We are currently in the position of looking for help in this area, and fall
right at the "small" limit.  We already have networked the Admin/Dev staff
but not the balance of the staff and are looking at Collection network
together or apart from the existing one, and and on-line connection to the
collection.  We currently need to  upgrade out database software and need
direction there too.   We do not have anyone on staff at this time. We have
been looking for a consultant and maybe a IS staff member.

You may contact me directly at

ARYBON@CBMM>ORG
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Ann Rybon
410/745/2916
----------
> From: Mark McClane <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Information Technology - IS Challenges
> Date: Tuesday, November 24, 1998 4:33 PM
>
> I am a graduate student working on a thesis topic and need help from
> msuem professionals.  I would appreciate comments.
>
> Thesis statement:
>
> Small museums have computers -- many acquired randomly,
> not systematically. This raises the question, how can museums
> organize and centralize information systems, how do they make
> decisions regarding the use of technology, and how can museum
> staff understand the impact on their institution.  I propose a planning
> process for small museums to determine how to use technology for
> more efficient and ineffective internal communication.  This process
> might culminate in the hiring of an IS manager to maintain, overseeing,
> develop/evolve this technology as the museum grows and technology
changes.
>
>
> Your comments on the previous and following statements/questions
> would be appreciated:
>  There are many nonprofits that do have jerry-mandered,
>  out of date systems and don't have the resources or skills
>  to replace them or develop a system for evaluating them.
>
>  The big challenge is always funding--money is very, very
>  hard for infrastructure.
>
>  Are there still directors of small museums who are resistant
>   to what technology can do for them?  Consensus is that pretty
>   much everyone agrees on the merits of information systems.
>
>  Who would be the decision maker on how to go about
>   integrating or acquiring technology, the director?
>
>  The feeling that an analysis of what can be done, rather than
>   a need to convince people that it needs to be done would
>   be useful.
>
> My current thinking is to stick to the "how to" analyze the current state
> of affairs and oppose the "why."
>
> My interest is in small museums with staff under fifty.
>
> Thanks