Symposium: Managing museum information in the 21st century

Date: 29 February 2012

Venue: Museum of London Docklands

In the age of flourishing digital media how does a museum decide which projects to develop and what social media to engage with? What happens to the information after a digital resource is past its active life? How should we manage our information and does it ultimately matter?

The context of the museum sector is rapidly changing; many of us are facing funding constraints and considering changing organisational status.  At the same time, a wealth of new technologies enables us to engage in multifaceted communications with audiences. In times of flux, how do museums best manage and use their information? What are information opportunities and risks and how do they impact core museum functions? How open should or can they be with their information? What can we learn from our colleagues? 

Since 2007, the Information and Records Management Project has been raising capacity for information and records management across regional museums in London. This symposium aims to bring together museum professionals from across the sector to examine the relevance of information management in museums today.

The day will be a chance to catch up on the work of the project and take away practical tips and tools for managing information in museums. The programme will include an opportunity to hear about real world examples and share the experiences of museum colleagues.

If you would like to contribute to an open-mic session in which you can raise questions or update us on relevant projects or initiatives, please email Samira Teuteberg: steuteberg@museumoflondon.org.uk by 15 February 2012.

Lunch will be provided on the day, including vegetarian choices, and there is step-free access into the venue. If you have any other dietary or access requirements we should know about, or have questions about registration or the symposium, please email Sinead Wheeler: svwheeler@museumoflondon.org.uk

Programme:

9.30 – 9.50:     Tea/Coffee and Registration

10.00   Morning sessions:

Managing museum information in the 21^st century (Claire Sussums, Museum of London)

London Museums Hub Information and Records Management Project (Sarah R Demb, Museum ofLondon)

Case studies: Managing information and records in three regional museums (Chair: Samira Teuteberg, Renaissance London Records Management Advisor)

Electronic Records  (Tim Callister, The National Archives)

1.30 Afternoon sessions:

Museum information and managing change                         

Social media and information management (Tim Turner, 2040 Training)

Open mic session: a chance for conference attendees to highlight what information projects, partnerships etc they are working on

Panel discussion – Managing museum information in the 21^st century

4.15pm Close