Trying systems

This week I have been looking at archival management systems. I am finding Lisa Spiro’s article on the subject very helpful. It is slow reading because I find myself taking lots of notes. I am also reviewing the comparisons on the archival software website http://archivalsoftware.pbworks.com/w/page/13600254/FrontPage .

I began by checking out Fedora and dspace. Mostly because these are the options that Lori covered in our class this summer. I think they would be an excellent upgrade at some point but since this archive has no experience with electronic finding aids or content management systems, I think this is just more technology than they can handle just now. My current front runners to help AAM get started are Online Archive of California, Archivists’ Toolkit, and Archon. The OAC wanted a completed application before being able to try their system. I downloaded a copy of the Archivists’ Toolkit but realized that it won’t work without MySQL or similar, the same with Archon. So, MySQL will be my next stop.

Archon has many of the features I am looking for, easy data entry, digital library module, accommodations for organizational hierarchy, and EAD, MARC, & DACS compliance. It does not generate reports but I think that can be addressed once the staff becomes comfortable with the electronic format.

Corporate Culture question

I take the corporate culture at AAM to be casual and collaborative. Perhaps it is because we are a non-profit it lends itself to that sort of atmosphere. Everyone is on a first name basis. As an example of collaboration all profits from the museum store go to support the programs of the education department. I think in the long run this will be an asset and generate goodwill among participants.