Hello Michele,
Information management in museums varies based on the nature of the collection, size of the museum staff, and the priorities of the administration. I've found that in general, people tend to look at your experience, background, and interests rather than a specific IT degree. (Although an IT degree or certificate never hurts.) If you can point to relevant experience with TMS or a similar system (and it sounds like you have that), and demonstrate your skills, you're in good shape. It's especially useful to demonstrate any cases where you identified a specific problem or set of problems and improved the information management of an organization, however small or big.
On a side note: It sounds as if your interests point toward information science and its applied technologies. I've found that having a general understanding of cataloguing and library best practices has helped immensely in framing information management policies where I work. If you can volunteer or get a part-time job at a local library, you'll likely gain experience you can apply toward your interests in museum information management. I'd also suggest following the ALA and its associated mailing lists - see www.ala.org. There's also www.mcn.edu.
I hope this helps - good luck and all the best!
Ariana
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Ariana French
Collections Database Administrator
Yale University Art Gallery
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-----Original Message-----
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:31:09 -0400
From: Michele Sabol <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: information management in museums
Hi,
I am a student in an MA program for museum studies. I am currently
doing an internship where my main responsibility is information
management and accountability using TMS.
I do not have an IT background. However, most of the professional
experience that I have includes data entry and info management using
various database systems. I have experience in medical records, and
payroll using both HR systems and payroll data systems, among others.
What type of positions if any in the museum field consist of manly
information management? Is it necessary to have an IT degree for these
types of positions?
I am concentrating in museum registration. However, I am struggling to
get experience in the object care side of the job. I am not even sure
that it is for me. However, I am a strong advocate about record
keeping and the importance it has to collections care.
If any one has any advice, it is much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Michele Sabol
Graduate Student, MA Museum Professions
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