Documentation is a term used to discuss both the types of object record held by museums (paper based and electronic) and the various procedures required to make sure that information and knowledge about collections is consistently collected, developed and available for future use.
SMC works with a number of partners to support documentation activity in museums, providing access to professional advice and information, useful resources and training opportunities.
MDA (Museum Documentation Association)
SMC maintains close working links with MDA to ensure that museums in Scotland have access to expert advice whenever they need it. MDA is the UK's lead organisation on documentation and information management for museums, providing guidance to help museums achieve national standards in the management of their collections.
MDA maintains SPECTRUM, the UK and international industry standard for documentation, recently updated to reflect current best practice in the heritage sector and recent changes in legislation. The standard is designed to underpin the requirements of the Museum Accreditation Scheme and can be downloaded from: http://www.mda.org.uk/spectrum.htm
MDA has produced a comprehensive set of factsheets covering various aspects of SPECTRUM and basic museum documentation. These are free to download: http://www.mda.org.uk/facts.htm
MDA has also launched SPECTRUM Terminology, a new online service supporting knowledge sharing in the heritage sector. It enables you to learn about, create and find standard terminologies: http://www.mda.org.uk/spectrum-terminology/index.htm
Documentation and Cataloguing on Collections Link
Created by MDA, Collections Link provides an extensive range of information and advice sheets on all aspects of museum documentation. Whether you are new to the subject or looking to advance to best practice levels beyond Accreditation, there is information here to assist you: http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/manage_information. You can also telephone Collections Link for one-to-one documentation advice: T: 0845 838 4000
An Introduction to Documentation CD-ROM
In 2002 SMC collaborated with MDA (Museum Documentation Association) and National Museums Scotland to produce a CD-ROM which provides all the information necessary to document collections to the basic standard required for Museum Registration (now Accreditation). This is an interactive learning tool ideal for individual reference or group training sessions. SMC has copies available free to any new members and existing members can purchase additional copies from MDA: http://www.mda.org.uk/
SMC Training Courses
In association with MDA, SMC provides a number of short courses on basic museum documentation and taking into account the requirements of Accreditation. See our Workforce Development section.
SMC Grants
Full members of SMC are eligible to apply for grant assistance with many aspects of documentation. For more information about our Grants Programme, current funding priorities, application forms and help notes, see our Grants pages.
