P r e s s  R e l e a s e
April 1998


MDA Director


MDA Chairman, Dr Michael Fopp, announced today that following a
national recruitment exercise Louise Smith has been formally appointed
Director of MDA.  Speaking on behalf of the MDA Board, Dr Fopp said:

'We are delighted that Louise will be continuing her successful
leadership of the MDA at a time when the issues relating to cultural
heritage information are of increasing importance to all UK museums.'

He added: 'Over the next few months MDA will be re-launched with a new
name to reflect its expanded remit, including the vital aspect of
information and communications technology (ICT).  In Louise Smith we
have a director who will ensure with her characteristic drive and
imagination that the new MDA effectively supports the ever-developing
information management needs of museums as they approach the new
millennium.'

Notes:

1.  Dr Michael Fopp is Director of the Royal Air Force Museum, as well
as being MDA Chairman.

2.  Louise Smith joined MDA in June 1995 on
secondment from English Heritage and was appointed Acting Director in
January 1997.

 3.  The re-launch of MDA is a recommendation in the MDA
Review carried out by the Museums & Galleries Commission during 1997.


David Dawson                    email: [log in to unmask]
- - - - - - -
Outreach Manager, Museum Documentation Association

1 Hitchman Drive, Chipping Norton, OX7 5BG Telephone 01608 645576

MAIN MDA OFFICE - Jupiter House, Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2JD
Tel: (+44) 1223 315760 Fax: (+44) 1223 362521
MDA WEB SITE - http://www.open.gov.uk/mdocassn/index.htm