Cornucopia : Discovering UK Collections
In March, MGC will launch the first phase of Cornucopia, a database
combining existing digital and paper records to create a resource on UK
museum collections. MGC is looking for experienced consultants to
assist in the development of the database between January and March
2000.
Data collectors - South West and West Midlands regions
Two contracts are offered for the creation of collections data, one in
each region. Wide experience of working with museum collections and of
using databases is required. The successful candidates will work
closely with the team creating the database and will have considerable
input into the development of the project.
Data co-ordinator
The successful consultant will play a key role in co-ordinating the
collection and validation of the data for the first phase. S/he will
be an effective administrator, with substantial experience of using
databases.
More details below. For more information, please contact Emma Taylor -
[log in to unmask]
* * * * * *
Brief for data collection for the Cornucopia Project in the South West
and West Midlands regions
Background
The MGC is developing Cornucopia, a database of UK museum collections
which will provide an overview of the wealth of collections held by UK
museums. The database will use current and newly commissioned research
and will be available to the public through the 24 Hour Museum and at
www.cornucopia.org.uk.
MGC has recently launched a pilot version of Cornucopia using data about
the Designated collections in England. The development of the pilot has
informed our thinking about the full UK Cornucopia, which will be
launched in the spring of 2000 with basic collections information on
Registered museums in 2 UK regions.
Two contracts are offered for the creation of collections data, one in
each region. These are largely desk based projects, using existing data
from MGC's DOMUS database of museum statistics and from the paper based
information - including Acquisition and Disposal Policies - submitted by
museums to MGC as part of the Registration process. Data submitted by
the museums as part of a regional 'mapping' exercise will also be used.
The draft data will be sent to the museum for checking and comments.
Wide experience of working with museum collections and of using
databases is required. The successful candidates will work closely with
the team creating the database and will have considerable input into the
development of the project.
Aims of the consultancies
West Midlands
To develop reliable collections-level data for all 131 museums in the
Registration Scheme in the region, using the Cornucopia data structure.
The consultant will be expected to enter the data into a database in a
consistent format, and to check any basic queries, but will not be
expected to 'clean up' the data or check the data with the museums.
The consultant will work with the overall Project Co-ordinator and the
Data Co-ordinator to develop and amend the data structure in the light
of issues that arise during the survey process.
South West
To develop reliable collections-level data for all 212 museums in the
Registration Scheme in the region, using the Cornucopia data structure.
The consultant will be expected to enter the data into a database in a
consistent format, and to check any basic queries, but will not be
expected to 'clean up' the data or check the data with the museums. The
consultant will work with the overall Project Co-ordinator and the Data
Co-ordinator to develop and amend the data structure in the light of
issues that arise during the survey process.
Resources which will be provided
· A manual setting out the data structure and the scope and approaches
required in the survey process.
· A framework database for direct data entry.
· Data taken from the DOMUS database.
· Access to a range of paper records which will provide the majority of
the additional data. These can be made available at MGC or at SWMC/
WMRMC by arrangement.
Skills and Resources of the Consultant(s)
The Consultant(s) will have -
· Computer facilities, including e-mail and Internet access, Microsoft
Word, and Microsoft Access. A portable computer would be desirable, but
is not essential.
· Demonstrable knowledge of museums and a range of collections types.
· Experience of using databases.
Timescale
The project should be completed between January and March 2000. The
Consultant(s) would be expected to attend at least one introductory
meeting at MGC in December 1999.
Deliverables
Data on 131 museums (WMRMC) and 212 museums (SWMC) respectively to be
delivered in an agreed format between January and March 2000. Timetable
to be agreed in consultation with MGC by the end of December 1999.
Fee
To be negotiated. Minimal expenses for travelling, telephoning and
postage will be paid, but must be negotiated in advance with MGC.
To tender for the project
Please send a CV, with a covering letter explaining how your experience
is relevant to the project, to Emma Taylor, Museums Officer at MGC, or
by e-mail to [log in to unmask] to discuss the project in more detail.
Completed tenders must be received at MGC by 5pm on Monday 6th December.
Emma Taylor
* * * * * *
Data co-ordinator
The successful consultant will play a key role in co-ordinating the
collection and validation of the data for the first phase. S/he will
be an effective administrator, with substantial experience of using
databases.
Brief for data co-ordination for Phase 1 of the Cornucopia Project
Background
The MGC is developing Cornucopia, a database of UK museum collections
which will provide an overview of the wealth of collections held by UK
museums. The database will use current and newly commissioned research
and will be available to the public through the 24 Hour Museum and at
www.cornucopia.org.uk.
MGC has recently launched a pilot version of Cornucopia using data about
the Designated collections in England. The development of the pilot has
informed our thinking about the full UK Cornucopia, which will be
launched in the spring of 2000 with basic collections information on
Registered museums in 2 UK regions.
The data collection for Cornucopia is largely desk based, using existing
data from MGC's DOMUS database of museum statistics and from the paper
based information - including Acquisition and Disposal Policies -
submitted by museums to MGC as part of the Registration process. Data
submitted by the museums as part of a regional 'mapping' exercise will
also be used. The draft data will be sent to the museum for checking
and comments.
The successful consultant will play a key role in co-ordinating the
collection and validation of the data for the first phase. S/he will
be an effective administrator, with substantial experience of using
databases.
Aim of the consultancy
To work with the two regional surveyers, the database company developing
the database, the project co-Ordinator, and MGC staff to ensure the
quality and accuracy of Cornucopia data for Phase 1.
The Consultant will -
· ensure the consistency of the data across the two regions and the
consistent application of the data structure.
· tackle any data problems revealed during the on-line implementation of
the database.
· amend the data to take into account feedback from museums and MGC
project advisors.
· assist in developing the survey manual for the implementation of
further UK regions during 2000-1.
Resources which will be provided
· A manual setting out the data structure and the scope and approaches
required in the survey process.
· A framework database with raw data for 2 regions.
Skills and Resources of the Consultant(s)
The Consultant(s) will have -
· Computer facilities, including e-mail and Internet access, Microsoft
Word, and Microsoft Access.
· Substantial experience of using databases
· Demonstrable administrative skills.
· Knowledge of museums and collections.
Timescale
The project should be completed between January and March 2000. The
Consultant(s) would be expected to attend at least one introductory
meeting at MGC in December 1999.
Deliverables
Data on 131 museums (WMRMC) and 212 museums (SWMC) respectively to be
delivered in an agreed format between January and March 2000. Timetable
to be agreed in consultation with MGC by the end of December 1999.
Fee
To be negotiated. Minimal expenses for travelling, telephoning and
postage will be paid, but must be negotiated in advance with MGC.
To tender for the project
Please send a CV, with a covering letter explaining how your experience
is relevant to the project, to Emma Taylor, Museums Officer at MGC, or
by e-mail to [log in to unmask] to discuss the project in more detail.
Completed tenders must be received at MGC by 5pm on Monday 6th December.
Emma Taylor
David Dawson
Museums New Technology Adviser, Museums and Galleries Commission
tel: 0171 233 4200, email [log in to unmask]
Visit our website at www.museums.gov.uk
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