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