Dear All,
A consortium to collectively fund the development of the next generation of software for museums - that's a tempting vision. But it's a siren call, because any software will only be as good as its time. Much better to work collectively to build a common standard (i.e. following Nick's thread - to extend Spectrum). Then lots developers can build compliant systems. Don't confuse 'the system' for 'the standard'; it's a blind alley.
Regards, Wendy Sudbury
----- Original Message -----
From: Mr Gerhard Bissels
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 09 February 2012 09:15
Subject: Re: What really are the primary roles of ICT in Museums
Dear All,
when I gave a paper on Open Source Software to MLAG last September, the librarians and archivists told me there were three core systems which museums needed: object catalogue, library catalogue, archive catalogue. A Discovery Tool could be put on top to allow easy cross-searching of resources. Horizontally, an Electronic Resource Management System for access to e-journals and databases could be added; and also channels for publishing information - an e-repository, e-journal publishing software for a museum's newsletter and/or scholarly journal(s), even a Virtual Learning Environment to support any educational activities. Access to the lot would be managed through an authentication tool. As far as I can see this set-up would take care of all collection-related work, curatorial and educational. Or have I forgotten anything?
There are decent Open-Source applications available to put all this together, and tie it in with any other systems that may be required: no license fees, low cost. And, ideally, the whole set-up could be shared between institutions in a consortia set-up - which would not only reduce cost, but would also facilitate other shared activities, from joint subscriptions to interlending. MLAG has shown a keen interest. Does this look reasonable so far? The next step would then be the creation of a body that would run this bundle of services on behalf of participating institutions...
Best wishes
Gerhard
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