Preface

The idea for this book was partially born out of a unique project that included provision of training on records management to museums in the Greater London area.¹ The project demonstrated a widespread need for some sustainable guidance on the subject. Apart from the occasional article, MA dissertation and relevant chapter in Museum Archives: An Introduction (Wythe, 2004), little has been written about records management in a museum environment. Not only do information specialists face unique challenges in the museum world, but it is not uncommon for records management concerns to be the responsibility of individuals who have limited experience in the field.

This book addresses that gap. It explores the principles and practice of records management in the specific context of the museum environment. With the exception of Chapter 4 – which focuses specifically on British legislation – the book provides scalable solutions that are relevant to museums everywhere, regardless of size, function or status. The practices discussed are applicable to public (local authority and national), regimental, charitable, university and privately funded museums. They are also relevant regardless of record format, and for that reason paper and electronic records requirements are discussed together. Readers may be experienced information specialists new to the sector, or established museum staff who have been made responsible for managing some or all of an organisation’s records. This book is useful across the museum and gallery spectrum.