Dear All,

I don't think that there is any problem in bringing SPECTRUM and MIDAS
closer together. What we need is complementary standards rather than ones
that duplicate each other. Museums are not just about collections management
- Their information systems are also research tools. The SPECTRUM
Archaeology Guide demonstrates the considerable overlap that already exists.
The concern is to make sure that these overlaps are based on a common view
of the underlying concepts. The CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model already
models ideas drawn from the museum community (including a mapping of
SPECTRUM) and the Archaeological Sites Working group.

In terms of meeting the new standard, one only needs to meet the bits that
are relevant. It is the interface between standards that we are concerned
with. There is no suggestion of extending MIDAS to mirror the extent of
SPECTRUM (or vice versa). However, there is no reason why we should not
borrow concepts from SPECTRUM if they are potentially useful for our
discipline. This is the thinking behind Ed's question on "Peoples".

In general, there will be a need for SMRs to broaden the range of
information that they manage and disseminate, but this will be fuelled by
internal as well as external drivers as they move towards becoming
fully-fledged Historic Environment Records, with the new audiences and
audience needs that this will inevitably bring. We should also not forget
the requirements of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which in many respects
sits between the Museum and Historic Environment communities.

Best wishes,

Matthew

Dr Matthew Stiff
Data Services Manager
National Monuments Record Centre
Kemble Drive
Swindon
SN2 2GZ

(t):   01793 414727
(f):   01793 414770
(m): 07939 151510
(e):  [log in to unmask]




-----Original Message-----
From: Nick Boldrini [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 19 September 2003 09:52
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [FISH] MIDAS - Resources information scheme review:
artefacts / SPECTRUM


Ed

this begs the question to a certain degree of whether we will be doing this
to help SPectrum or MIDAs, I think. If the former, it will not be a
priority. Also, if the former, surely the problem of data matching between
systems is a separate one to one of how we record data?

I think telling people where to go to get more info about a finds assemblage
or individual artefact is about all that can realistically be expected form
most LA HER's in the medium term ( assuming they record the data anyway -
how many meet the current MIDAS standard?? How many are likely to prioritise
meeting a stricter standard for someone else's benefit? How much extra work
will meeting the new standard make?) The data items you mention are already
doable e.g. in HBSMR ( artefact type, date; material). The concept of
peoples - isn't that idea less than popular in certain archaeological
circles??

some off the cuff thoughts

best wishes

Nick Boldrini
SMR Computing Officer
Heritage Unit
North Yorkshire County Council
Direct Dial (01609) 532331
http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/environment/heritage.shtm#Archaeology

North Yorkshire County Council has the right
and does inspect E-Government mails sent
from and to its computer system.



WARNING

This E-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential
or privileged, and is intended solely for the use of the named recipient. If
you are not the intended recipient, please be aware that any disclosure,
copying, distribution or any action taken is prohibited and may be unlawful.

Any opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily the view
of the Council.

North Yorkshire County Council.