Bravo Chuck! Just to add a quick note--I've met many CMS vendors at AAM and I must echo Chuck's thoughts. It is much easier to talk with vendors and get your questions answered at MCN where the audience and the vendors are focused on the issues that concern us; rather than having to fight your way through a lot of booths that may not be of interest.
MCN's annual meeting will be in Chicago November 7-10 this year and the conference is already beginning to shape up into one you won't want to miss. For more info as it becomes available, check out our website, www.mcn.edu. Marla Misunas Collections Information Manager Collections Information and Access San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 415-357-4186 (voice) Check out SFMOMA Collections Online www.sfmoma.org __________________________________ President, Museum Computer Network http://www.mcn.edu -----Original Message----- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Chuck Patch Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 1:33 PM To: Museum Computer Network Listserv Subject: Re: [MCN-L] Computer systems for a new museum In addition to Gordon's excellent advice, I would recommend that (although I'm sure you dread the idea of doing this) you consider writing a Request For Proposal and shopping it to the CMS vendors. Even if you imagine that your institution is too small to warrant this effort, it is enormously helpful in clarifying your needs and understanding how your institution works. In addition to what Perian says about not "rolling your own" I would just point out that even if you never share your data with an aggregator or another institution, you will eventually want to move to a new system yourself and having one that is known, employs standards, is well documented, has OTHER USERS and has good export facilities will save you months of grief in the future. Finally, talk your administration into sending you to the MCN meeting this fall. You can meet almost every CMS vendor that exists there and see their products in a much more informed and congenial environment than you would at something like AAM. Chuck Patch Director of Systems The Historic New Orleans Collection _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l The information contained in this electronic mail message (including any attachments) is confidential information that may be covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC Sections 2510-2521, intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above, and may be privileged. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify me and delete the original message. Thank you
