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: [log in to unmask] Thanks in advance Dedra Walls Milwaukee Art Museum