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MDA Commissioned to Support Subject Specialists

MDA, the UK's focus for standards and expertise in collections management, has been commissioned by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) to provide support to the Subject Specialist Networks developed under Renaissance in the Regions.

In partnership with MLA and the 24 Hour Museum, MDA is to manage the development of SSNconnect, an innovative platform which will enable individual Subject Specialist Networks to coordinate their work and share information with the professional community and the public.

SSNconnect will provide a number of services, including tools for networking, web publishing, collection description and the development of subject terminologies. The aim of the service is to maximise the impact of the Subject Specialist Networks by ensuring that their expertise reaches the widest possible audience.

Alongside SSNconnect, MDA will be developing a range of support, advisory and training services as part of the ongoing development of Collections Link, the national advisory service for collections management.

Stephanie Lewis, Renaissance Programme Manager at MLA commented, 'The first phase of the Renaissance Subject Specialist Network programme has demonstrated a real need for access to information and expertise throughout the profession and a genuine interest among the wider public. SSNconnect will be a key part of ensuring that the Networks deliver maximum benefit to the widest possible audience. We are delighted to be partnering with MDA and the 24 Hour Museum on this important project.'

SSNconnect will be launched in October 2007. In the meantime, for information and contact details on over 40 subject specialist and other professional networks click on 'Find a Network' at www.collectionslink.org.uk.

Notes for Editors

MDA is the UK's focus for expertise and standards in collections management. Our vision is of a sector in which collections are managed effectively and in accordance with national standards to create inspiring and accessible services.

Collections Link is the national advisory service in collections management. Funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), the service is maintained by MDA in partnership with the Institute of Conservation (Icon) and the National Preservation Office.

For further information, or to interview Nick Poole, MDA Director, contact Eleanor Lovegrove at eleanor@mda.org.uk or by telephone on 01223 316 028

MDA is funded in England by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, in Scotland by the Scottish Museums Council and in Wales by CyMAL and the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales.