I second your opinion Guy.   That behind-the-scenes stuff (even for wireless systems) is just so important.   The think the next largest contribution to our IT museum plan has been the digital camera....for everything from publicity shots to exhibit production to object condition
reports and records to educational programs for kids etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum.

Shirley Albright

Guy Hermann wrote:

> >While working on our technology plan, my fellow committee members and I
> >have often wondered what kinds of technology other museums are using, both
> >big and small, so here's our 10 million dollar question:  What has been
> >the most important piece of technology (be it hardware, software,
> >information technology, exhibit technology, etc) adopted by your museum in
> >the last year?  Last five years?
>
> This is a fascinating question as it  has so many possible answers
> from so many different perspectives.  I come at it from the
> perspective of both my recent roles--as the technology guy at a major
> museum and now as a planner who frequently addresses technology
> issues.
>
> I would have to say that the "most important piece of technology" is
> the network infrastructure--the conduits, cables, and closets that
> enable all the other stuff (especially information) to be shared.
> Everything else will be recycled in a few years.  The other piece is
> the investment in staff technology competence--not just training on
> applications, but true understanding of the costs and benefits of the
> many manifestations of technology.  This is the investment that helps
> the staff to make good decisions.
>
> And I do love those digital cameras!
>
> Guy Hermann
> ---------------------------------
> E. Verner Johnson & Associates
> Museum Architects & Planners
> http://www.vernerjohnson.com
> Boston, Massachusetts
> voice: 617-437-6262
> fax: 617-437-1272
>
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