In the last couple of months my museum (art) has under gone some "restructing"
with the accompaning staff cuts and job shifts.  It has just been suggested
that I take on some additional duties relating to our computer system.  This
has prompted me to ask this group for information, advice, and thoughts about
other museum structures.

First, my prime job has been interpretation, generally producing materials
others use.  Over the last 18 months, I've been suggesting that we enter the
arena of WWW and multi-media.  Now the administration   is very interested in
exploring new technologies especially with the prospect of a building
expansion to open in 2000.  I have been charged with exploring the educational
potential of technologies for our museum.  (which I think is great)

Now, we already have a substantial LAN in place that is primarily driven by
Development and Business interests, in addition to providing word processing.
Our Design department runs Quark, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator.  Collection
management with SNAP! is just beginning with very limited access for staff at
this point.  Due to our inability to attract and hire an assistant for our LAN
manager (after 5 months), it has now been suggested that I fill that position
also.  The assumption is that I will need to know the LAN to be able to do the
educational projects that I'm really keen on pursuing.

As I already have more than enough to keep me busy and will need to learn a
lot more to accomplish my education projects, I'm hesitant about taking on
other responsibilities (especially as the position previously required 20 hrs
a week)

My questions:

How do museums structure their computer-related areas?

Do you (I) need to know or understand the entire system?

Any information, background, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Contact me directly at:

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Thanks in advance
Dedra Walls
Milwaukee Art Museum