>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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