This collection contains the administrative files kept primarily by the executive directors. The records concern the daily operations of a nonprofit professional organization
including preparation of the journal Spectra, planning for annual conferences and workshops, correspondence, grant proposals, annual reports, member surveys, and publications
concerning computerization.
Historical Note:
The Museum Computer Network promotes the use of computer technology by museums. It was established in 1967 by a consortium of New York City museums. In its early years
it focused on the development of an object-cataloging database system called Griphos. This system was designed to enable creation of a union catalog of museum objects. In
1972 the consortium was incorporated into the nonprofit Museum Computer Network (MCN) headed by David Vance. Until 1978 MCN functioned as a Griphos users group, but by that
year Griphos had become obsolete and MCN opened itself up to users of other computer systems. In 1985 Ron Kley became president and acting executive director until 1988 when
Deirdre Stam became executive director.
This accession consists of the correspondence of the Executive Director; files of Spectra, the organization newsletter; membership and vendor lists; information about
annual elections to the board as well as reports to the board and board correspondence; conference and workshop plans and notes; financial and tax information; grant proposals
and development efforts; and materials concerning the day to day operations of the Museum Computer Network (MCN).
Restrictions:
Boxes 3 and 6 contain materials restricted indefinitely; see finding aid; Contact reference staff for details.
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2036. Records may contain personally identifiable information (PII) that is permanently restricted; Transferring office; 01/12/2022 memorandum, Toda to File; Contact reference staff for details
National Museum of American History. Computer Services Center Search this
Extent:
16 cu. ft. (16 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Floor plans
Date:
1967-1997
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of Collection Information System (CIS) records documenting the development, processes and implementation of various computer systems used at
the National Museum of American History (NMAH), such as SELGEM, SELGEM on WANG, Local CIS, the CIS/Registration Transaction Tracking System, the Museum Information Retrieval
and Documentation System (MIRDS), and Multi MIMSY. Materials include correspondence and memoranda; shelf inventory project guidelines, policies, reports, and budget summaries
for each NMAH curatorial division; meeting agendas and minutes; proposals; MIRDS data modeling manuals/procedures outlining SELGEM line codes; development files; functional
requirements; and seminar information.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 02-228, National Museum of American History. Computer Services Center, Collection Information System Records
This accession consists of administrative files created by the Museum Computer Network's (MCN) past presidents, Diane Zorich and Rachel M. Allen, pertaining to conferences,
programs, personnel, committees, grants, membership, and publications. Materials include correspondence, notes, evaluations, minutes, board materials, publications, grant
proposals and applications, lists, handbooks, and contracts.
Restrictions:
Boxes 1 and 2 contain materials restricted indefinitely; see finding aid; Contact reference staff for details.
4.69 cu. ft. (4 record storage boxes) (1 16x20 box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Brochures
Manuscripts
Compact discs
Digital versatile discs
Electronic records
Audiotapes
Serials (publications)
Electronic mail
Date:
1979, 1986-2006
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records documenting the administration, programs, conferences, and publications of the Museum Computer Network (MCN). Presidents represented
in the collection include Sam Quigley, 2003-2005, and Marla Misunas, 2005-2007. Subject covered include conferences, programs, committees, MCN chapters, strategic planning,
membership, budgets, grants, website redesign, workshops, and board member meetings. Materials include correspondence, memoranda, notes, minutes, board materials, reports,
grant proposals and applications, manuals, and issues of Spectra. Some materials are in French and some materials are in electronic format.
This accession consists of materials created and maintained by Diane Zorich, President, 1993-1996. The materials document the activities of the Museum Computer Network
(MCN) including planning for conferences, grant management, board meetings, strategic planning, and relationships with other organizations such as the American Society for
Information Science and the Consortium for the Computer Information of Museum Information. Materials include correspondence, memoranda, agreements, meeting agendas and minutes,
grant records, publications, financial records, brochures, strategic planning records, and clippings.
This accession consists of executive director correspondence; grant proposals, particularly with the Institute of Museum Service (IMS), the Getty Foundation, and Apple
Computer; Museum Computer Network (MCN) surveys; Spectra correspondence; and conference materials, 1985-1987.
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2035. Records may contain personally identifiable information (PII) that is permanently restricted; Transferring office; 12/16/2020 memorandum, Toda to File; Contact reference staff for details
Information storage and retrieval systems Search this
Local number:
SIA Acc. 21-019
Restrictions & Rights:
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2035. Records may contain personally identifiable information (PII) that is permanently restricted; Transferring office; 12/17/2020 memorandum, Toda to File; Contact reference staff for details
