RESEARCH STUDY FOR A NATIONAL DOCUMENTATION ORGANIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES
RESEARCH STUDY FOR A NATIONAL DOCUMENTATION ORGANIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES
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Issue Date
1987
Authors
Nath, Sandra
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the need for a national documentation organization in the United States and to make recommendations for developing such an organization.
Case studies were made of the Museum Documentation Association (MDA) in England and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) in Canada to assess their relevance as model organizations. A three month internship was completed at the Museum Documentation Association during which time operations were observed and interviews were conducted with MDA staff and British museum personnel. The study of CHIN consisted of telephone interviews with CHIN staff and Canadian museum personnel, as well as a review of written material about the organization.
Based on the results of these case studies, recommendations were given as to guidelines for establishing an American documentation organization. These recommendations focus on four major areas: collecting, maintaining and disseminating documentation-related information; providing consultation services to museums; developing data standards; and, providing training for museum personnel. Implemention of a documentation organization in the United States was also examined.