Information Management in Museums 2nd edition

Citation

James, S. (1999), "Information Management in Museums 2nd edition", Library Review, Vol. 48 No. 4, pp. 338-339. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.1999.48.4.338.8

We in libraries have undergone our own information revolution and in parallel museums have undergone theirs ‐‐ no less complex or revolutionary, or exciting. Like us, museums have first had to define (or redefine) their fundamental principles and aims, rather just be led by the available technology, and this new edition of a work first published 18 long (so it seems, and in information technology terms most certainly is) years ago, both indicates that firm principles have been embedded and demonstrates their application in a wide range of museums of all kinds.

Part 1 discusses basic principles from the theoretical underpinning of information as a concept within the museum context, through strategy, to the installation and running of an appropriate system. The chapters themselves are clearly organised, full of sub‐headings (listed at the start of each chapter), tables, diagrams and summaries, as well as notes on applying the theory in large or small systems. A sound and applicable synthesis is achieved out of a wide variety of circumstances and, as with much (but certainly not all) library experience, basic concepts and approaches are derived which can be interpreted and employed within a wide range of specialist fields, and in the largest or smallest institutions. This section is an impressive intellectual exercise and I am by no means sure that I could claim that it has been done as consistently or as comprehensively for our own sector.

In Part 2 a fascinating range of case studies is presented covering a variety of topics and a range of museums: large public, municipal, smaller collections, dispersed collections and projects such as LASSI (Larger Scale Systems Initiative) and the Museums Documentation Association. The blurb on the dust jacket refers to these as: “there are true stories as well”. I am not sure what that is supposed to imply for the rest of the book, but there is nothing like the case study (especially honest ones which tell you what went wrong or what has not been done, as well as indicating positive achievements or presenting the official version) to give the real story. These should also give inspiration or ideas within the field as well as clearly illustrating in practical terms the applications of the principles examined in Part 1.

None of this is easy: we learned that lesson long ago. But it is ultimately worthwhile, even, in today′s terms, essential. We all have to have clear strategies to succeed as much in publicly funded organisations as in private, and information strategies are as fundamental to the museums sector as to any other. That is the only real route to successful operations, and ultimately to successful funding bids from whatever sources. Some of Part 1 goes to a level of detail and makes statements of what will be obvious to most of us, but it does help to ensure that the intended audience throughout a diverse museums sector will have the full theoretical background they need. This will be a fundamental manual for those within the museums sector; for those of us in a parallel universe it offers some matters of basic theory and much of practical application which we will find both interesting and perhaps enlightening.