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Dear Jon and MCG Mailing List At the RAF Museum training and help using the CMS is provided by a dedicated team in the Department of Collections Management. We have found it works running 'use of system' training separately from training covering procedures. We run five, one-to-one, initial training sessions (each no more than two hours and in the morning!) for every user on how to use the CMS (Vernon). This initial training covers the following areas: 1. Introduction to why we have a CMS and relational databases 2. How Authorities work and are structured 3. The basics of data entry 4. Imaging and Retrieval 5. Reporting We also introduce and provide them with a copy of our cataloguing rules and style guide and emphasise the importance of consistency. After we have provided them with the tools to use the CMS their department will provide more practical experience in using the system with reference to the cataloguing rules and style guide. At a later date we also provide a second level of training consisting of more "advanced" features so as not to overburden the user in the initial training. Our collections management procedures for acquisition, loans out, movement etc. are maintained in the Curatorial Division Handbook. This will make references to the CMS but does not include 'how to use' information. Training in these areas is provided by the curatorial department with advice from the Registrar or I if needed. For instance, we are currently in the process of rolling out the Loans Out Module of the CMS, DCM will ensure the user knows and understands the procedures and will then provide training in 'how to use' to manage a loan on the CMS. However, these do not need to go into the very basics as this has already been provided in the initial training. DCM also provides help desk support and holds group forums when we have to relay new features after an upgrade or simply as a refresher. All CMS training materials are written and maintained by DCM using an in-house style so that they are consistent in their structure. Our training materials go beyond just the initial 'how to use' training that all users get and include areas of the system that are used only by DCM (e.g. Security, User Defined Parameters, Audits etc...). However, as these are not covered elsewhere and are only for advanced users they are a mixture of how to use and procedures. By documenting this knowledge we are also reducing the problem of post holders moving on. The training we provide is about providing the user with some of the tools to do their job because the CMS is integral to the workings of the Museum. As all our training is done in-house by a dedicated team I am unable to recommend any external trainers. I hope this is of help and if you have any further questions please feel free to reply off the list. Best wishes. Kevin Ward Head of Collections Management Royal Air Force Museum, www.rafmuseum.org Grahame Park Way Hendon, London NW9 5LL Tel: 020 8358 4885 Fax: 020 8200 1751 Mailto: [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Jonathan Thristan [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 24 November 2003 13:45 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: IS Services: External benchmarking of performance measures Hello All At Tate we're planning to deliver a round of training in April 2004 covering both use of our Collections Management System (The Museum System) and related procedures e.g. loans in, loans out, location recording. Has anyone got any useful tips on how such training might be designed and run? For example, is it most effective to run 'use of system' training separately from, or together with, training covering procedures? I'd also be grateful if anyone could recommend (a) trainer(s) with experience of either, or - ideally - both areas. Thanks Jon Thristan Tate London [log in to unmask] 020 7887 8983 Confidentiality: This e-mail and its attachments are intended for the above named only and may be confidential. If they have come to you in error you must take no action based on them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone; please reply to this e-mail and highlight the error. Security Warning: Please note that this e-mail has been created in the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a completely secure communications medium. We advise that you understand and observe this lack of security when e-mailing us. Viruses: Although we have taken steps to ensure that this e-mail and attachments are free from any virus, we advise that in keeping with good computing practice the recipient should take steps to confirm that they are actually virus free.