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Records Management for Museums and Galleries
1st Edition
An Introduction
Description
The systematic management of records is an important activity for ‘information businesses’ such as museums and galleries, but is not always recognized as a core function. Record keeping activities are often concentrated on small groups of records, and staff charged with managing them may have limited experience in the field.
Records Management for Museums and Galleries offers a comprehensive overview of records management work within the heritage sector and draws on over a decade of experience in applying fundamental principles and practices to the specific circumstances of museums. It introduces readers to the institutional culture, functions, and records common to museums, and examines the legislative and regulatory environments affecting record-keeping practices. The book is comprised of eight chapters, including: a history of records keeping in the UK museum and gallery sector; the basics of records management; making a business case for records management; requirements of legislation for records management; how to conduct a records survey; strategy and action planning; how to develop a file plan, retention schedule and records management programme; and a guide to useful additional resources.
Records Management for Museums and Galleries offers a comprehensive overview of records management work within the heritage sector and draws on over a decade of experience in applying fundamental principles and practices to the specific circumstances of museums. It introduces readers to the institutional culture, functions, and records common to museums, and examines the legislative and regulatory environments affecting record-keeping practices. The book is comprised of eight chapters, including: a history of records keeping in the UK museum and gallery sector; the basics of records management; making a business case for records management; requirements of legislation for records management; how to conduct a records survey; strategy and action planning; how to develop a file plan, retention schedule and records management programme; and a guide to useful additional resources.
Key Features
- Gives practical and tested solutions to real world issues
- Fills a gap in the literature as a handbook in this important sector
- Provides an overview of the sector as a whole
Readership
Anyone responsible for records management/keeping in a museum environment
Table of Contents
List of figures
Acronyms
Acknowledgements
Preface
About the authors
Chapter 1: The history of record keeping in the UK museum and gallery sector
Abstract:
History
Record keeping in museums: roles
Record keeping in museums: record types
Chapter 2: Records management basics
Abstract:
Introduction
What is a record?
What is records management?
The ‘difference’ between archives and records management
Basic records management concepts
Chapter 3: Making a business case for records management
Abstract:
Introduction
Compile a business case
The importance of communication
Chapter 4: Legislation and records management requirements
Abstract:
Introduction
Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967
Local government legislation
Data Protection Act 1998
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Environmental Information Regulations 2004
Other relevant legislation
Chapter 5: The records survey
Abstract
Why conduct a survey?
Pre-survey: the importance of planning
The survey: issues and tips
Post-survey: analyse, summarise and report
Chapter 6: Strategy and action planning
Abstract:
Introduction
Why to plan
How to plan
How to make the plan into a strategy
Planning for required resources
Chapter 7: Developing a file plan, retention schedule and records management programme
Abstract:
Introduction
The file plan
The records retention schedule
Implementing a records management programme
A final word
Chapter 8: Resources
UK legislation and regulations
Spoliation and repatriation
Professional bodies
Discussion lists
Useful guidance and training
Details
- No. of pages:
- 278
- Language:
- English
- Copyright:
- © 2012
- Published:
- 27th April 2012
- Imprint:
- Chandos Publishing
- eBook ISBN:
- 9781780632919
- Print ISBN:
- 9781843346371
About the authors
Charlotte Brunskill
Charlotte Brunskill is Archivist and Records Manager at the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art (sister institution to the Yale Centre for British Art). Before this, she spent seven years at the National Portrait Gallery where she was responsible for establishing, from scratch, a comprehensive records management and archive programme. Charlotte has published numerous articles and taught records management. She holds a Master’s degree in Archive Administration and Records Management from University College London, UK.
Affiliations and Expertise
Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art
Sarah Demb
Sarah R. Demb is the first Records Manager at the Museum of London and is also responsible for its institutional archive. Previously, she was advisor to the London Museums Hub, and held similar posts for museums at Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution. Sarah trains, lectures and publishes on museum archive and records management, and presents regularly at conferences. She holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas at Austin, USA.
Affiliations and Expertise
Museum of London, UK
Reviews
This book will doubtless prove to be a useful guide for those responsible for records management in the museum and gallery sector., Australian Library Journal