I agree that MCN can serve this role, and in particular, the IT sig. I try to network with local IT professionals that are organized through our Employer's Association and also a local group of CIOs. These contacts are invaluable, but I also think networking with Museum IT professionals is just as important. The issues we face in the management of our networks and infrastructure are the same issues that coroporate America faces, but we also work in a very special environment and culture. Technology touches every area and project and is a key component to an organization achieving its goals. We often joke that every institutional project includes a vague reference to "some technology stuff happens here" and we often don't get involved in projects until that "technology stuff" needs to happen. I would agree it could be very beneficial to MCN expanding its role in this area as you describe.
Sandy Moore IT Manager Toledo Museum of Art >>> wweinst...@philamuseum.org 5/24/2005 1:02:02 PM >>> I am hoping to start a discussion. Over the last several weeks I have had interactions with colleagues attending various conferences. In all cases the discussions where about where IT professionals can go to share information and learn about the issues of technology management or as some have put it, how to keep the computers running and the data safe. MCN and other conferences are great (see MCN prelim program) at looking at the application of technology and the management of information. I have learned much over the years about data standards, intellectual property and how to repurpose my collections management data. But where do I go for information on network infrastructure decisions, help in developing a technology plan, help in designing and managing the installation of a new technology infrastructure in a new building, business software selection (yes we also use retail store and accounting software, a much different collections management issue)? Where do developers go to share code and discuss how that new interactive was created? Where do we go to talk about remote control of desktops, end user training, software deployment, etc. You get the point. The discussion I want to start is about this. Is MCN the place for museum technology professionals to meet and share information on these issues? Are these issues best left to other places or other specialized professional forums? I would hope MCN is the place for these discussions. Since IT is core to realizing an institution's goals discussing the management of technology along with those goals would seem more valuable that in a generic technology conference. I do see at many conference presentations though, the IT staff referenced in less than a collaborative role in many technology projects. It seems that in many places the staff responsible for keeping things working does not get involved in the process of developing these projects. I would also like to discuss whether this is something we should/can work to change. If MCN is not the place for these discussions where are my fellow IT professionals going to get this information? Is there a role for MCN to coordinate access to these other resources? So these are my questions. Please respond and expand as you all see fit. Bill --- You are currently subscribed to mcn_mcn-l as: smo...@toledomuseum.org To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-mcn_mcn-l-12800...@listserver.americaneagle.com --- You are currently subscribed to mcn_mcn-l as: rlancefi...@mail.wesleyan.edu To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-mcn_mcn-l-12800...@listserver.americaneagle.com
