Having had my original message on this subject rejected by the
jiscmail
server (sent from the wrong email account!) I find that others have
covered
all of my points and more besides. I would, however, like to support
Tim's
idea of a seminar and to endorse the points made about volunteers. I
think
that Ian Crawley's comments show a fundamental lack of awareness of
the
importance of such people to the operation of many small and
volunteer-run
museums. By taking an interest and freely giving their time to
the benefit
of the museum, volunteers and "untested and unskilled
people" contribute an
enormous amount to these organisations as well as
gaining experience and
knowledge. I also reject the implication that
volunteers are not fit people
to design and maintain museum websites.
Volunteers bring a wide range of
additional kills to museum work and their
efforts should not be denigrated.
Of course standards need to be raised,
but this can be achieved in a
positive and safe environment. The mda Advice
Point is available for anyone
seeking further information and guidance on web
site development. Other
initiatives such as affordable training sessions and
discussion lists seem
to be a more positive way forward than the Museum
Webguide.
Best wishes,
Matthew
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Dr Matthew Stiff
Head of Standards
mda
19
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OX2 0HT
Tel: +44
(0)1865 200561
Fax: +44 (0)1865 200561 (by
arrangement)
email:
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