The Museum Computer Network (MCN) is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to fostering the aims of museums through the application of computer technology. It serves museum professionals and institutions wishing to improve means of developing, managing and conveying information through automation. MCN supports cooperative efforts that will enable museums to play a more effective role in the creation and dissemination of cultural and scientific information as represented by their collection and related documentation. MCN has been helping museums automate since 1972. We provide referral services for institutions and individuals looking for information on all aspects of automation. _________________________________________ Learn how to build a data or image database and how multimedia systems can increase the effectiveness of your programs.* Network with other museum professionals.* Learn more about using automated systems to build membership, manage events, or design exhibits. Increase your know how on the Internet and electronic service resources at your institution. * Keep up with new technical standards. * Share your software package or automation project with other museum professionals. __________________________________ Price: $40 per kit Published for MCN by Archives & Museum Informatics: 5501 Walnut Street, Suite 203, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412 683-9775.

MCN has many Special Interest Groups (SIGs) which represent a number of topical interests as well as regional areas. There is no limit to the number of SIGs that one may join, although we request that members only join the regional SIG that represents their area. There are no fees to join any of the topical SIGs, although some of the regional SIGs assess minimal dues to cover expenses for any local meetings. Below is a list of the current SIGs. Contact information and SIG updates are printed in Spectra. Archaeology & Anthropology ** Art Museum ** Controlled Vocabulary ** Internet ** Mid-Atlantic Region ** MIS Managers ** New England Region ** New York City Region ** Small Museums ** Standards ** Visual Information

Spectra
Editor: Suzanne Quigley Spectra, published quarterly, carries articles, project updates, product news and reports from MCN's Special Interest Groups. Mailed to member in June, September, December and March. All insertion orders are due the 1st day of the month prior. Call MCN membership office for details.

BCIMI

MCN actively participates in the Consortium for the Interchange of Museum Information (CIMI), a consortium of member museums and museum organizations who have come together to promote an open, standards based approach to the interchange of information held by cultural heritage

organizations internationally.

CIMI is working towards the coordination of technical and professional standards, and will develop interchange format specifications for objects and their associated images and descriptions. MCN publishes and distributes the CIMI Standards Framework for the Computer Interchange of Museum Information. $25 member rate

Directory of Vendors and Consultants

A list of commercial vendors and consultants who specialize in museum software or automation services. $20 member rate

Technical Information Packets

An upcoming series of Information packets on specific museum automation issues.

IV. Electronic Services

MCN-L

MCN maintains an Internet discussion list that is devoted to the discussion of all aspects of automation in museums. The list is open only to MCN members, and all subscriptions are verified. To subscribe, send one of the following messages to majordomo@world.std.com: subscribe mcn-l your email address subscribe mcn-digest your email address (for the digest version)

The MCN FTP site is located at simsc.si.edu. If you have difficulty retrieving files from this location, email David Bridge at david@simsc.si.edu.

Gopher Site

The MCN Gopher is available through Software Tool and Die's World gopher.Enter gopher world.std.com. Select Membership and Professional Organizations for the menu, and then Museum Computer Network from the next list.

World Wide Web Page

The MCN Web Page describes the organization and highlights activities. You'll find it at http://world.std.com/~mcn/. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the Web Page, email Kathy Jones-Garmil, MCN Program Director, at mcn@athena.mit.edu.

MCN Membership

Benefits

MCN is a network of professionals sharing their experience with automation in museums. All members of MCN are entitled to receive its quarterly publication Spectra. Members have access to our electronic resources such as the ftp site and gopher site. They will be made aware of all publications, including CIMI Standards Framework, the Directory of Vendor & Consultants, and the future Topical Information Packets, and can purchase these publications at a lower rate than non-members. MCN makes informational mailings to its members both in conjunction with Spectra and separately through out the year.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS (Individuals only) All members receive Spectra, a copy of the annual membership directory, and abstracts of papers submitted at the conference. * Discounts on any MCN publications. * May take part in any and all SIGs.

INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Each institutional member is entitled to name two representatives who receive all benefits listed under individual member. * Provisions for a table-top exhibit for distribution of material at MCN meetings. * The organization of custom workshops and seminars. * Unlimited free employment listings and one free classified ad in Spectra each year.

VENDOR

Vendor members may designate two representatives to receive all benefits listed under individual membership. * Discounts on exhibit space at the annual conference and advertising in the conference program. * One free classified ad in Spectra each year.

SPONSOR

All benefits of an institutional member. * Unlimited free classified ads. The Museum Computer Network is a non-for -profit 501 (c) (3) organization, and an affiliate organization of the American Association of Museums.

Museum Computer Network
Program Office
8720 Georgia Ave. Suite 501
617 253-9613 Fax 617 253-8994
Silver Spring, MD 2091
mcn@athena.mit.edu

301 585-4413 Fax: 301 495-0810
email: mdevine@cni.org

I want to become a member of the Museum Computer Network. Please sign me up at the following level:

Name:
Affiliation:
Address:
City
Country:
State
Postal Code
Phone:
Fax:
email address:

( ) Individual $50
( ) Institutional $100
( ) Vendor $150
( ) Sponsor $250
( ) Subscription $60

Please add a $10 postal surcharge to all fees for non US or Canada memberships/subscriptions. Return this form with payment to Museum Computer Network, 8720 Georgia Ave., S 501, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

MEMBERSHIP YEAR BEGINS JULY 1.
Michele G. Devine
ASIS
301 495-0900
mdevine@cni.org