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.
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 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.
