website and further information from the SPECTRUM Partners is in your Delegates Pack Many museums will also use paper systems such as forms and registers which can be bought through Collections Link

13. Key services: Useful websites You may also be asked to assist with IT choices Digital Services for the Cultural Sector, www.discs-uk.info , helps museums get the most out of technology Online directory of IT and digital services suppliers Guidance on legal and ethical issues when purchasing an item of historical, architectural or archaeological interest www.culturalpropertyadvice.gov.uk

14. Key services: Practical Guide Series Produced with the sector to provide the best Collections Management guidance on the topics museums need to know about most

15. Joint British Standards Institution/Collections Trust Code of Practice for Collections Management A joint definition across museums, archives and libraries Demonstrating the value & impact of strategic Collections Management as a core part of business planning Interpreted in Collections Management: A Practical Guide by Susanna Hillhouse Key services: Practical Guide Series & PAS 197:2008

16. Key services: Practical Guide Series Coming Soon... Copyright: A Practical Guide The Practical Guide series will total about 12 publications. We want to represent what is most important to the sector so please tell us what you need and what your museum communities need as a Practical Guide Please contact me [email_address] or one of my colleagues.

17. www.collectionstrust.org.uk www.collectionslink.org.uk OpenCulture Blog http://openculture.collectionstrustblogs.org.uk/ Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/collectiontrust Further Information

18. Thank you! Laura Whitton Networks Officer Collections Trust [email_address]