I'm new to this list. I'm studying for a certificate in Museology at the
University of Haifa, Israel. I'm also (independently of the Museology
course) taking courses in Web-publishing and Interactive Multimedia - in
particular, learning Macromedia Director (a program used for producing
interactive multimedia programmes and CD-ROMs).

I'm especially interested in the concept of the "virtual museum", and in
the applications of computer technology and digital imaging to the
presentation and interpretation of cultures.  I'm also especially
interested in digital imaging and preservation of manuscripts written on
animal-skin.

Sorry, forgot to mention my other "hat"!  My academic background is in
African Studies (BA from SOAS, University of London, England - many
years ago, sequel to a childhood in pre-independence West Africa). I'm
now doing research on the religious traditions and manuscripts of the
Ethiopian Jews, who are now living in Israel.  Lots of other interesting
and irrelevant(?) stuff in between - "the wheel has turned full
circle"!   To cut a long story short, I have a rather unique and
sensitive relationship with certain of their traditional elder religious
leaders ("qessotch"), who have allowed me to photograph a number of
their manuscripts. (I'm also recording oral traditions from them, and
translating one of these manuscripts from Ge`ez into English as part of
my doctorate, under the University of London External Programme.)

I'm building a personal Web-site on Ethiopian Jewish Heritage, at
<http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/7139/>

I'll be grateful for responses to any part of this message.

Margaret Hayon