MDA Launches Documentation Planning Resource Pack
MDA has announced the publication of a free online Documentation Planning resource pack on the Collections Link website.
The aim of the pack is to assist museums in writing their own documentation plans, and will be of particular use to organisations applying for Accreditation. The pack gives information and guidance on why a documentation plan is needed, what it should contain, and how to go about writing a plan for your own organisation. All of the advice contained in the pack is based on the SPECTRUM standard.
The pack consists of three sections:
- How to Write a Documentation Plan fact sheet - with advice on reviewing your museum's documentation, identifying problem areas, and putting forward a plan to resolve those problems
- Example Documentation Plan - an example of a plan prepared for an Accreditation application
- Example Accreditation application form - an example filled-in form illustrating how a museum meets the documentation planning elements of the Scheme
Margaret Harrison, MDA Documentation Adviser, commented, 'A carefully prepared Documentation Plan will not only assist internal planning but will demonstrate to governing bodies and funding agencies that a museum is serious about meeting professional standards. Much of the content of the pack was informed by discussions with our members who have contacted us for advice, and is based on the experiences of practitioners who have already successfully met the Accreditation requirements.'
Further assistance on documentation planning is available via MDA's Documentation Planning workshop, which gives participants the opportunity to begin work on a documentation plan for their own organisation, with guidance from the trainer. The course covers topics including SPECTRUM, the Museum Accreditation Scheme, identifying museum backlogs and successful project management techniques. Visit the training page for news of forthcoming courses.
The Documentation Planning fact sheet is available on the Collections Link website at: www.collectionslink.org.uk/manage_information/write_doc_plan/docplan1
Notes for Editors
Collections Link is the Renaissance-funded national collections advisory service managed by MDA in partnership with The Institute of Conservation (Icon) and The National Preservation Office. www.collectionslink.org.uk
MDA publishes a range of over 40 fact sheets on documentation, legal and ICT issues. Fact sheets are available through Collections Link at www.collectionslink.org.uk/manage_information.
To find out more about the Museum Accreditation Scheme, and to download a copy of the guidelines, visit the MLA website at www.mla.gov.uk
For more information about Collections Link, contact Peter Winsor, Project Director at peter@mda.org.uk or telephone 01223 316028.
