Sharing collections information
Scotland’s collections enjoy a broad appeal and are of interest to people overseas as well as communities closer to home. Museums are working hard to engage their diverse audiences and are finding new ways to promote and share collections information.
Collections documentation
Collections documentation describes the types of object records held by museums (paper based and electronic). Various procedures exist to make sure that information and knowledge about collections is consistently collected, developed and is available for future use.
This is an essential element of managing collections, requiring regular review and application. Without good documentation, collections can quickly become a burden not an asset.
Museums Galleries Scotland works in partnership with the Collections Trust to provide members with easy access to professional advice, information and useful resources. All of these, including the latest version of the professional documentation standard SPECTRUM, can be found on Collections Link.
Together, we have also developed a number of short courses on basic museum documentation to assist with Accreditation. See our training programme for what is coming soon, or contact our Collections Development Manager for more information.
Networks and Subject Specialist Groups
Networks and SSNs are vital to promote collections information and to share advice or good practice. Some museum networks are specific to collection type whilst others focus more widely on collections-based activity or areas of work. Please contact our Collections Development Manager for information about networks MGS currently work with.
Digital
Taking advantage of modern technology through use of the internet is an increasingly popular way in which collections information can be freely shared and reach a broad audience.
Museums Galleries Scotland has developed a framework with which to work with museums in the area of ICT and digital content with the publication of the Digital Content Action Framework.
To support this we have formulated an advice service with two organisations, the Collections Management Network and UKOLN, which is available to all of our members. If you would like to know more about documentation, collections management systems, collections level descriptions and more, see Digital advice service.