[MCN-L] Website image sizes

[Stein, Marty]

Greetings!

I hope that I'm not asking a question that has already been raised on the 
listserv.  We're preparing to launch a new collections database to our museum's 
website and would like to know if other museums are planning on displaying 
images for copyrighted works larger than the AAMD standard size.  We have 
several ideas about increasing the size of display images in light of the CAA 
Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts.  If your museum is 
displaying larger images on your website, or plans to, would you please email 
me?

Thanks!

Marty

Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic and Imaging Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826

Telephone: (713) 639-7525
Cell: (281) 910-2362
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mst...@mfah.org

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[MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software

[Stein, Marty]

Oh, and I forgot to mention, we're using Portfolio from Extensis.

Marty

-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Stein, Marty
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 10:26 AM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software

Hi Billy,

We would be so happy to participate in a group like this.  Please let me
know if there is anything I can do to help get the ball rolling.

Thanks!

Marty Stein


Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic and Imaging Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826

Telephone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org



-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Kwan, Billy
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 9:55 AM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software

We are using MediaBin at the Met. In fact, I will be interested to form
a group within MCN to discuss all the issues related to digital asset
management in the museum communities, e.g., its relationship with the
collection management system, metadata exchange/connection with the
object records, non-object images, local collections, other media types,
such as 3D files, video and audio files, etc. I think we may have a lot
to learn from each other.

Billy

Billy Chi-hing Kwan | Associate Museum Librarian Systems
Image Library, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028
Tel: 212-650-2263 | Fax: 212-396-5050



-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Beth Heller
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 10:10 AM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software

Thank you!  I will take a look at both of those.
David- what collection management system are you using?

_
_

Beth Heller
Library Director
The American Alpine Club
(303) 384-0110 ext. 21 
bheller at americanalpineclub.org

http://americanalpineclub.org
http://booksearch.americanalpineclub.org
http://www.facebook.com/americanalpineclublibrary<http://www.facebook.co
m/pages/American-Alpine-Club-Library/123324141044052>






On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 5:50 PM, David Dwiggins 
wrote:

> Hi, Beth,
>
> We now have somewhere north of 110,000 resources (more, really, since 
> we treat verso images, DNGs, etc. as "alternates" of the primary
> resource) managed through ResourceSpace, an open source digital asset 
> management system. We've been extremely happy with it.
>
> We have a separate collections management system that handles the 
> primary data about museum objects, archival objects, etc. But we have 
> integrated the two systems so that you can simply enter a resource ID 
> into the cataloging record to pull in an image from the DAMs.
>
> We also sync the files stored in ResourceSpace out to Amazon S3 for 
> backup, and then re-purpose these backup copies to serve the images 
> for our online collections database.
>
> ResourceSpace is not primarily geared for providing public access, 
> although it does have a "guest user" mode and I suppose you could use 
> this to provide some level of access to materials. And it's also not 
> quite as rigorous in terms of metadata standards as some other systems

> might be. But it works extremely well, is very flexible, and, as a 
> PHP/MySQL application, is very easy to modify if needed. It also has a

> plugin architecture, so customizations can often be made without doing

> much to the underlying code. Since we started using it a couple of 
> years ago, I've become an occasional developer on the project, so I 
> suppose I'm not entirely unbiased. But it's definitely worth a look --

> see http://www.resourcespace.org
>
> -David Dwiggins
> Systems Librarian/Archivist
> Historic New England
> ddwiggins [at] historicnewengland [dot] org
> 617-994-5948
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 3:20 PM, Beth Heller 
>  wrote:
> > I would like to hear what people are using to organize, identify, 
> > search, serve and push digital files of all formats, in-house and to

> > the web.  We are looking to implement a digital asset management 
> > system for our organization's working and historic documents, as 
> > well as more efficient work flows.
> >
> >
> > We currently have nothing but a disorganized file and folder system.

> > We
> are
> > a small non-profit institution with limited financial and human
> resources.
> >
> > Thank you!
> > Beth
> >
> > _
> > _
> >
> > Beth Heller
> > Library Director
> > Th

[MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software

[Stein, Marty]

Hi Billy,

We would be so happy to participate in a group like this.  Please let me
know if there is anything I can do to help get the ball rolling.

Thanks!

Marty Stein


Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic and Imaging Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826

Telephone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org



-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Kwan, Billy
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 9:55 AM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software

We are using MediaBin at the Met. In fact, I will be interested to form
a group within MCN to discuss all the issues related to digital asset
management in the museum communities, e.g., its relationship with the
collection management system, metadata exchange/connection with the
object records, non-object images, local collections, other media types,
such as 3D files, video and audio files, etc. I think we may have a lot
to learn from each other.

Billy

Billy Chi-hing Kwan | Associate Museum Librarian Systems
Image Library, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028
Tel: 212-650-2263 | Fax: 212-396-5050



-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Beth Heller
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 10:10 AM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] digital asset management tools/software

Thank you!  I will take a look at both of those.
David- what collection management system are you using?

_
_

Beth Heller
Library Director
The American Alpine Club
(303) 384-0110 ext. 21 
bheller at americanalpineclub.org

http://americanalpineclub.org
http://booksearch.americanalpineclub.org
http://www.facebook.com/americanalpineclublibrary






On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 5:50 PM, David Dwiggins 
wrote:

> Hi, Beth,
>
> We now have somewhere north of 110,000 resources (more, really, since 
> we treat verso images, DNGs, etc. as "alternates" of the primary
> resource) managed through ResourceSpace, an open source digital asset 
> management system. We've been extremely happy with it.
>
> We have a separate collections management system that handles the 
> primary data about museum objects, archival objects, etc. But we have 
> integrated the two systems so that you can simply enter a resource ID 
> into the cataloging record to pull in an image from the DAMs.
>
> We also sync the files stored in ResourceSpace out to Amazon S3 for 
> backup, and then re-purpose these backup copies to serve the images 
> for our online collections database.
>
> ResourceSpace is not primarily geared for providing public access, 
> although it does have a "guest user" mode and I suppose you could use 
> this to provide some level of access to materials. And it's also not 
> quite as rigorous in terms of metadata standards as some other systems

> might be. But it works extremely well, is very flexible, and, as a 
> PHP/MySQL application, is very easy to modify if needed. It also has a

> plugin architecture, so customizations can often be made without doing

> much to the underlying code. Since we started using it a couple of 
> years ago, I've become an occasional developer on the project, so I 
> suppose I'm not entirely unbiased. But it's definitely worth a look --

> see http://www.resourcespace.org
>
> -David Dwiggins
> Systems Librarian/Archivist
> Historic New England
> ddwiggins [at] historicnewengland [dot] org
> 617-994-5948
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 3:20 PM, Beth Heller 
>  wrote:
> > I would like to hear what people are using to organize, identify, 
> > search, serve and push digital files of all formats, in-house and to

> > the web.  We are looking to implement a digital asset management 
> > system for our organization's working and historic documents, as 
> > well as more efficient work flows.
> >
> >
> > We currently have nothing but a disorganized file and folder system.

> > We
> are
> > a small non-profit institution with limited financial and human
> resources.
> >
> > Thank you!
> > Beth
> >
> > _
> > _
> >
> > Beth Heller
> > Library Director
> > The American Alpine Club
> > (303) 384-0110 ext. 21  
> > bheller at americanalpineclub.org
> >
> > http://americanalpineclub.org
> > http://booksearch.americanalpineclub.org
> > http://www.facebook.com/americanalpineclublibrary<
> http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Alpine-Club-Library/12332414104
> 4052
> >
> >
> > ___
> > 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 MCN-L archives c

[MCN-L] DAMS Session proposal for AAM meeting in Houston next May

[Stein, Marty]

Dear Listees,

Please excuse the cross-posting and the lateness of this request.

I am working on putting together a session that looks at the issues
involved with museum digitization projects and the need to find digital
asset management systems (DAMS) that fit museum criteria.  As many of us
have moved forward with digitally documenting our collections, we've had
to figure out ways in which to make DAMS applications that were created
for other industries work for us.  DAMS applications run the gamut from
basic "one-size-fits-all" packages to massive "enterprise" systems, but
one thing that they have in common is that they all need to be
configured to work for museums in terms of metadata structure,
controlled vocabularies, and, even, institutional structure.  There are
many areas in which there aren't necessarily  clear answers on how to
implement such a system.  This discussion is to address these issues and
ways people have been able to leverage a DAMS for the particular needs
of a wide range of museums.

This session will address issues of adaptability of existing DAMS for
museums and how these systems will evolve in order to support "The
Museum of Tomorrow".

If you would be interested in proposing a paper for this session, please
let me know.  The deadline for proposals is this Friday.

Thanks!

Marty 

Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic & Imaging Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826
Telephone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org

[MCN-L] Use policies in museums

[Stein, Marty]

Hi,

I'll jump in here since I'm from the MFAH and my office acts as the
clearance office for copyrights for museum objects.  The MFAH
distributes the films of Robert Frank, but we do not represent him in
regards to copyright.  Mr. Frank is very protective of his copyright and
we were asked by his representatives to make sure that unauthorized web
use of the films was stopped.  We sent C&D letters to those people who
were posting the films at the request of Mr. Frank.  It seems that
someone had posted Mr. Frank's films on YouTube without our knowledge or
permission, thereby denying Mr. Frank revenue that is his due from the
performance of his films.  Even though many of us consider these films
works of art, they are still governed by the same laws that relate to
mass-produced motion pictures and we did what any other film distributer
is compelled to do in order to maintain the trust of their client.  We
asked for the infringed material to be removed.

In order to avoid any kind of confusion, we do not post any part of Mr.
Frank's films on our website.  At the present time, we only have two
still photos on our site that describes our distribution service for the
films.  

As a rights administrator, I have to say that some of the postings in
this discussion have been a little troubling to me.  I know we want to
give the public as much information as we are able to about our
collections - it's the reason we became museum professionals.  I think
that trying to "get around" copyright, however, is the last thing we
should do.  We're protectors of the objects and artifacts in our
collection. Doesn't that also mean that we should be considerate of the
rights of those artists from whom we hold their works in trust for
future visitors?  If an artist doesn't want his/her work on the
Internet, he/she has the right to that by the laws of our countries.  I
think that we should abide by their wishes.

Chuck, if your friend is still interested in posting part of one of the
films, I would suggest that he contact Mr. Frank's gallery, Pace/MacGill
(http://www.pacemacgill.com/contact_staff.html) and request permission.
He might find that the gallery is willing to work with him to provide
authorized footage for his blog.

Marty


Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic & Imaging Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826
Telephone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org


-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Perian Sully
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:00 AM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] Use policies in museums

Are we sure that MFA Houston is the bad cop? Perhaps the Robert Frank
estate (or their representatives) complained to MFA Houston who then had
to send a C&D to your friend.

Perian Sully
Collections Information Manager
Web Programs Strategist
The Magnes
Berkeley, CA


-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Chuck Patch
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 8:09 AM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: [MCN-L] Use policies in museums

This doesn't relate to anything specific, but as a long-time observer
without deep legal knowledge or economic understanding of the
licensing / copyright disputes among content creators, museums,
publishers etc. I'd be interested in hearing reactions to the
following situation. (Blame this post on Amalyah - I sent it to her
first and she suggested I post it to the list and so, with the
somewhat entertaining potential of throwing more fuel on the Ken Hamma
- museum copyright - paranoia fire, I will).

A friend of mine who writes a photography blog was recently instructed
to take down some videos from the MFA Houston that he had posted --
with credit and, I believe, links back to the museum site. I couldn't
help thinking that this seems to work against the best interests of
the institution. While it's true, as he admits, that he technically
infringed the copyright of the museum and probably should at least
have sought permission to post them on his (no doubt) money-losing
blog, I'm having trouble understanding how this act did anything other
than drive traffic and increase interest in the museum and the videos
themselves. Would this be a situation where a CC license would have
been more appropriate (and cheaper for the institution?) What do you
think?

Here's the post in which he presents the current situation:

http://2point8.whileseated.org/2009/09/11/takedown/

Chuck Patch
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[MCN-L] Position Annoucement - Collection Photographer, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

[Stein, Marty]

Hello,

Please accept my apologies for cross-posting.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has a new position opening for a
Collection Photographer.  If you would like more information, please
contact me at mstein at mfah.org or go to our website:
www.mfah.org/employment.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Marty Stein

Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic and Imaging Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826
Phone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org



Position Available

Title:  Collection Photographer
Reports To: Photographic and Imaging Services Manager
Date Needed:September 2008
Pay Type:   Salaried, Nonexempt, Full Time, 35 hours/week
Salary: Commensurate with Experience and Education
Benefits:   Group Medical and Dental Insurance, Life and
Long Term
Disability Insurance, Pension Plan, Credit
Union, Flexible
Compensation Plan, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time
Off, and 
Holiday Pay
Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Work Location:  Beck Building, a non-smoking facility

Responsibilities:
*   Photograph objects from the permanent collection of the Museum
of Fine Arts, Houston, including Bayou Bend and Rienzi
*   Photograph, as needed, objects on loan to the MFAH for
exhibition and research
*   Photograph installations of exhibitions at MFAH, Bayou Bend,
Rienzi and Glassell School of Art
*   Photograph interior and exterior views of MFAH architecture
*   Photograph, as needed, after-hours MFAH events
*   Coordinate photography schedule with Chief Registrar,
Photographic and Imaging Services Manager, and Assistant Registrar
*   Consult with museum staff including curators, registrars,
preparators, conservators, and designers to gather information to
determine how objects should be photographed for specific projects
*   Coordinate movement of artworks with preparators and moves
objects within photography studio
*   Stay apprised of the applications for new technology and advise
supervisor of the applications for new technology
*   Other tasks as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities::
*   Must posses a broad knowledge of film-based and digital
photographic processes, methods and new technologies
*   Must be able to work with a variety of museum staff and function
within a team-oriented department
*   Must have command of a variety of professional cameras and
equipment including large format, medium format, 35mm, copystand,
electronic strobe, continuous lighting, and diffusers
*   Must be able to maintain photographic equipment and lenses in
accordance with accepted policies of the department
*   Must have the ability to judge and correct digital proofs,
color, contrast, and density when compared to original objects
*   Must have knowledge of specialized software applications
(Photoshop, Bridge, Capture One, Eye One) used to manipulate, print and
save images
*   Must have the ability to use cross platform computers, operating
systems and applications


*   Must be able to organize time and schedules efficiently in the
absence of direct supervision
*   Must posses knowledge of museum and art handling procedures

Education and Experience:  
*   BFA in photography and knowledge of art history preferred
*   A combination of experience gathered from technical photography
school study, apprenticeship and on-the-job training
*   Minimum of five years work experience in photography
*   Experience utilizing professional digital camera systems
*   Demonstrated ability to discriminate and adjust fine tonal
variations and color fidelity of digital reproductions against original
objects
*   A portfolio of work required

How to Apply:  
Send resume to Human Resources, Job 022, P.O. Box 6826, Houston TX
77265-6826; 
Fax 713-639-7597 or email: jobs at mfah.org or apply at
www.mfah.org/employment



Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826
Phone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org

[MCN-L] FW: Job Posting at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

[Stein, Marty]

Dear MCN-members,

 

Please see the forwarded message below about the MFAH's TMS Database
Administrator position.

 

Best,

 

Marty Stein

 

Marcia (Marty) Stein

Photographic Services Manager

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

PO Box 6826

Houston, Texas 77265-6826

Phone: (713) 639-7525

Fax: (713) 639-7557

Email: mstein at mfah.org

 



From: Registrars Committee of the AAM [mailto:rc...@si-listserv.si.edu]
On Behalf Of Bakke, Julie
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 10:45 AM
To: RCAAM at SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU
Subject: Job Posting

 

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is once again posting a slightly
re-structured job for a TMS Database Administrator.  If any of you know
of anyone who might be interested in this position, please urge them to
go to the MFAH website and make an application online
(http://mfah.org/employment.asp?par1=6&par2=388&lgc=1)

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions. 

Thanks, 

Julie 

Julie Bakke 
Chief Registrar 
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 
P.O. Box 6826 
Houston, Texas 77265-6826 
(713)639-7312 / FAX (713)639-7780 
jbakke at mfah.org 

 

  

  
  
  

 

[MCN-L] Department name question.

[Stein, Marty]

Hi,

Please reply to the list.  I would be interested in seeing the responses
to.  

Thanks!

Marty Stein

Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826
Phone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org


-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Jeff Evans
Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 10:01 AM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: [MCN-L] Department name question.

All,

We are renaming a Photo Services department here.  Please reply with  
both department names as well as manager titles that you may have  
generated at your institution.

Thanks in advance,

JEFF


Jeffrey Evans
Digital Imaging Specialist
Princeton University Art Museum
609.258.8579



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[MCN-L] Job Posting: TMS Administrator - The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

[Stein, Marty]

Dear MCN-List members,

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is seeking candidates for the position
of TMS Administrator.  Please contact David Aylsworth at
daylsworth at mfah.org if you have any questions about this posting.


Position Available

Title:  TMS Administrator
Reports To: Collections Registrar
Date Needed:October 2007
Pay Type:   Salaried, Exempt, Full Time, 35 hours/week
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Benefits:   Group Medical and Dental Insurance, Life and
Long Term
Disability Insurance, Pension Plan, Credit
Union, Flexible
Compensation Plan, Paid Time Off,
Reserve Time Off, and 
Holiday Pay
Work Schedule:   Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Work Location:  Beck Building, a non-smoking facility

Responsibilities:
*   Manage TMS/Crystal Reports and provide proper and consistent
entry and maintenance of data for the permanent collection utilizing
approved Museum standards
*   Work with the Collections Registrar and the IT Department to
develop and implement standards of data entry and use of TMS museum-wide
o   Establish guidelines for how and where data is entered into TMS
o   Develop training procedures to insure effective use of TMS by
outside departments
o   Develop and implements strategy for data clean-up
*   Oversee training of staff for TMS/Crystal Reports
*   Maintain a working knowledge of TMS/Crystal Reports and inform
staff of changes or updates in both programs
*   Coordinate with the Museum's Information Technology Department
for maintenance of working back-up systems
*   Provide general museum-wide support for TMS users
*   Maintain and update TMS user manual
*   Organize and catalogue Crystal Reports
*   Create new reports as needed by all departments

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
*   Excellent and demonstrated knowledge of TMS and Crystal Reports
*   Excellent written and oral communication skills.
*   Ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure;
excellent time management, problem solving and analytical skills
*   Ability to work with curators, donors, vendors, other museum
professionals, the public and co-workers professionally and tactfully
*   Professional and businesslike in appearance and demeanor
*   Strong organization skills to effectively manage multiple
projects
*   Knowledge of SQL and ability to write SQL statements desired,
but not required

Education and Experience:  
*   BA in art, art history or museum studies or at least two years
experience in museum related employment

How to Apply:  
Send resume to Human Resources, Job 025, P.O. Box 6826, Houston TX
77265-6826;
Fax 713-639-7597 or email: jobs at mfah.org or apply at
www.mfah.org/employment




Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826

Phone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org

[MCN-L] Tricky question - is Mac "better" than PC?

[Stein, Marty]

Hi!

Thanks to everyone for such a rousing response!  I'm not sure which
system we're going to choose, but we've got a lot of really good
information to ponder.  

Hope to see everyone in Pasadena in November!

Marty

Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826

Phone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org


-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Ross, Don
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2006 7:56 PM
To: Museum Computer Network Listserv; Museum Computer Network Listserv
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] Tricky question - is Mac "better" than PC?

Hi there.  We use both Mac & PC and have for many years. There had been
some reticence from our IT crew in the past to support our Macs (cue:
Roll of eyes when speaking of the Mac user!) but this reaction is
thankfully now becoming a thing of the past as it becomes more
understood that graphics professionals prefer to use Macintosh.

I'm inclined to "trust the driver" rather than "trust the mechanic"-- an
opposing view from many an IT professional perhaps (but with the OS Macs
crash less than PC's if that is any consolation). Ultimately I'd rather
trust the one who is going to be driving the machine the majority of the
time, rather than someone who might have to configure it or fix it at
some point for whatever reason-- a scenario that is less common these
days anyway. If you're talking about graphics and comfort/usability for
your creative professionals, trust what they prefer-- even if it seems
like a silly preference. You will be rewarded in the end with the ease
of use, and yes, the better looking interface. It does make a
difference-- and may show itself in productivity. The old adage:  A
happy worker equals more work produced! Afterall, we ARE talking art,
design and high-end photography here. My vote:  If they have a
preference for Macintosh, trust their experience and follow it.

P.S.- For PC users who for whatever reason want to have the PC look or
experience on a Macintosh platform, there is a program called
"Parallels" that emulates the PC environment on a Mac. But my sense is
that once they hop on a Mac and see how easy it is comparitively, they
won't wanna go back!


Don Ross
Digital Imaging Specialist
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
dross at sfmoma.org
415/ 357-4167


-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu on behalf of David Marsh
Sent: Fri 9/8/2006 3:33 PM
To: 'Museum Computer Network Listserv'
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] Tricky question - is Mac "better" than PC?
 
>From a tech support point of view:

1) I agree with those who have stated the position that there is little
difference in performance potential.

2) As a hardware nut, I personally suspect that a powerhouse PC could be
built with better price/performance ratio than a MAC. Commodity
economics. I wonder how many PCs are built for each MAC (10:1, 100:1 or
more?)

3) Utility software:
There is very little (if any) utility software that isn't available for
PC. 
Availability for MAC is far more patchy. 
I use a bunch of highly useful and powerful tools like Symantec Ghost,
Anti-Virus, file management any many other obscure and handy tools that
are often not available for MAC.

4) PCs integrate easily into my PC support systems (AV, backup etc.)
MACs require extra effort, resources and tools to accommodate.

5) Regardless of merit, having 2 classes of computer rather than 1
creates extra support workload, regardless of which may be better. VHS
is technically inferior to Betamax, and certainly Philips 2000 (ever
heard of that?) yet nobody would ever advocate adopting either of the
latter pair.

6) While many techs respect MACs, I've never yet met a tech who actually
advocated for them. Think about that. Frankly, the individuals I've
encountered who most vociferously advocate for them generally have
little technical background. As a techie I therefore find it hard to
find their positions compelling. If I want advice on a well-engineered
car I'm more likely to listen to a mechanic than a taxi driver.

Let's be clear: I'm not anti-MAC. I'm just not pro-MAC, and I've not
been convinced yet by anybody who is.

David M

===
David Marsh
System Administrator
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Vancouver Museum
1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9 E
sysadmin at hrmacmillanspacecentre.com
sysadmin at vanmuseum.bc.ca
T (604) 736 4431 ext. 5507
C (604) 813 9667
===

-Original Message-
From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu] On Behalf Of
Randy Heise
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2006 12:17 PM
To: 'Museum Computer Network Listserv'
Subject: Re: [MCN-L] Tricky question - is Mac "better" than PC?

With the latest operating systems both machines co-exist on the network
very well. We have Macs in the Graphics, Exhibit design and Multi-media
depart

[MCN-L] Position Announcement - The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

[Stein, Marty]

Position Available 
Title: TMS Administrator 
Reports To: Collections Registrar 
Date Needed: August 2006 
Pay Type: Salaried, Nonexempt, Full Time, 35 hours/week 
Salary: Commensurate with Experience 
Benefits: Group Medical and Dental Insurance, Life and Long Term 
Disability Insurance, Pension Plan, Credit Union, Flexible Compensation
Plan, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, and 
Holiday Pay 
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
Work Location: Beck Building, a smoke-free building 
Responsibilities: 
* Manage TMS/Crystal Reports and provide proper and consistent entry and
maintenance of data for the permanent collection utilizing approved
Museum standards
* Work with the Collections Registrar and the IT Department to develop
and implement standards of data entry and use of TMS museum-wide
o Establish guidelines for how and where data is entered into TMS 
o Develop training procedures to insure effective use of TMS by outside
departments 
o Develop and implements strategy for data clean-up 
* Oversee training of staff for TMS/Crystal Reports 
* Maintain a working knowledge of TMS/Crystal Reports and inform staff
of changes or updates in both programs 
* Coordinate with the Museum's Information Technology Department for
maintenance of working back-up systems 
* Provide general museum-wide support for TMS users 
* Maintain and update TMS user manual 
* Organize and catalogue Crystal Reports 
* Create new reports as needed by all departments 
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: 
* Excellent and demonstrated knowledge of TMS and Crystal Reports 
* Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
* Ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure; excellent
time management, problem solving and analytical skills
* Ability to work with curators, donors, vendors, other museum
professionals, the public and co-workers professionally and tactfully
* Professional and businesslike in appearance and demeanor 
* Strong organization skills to effectively manage multiple projects 
Desired: 
* Knowledge of SQL and ability to write SQL statements 
Education and Experience: 
* BA in art, art history or museum studies or at least two years
experience in museum related employment 
How to Apply: 
Send resume to Human Resources, Job 011, P.O. Box 6826, Houston TX
77265-6826; Fax 713-639-7597 or email: jobs at mfah.org or apply at
www.mfah.org/employment




Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826

Phone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org

[MCN-L] Tricky question - is Mac "better" than PC?

[Stein, Marty]

Hello,

We are hoping that the wonderful members of mcn-l can help us with a
question we are debating here in Houston.  I hope this isn't a question
that has been posed recently to the list and I've just missed it.

We are currently involved in a project to convert out photo studio from
film to digital.  It's a very exciting project, but it has brought up an
old question that I had hoped to avoid - the dreaded "Is Mac better for
graphic applications than PC?" question.

The MFAH is predominantly PC-based, with only a few Macs in our Graphics
department.  Our IT department would like to keep it this way, but a
consultant has recommended that our new photo studio and imaging lab use
Macs.  Our current digital equipment is running on PCs and it seems to
work just fine.  Since we're making decisions about pretty expensive new
equipment we want to make sure that we're not overlooking anything.

Can anyone explain why Macs are better for graphics and digital imaging
than PCs?  Not just that graphic designers and photographers prefer
Macs, but why they're different and better?  This would be a great help
and I would really appreciate it.  

Thanks!

Marty

Marcia (Marty) Stein
Photographic Services Manager
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826

Phone: (713) 639-7525
Fax: (713) 639-7557
Email: mstein at mfah.org