In the Spring of 1993 a group of collection managers met to consider the future of automation at Mystic Seaport in general; cataloging methods and procedures, and their relationship to our future specifically. This group became part of the long range planning process when the Strategic Plan was completed a few months later and was renamed the AMERC Information Access Subcommittee, although it is still referred to as the Collections Committee or "Collcomm."
The original group added some new members and by necessity broadened its scope. As the work proceeded it became clear that the success of the automation project required addressing issues that were not directly related to computers; issues related to how our organization conducts its work and manages itself that could block successful implementation of the plan.
After extensive discussion, brainstorming, soul searching and consideration of options the Subcommittee presented its automation plan and seven recommendations to Management Committee this past spring. Two teams were formed, made up of Collcomm and Management Committee members, to address the issues raised in the seven recommendations.
This phase of the work is nearly complete. Team A has assembled a packet of material to share the progress and the process with all staff. There is a time line to give a brief history of the process, a reiteration and summary of the purpose and scope of the Museum's Strategic Plan, an overview of the automation plan, and the bubble chart that came out of the collcomm retreat. Also included are the seven recommendations as they were presented to Management Committee and a second timeline concerning the work done to address the issues. This information is also available on the server NEMO in the shared folder/AMERC information folder. If you would like an individual copy feel free to print it out or contact any Collcomm member.
Please take time to read this material. It will give you information about our strategic planning as well as inform you about a process that has been an exciting one for all involved. Please feel free to bring questions you may have to any member of the two teams listed below. We will also be scheduling several meetings for general discussion and response to questions.
Revell Carr, Guy Hermann, Peter Fix, Jane Keener, Leah Prescott, Mary Anne Stets, Peter Vermilya
Jacques Brunswick, Phil Budlong, Fred Calabretta, Jen Eifrig, Dana Hewson, Paul O'Pecko, Bill Peterson, Ellen Stone, Rodi York
last updated on 01/14/99
