mda Re-Launch A New Era It is no exaggeration to say that 7th August 1998 marked a milestone in the 21 year history of mda. Those of you with long memories will remember that, prior to our establishment as the Museum Documentation Association in 1977, our first incarnation had been as the Information Retrieval Group of the Museums Association ten years previously. Now as the re-launched mda we are maintaining the quality tradition associated with our name whilst emphasizing through our strap line, supporting cultural information management, the fact that our remit is now wider than just setting standards for museum documentation Future challenges As recently as ten years ago information management for museums often meant no more than documenting an object to ensure knowledge about what and where it was. The technology of the time meant that accountability was achieved through manual systems or, at most, by a simple stand-alone computer. As we approach the new millennium we are experiencing fast pace change, not least in terms of the challenges posed by the ever increasing impact of information and communications technologies. mda does not intend to be a mere witness to such change but to actively ensure that museums and heritage bodies are equipped to harness ICT to realise their information assets; to unlock content to support all levels of access; and to ensure the accountability of their collections. Making a difference Prior to our re-launch reception at Magdalene College at the beginning of the month mda provided a Projects Briefing for key professionals from the sector to learn more about our current work and future plans. Visit mda website to see how we make a real difference to the day-to-day reality of museums and heritage bodies as they work towards unlocking their cultural content. Indeed whilst our re-launch was a watershed for mda, even more importantly it marked a positive step forward for the whole sector. Relaunched mda Web Pages The mda's Web Pages have just been redesigned and updated. Please note that the URL for the Home page has changed to: http://www.mda.org.uk/ New features are: 1. mda Relaunch - A discussion of the new remit for mda; 2. What's in a Name? - How we came to choose our new look; 3. How big is mda - We're bigger than you thought!; 4. National Grid for Learning - News on how this important Government initiative affects the sector; 5. European Museums Information Institute? - A proposal to set up a European focus for cultural information management; 6. Carnegie UK Trust Grants for IT Innovation - Information on this scheme for independent museums; Also update pages: 1. About mda; 2. Advice Point; 3. SPECTRUM Adviser Network; 4. The Cultural Grid: Content & Connections (mda Conference); 5. UK Museum E-mail Directory; 6. Term-IT Web site 7. UK Virtual Library Museum Page [please check that you are on] David Dawson email: [log in to unmask] - - - - - - - mda ICT Outreach Manager advicepoint: 01223 315760 Supporting cultural information management www.mda.org.uk mda Conference - The Cultural Grid - Content and Connections, Sept 9-11 1998