On Sep 09, 1996 19:35:30, '"T. Preston" <[log in to unmask]>' wrote:


>Does anyone out there know of a guide or pamphlet or other source of
>information (somebody's thesis?) on choosing collection mgmt. software
>(i.e. Argus, SNAP!, Art System) depending on which kind of collection
>(anthro, art, geology, history, etc.) your museum has?  A comparison
>shopping guide, if you will.

T. Preston:

The guides and literature already cited on this list, are, of course,
essential tools to anyone contemplating acquiring collection management
software, and should not be neglected.  But choosing a system is not a
process to be taken lightly; nor should a "consumer reports pick of the
season" mentality be allowed to reign over common sense.  The actual cost
of a system is dwarfted by the costs of entering and maintaining data and
the costs of incomplete functionality that results from systems ill chosen.


Not all, but many museums would be well advised to obtain the aid of a
consultant who has experience matching 1) specific museum requirements to
product capabilities, 2) museum information documentation traditions and
personality to object management and cataloging features, and 3) long-range
implementation and growth issues to vendor health and commitment.

The collected experiences of colleagues with one or another system are
important, but there may be no individual out there whose experience aligns
with your needs or whose favorite program is appropriate for you.  Museums
are strange animals, their methods, procedures, personalities, data and
traditions are mostly unique.  Such uniqueness must be served before any
object management system can be deemed successful.

My conclusion is the obvious one; sometimes is it best to obtain the
counsel of a museum computer consultant in these matters.
--

Robert A. Baron
Museum Computer Consultant
P.O. Box 93, Larchmont N.Y. 10538
[log in to unmask]