July 2010 Update

Although I fully intended to update the blog at least once a week, July got away from me.  It’s been a very busy month, so finding the time to sit and write has proven impossible.  Here’s hoping that August is a bit calmer so I can update more regularly.

ITCMA Committee Meeting

ITCMAC after a successful meeting at Randall House

The Itchy Committee met on July 16^th at Randall House Museum.  It was a very full agenda that made us all realize just how busy we’ve been this year.  We are on track for meeting (and often exceeding) all of our SDI funding deliverables, and have drafted several policies and reports for approval by the ANSM board of directors.  These include the Internet Marketing Report & Recommendations, Database Analysis, Bulk Purchasing Plan, and Web Conferencing Feasibility Study. 

Extensive discussions about database issues and CHIN partnership opportunities took place as well.  We all know that the database isn’t getting any younger, so we’ve been looking at various options to ensure the security of existing data and provide database service for years to come.  In terms of CHIN, since we are no longer eligible for collections enrichment research projects, we’ve been looking at other ways to work with CHIN on special projects, particularly in the area of enhancing on-site interpretation through the use of innovative (and economical) technology.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that we receive funding to complete a pilot project using QR codes in museums.  This is a really neat little technology that has some huge potential for museums.

Site Visits

Taking a break in Wolfville

I was on the road a lot of July, visiting 17 museums around the province.  I think that the staff members and volunteers would agree that we’ve had some good conversations about the needs of museums and how Passage should move forward.  We talked mostly about the database and how it’s meeting the museum needs, and how it could be improved.  Thanks to everyone for all their wonderful input; it continues to be very helpful as we make database renewal plans.

Microsoft Access 2010
It has been discovered that the Passage database is not compatible with Access 2010, which was released last month.  We are looking at this issue and taking it into consideration in looking at our database renewal project.  We will keep you posted on any further developments.


Internet Support

Just a reminder to all the CHIN members out there that if you aren't taking advantage of CHIN's internet support funding, this is an easy way to get $300 of your internet bill taken care of.  For more information, call member services at 1-800-520-2446.  

Blog Poll

Unfortunately, we had very few votes in the last blog poll about database needs.  So it’s time to move on to something else.  One of the reports we’ve generated is on web conferencing software and whether or not this is something that ANSM can use in delivering training.  So the new question is whether or not you’d be interested in participating in online learning opportunities.

Please remember that is a very easy way to get feedback to ANSM on how we can meet your needs.  We really want to know your opinion.