Collection-Level Description and Collection Management
Tool for the trade or information trade-off?

Discussion Group 3

What skills do staff need in order to be able to complete CLDs?

What are the barriers to the creation of CLDs?

• Having to use a computer - sometimes need to separate data entry from data research
• Learning to use a new software package
• Negative attitude - "what's in it for me?"
• Lack of confidence
• Difficulty in editing existing forms
• Lack of consistency in file names when retrieving files for editing purposes and if used by multiple users
• Creating links between related collections ie. people; places; etc.
• Need for Guidelines to ensure consistent content
• Difficulty of staff in understanding what content is required
• "What is a collection?"!
• Losing data about a significant part(s) of the collection within documentation of the larger whole
• History of professional differences between archive, library and museum domains
• Shortcomings of controlled terminologies

Professional and practical skills?

• Need for Guidelines
• Possibly a need for a Content Management System
• Necessary to "demystify" concept of collection level descriptions
• Important to provided training on the use of index terms / controlled terminology
• Make distinction between collections management needs and user needs when recording collection data

Are basic cataloguing skills transferable?

• Cataloguing skills are transferable
• Cataloguing experience is beneficial but not essential

Training requirements?

• Workshop on technology for creation of collection descriptions
• Workshop on options - RSLP and EAD - to help make an informed decision
• Workshop of range and application of terminology standards
• Workshop on concept of collection descriptions
• Workshop on cross-domain approach of collection descriptions
• Subject knowledge

How to encourage a positive buy-in to Collection Description by Information Professionals?

• Adaptable single version of collection descriptions to avoid repetition of data entry - "repurposing data"
• Linking resources ie. collection descriptions with service descriptions
• Promote as a useful collections management tool
• Promote role in training of new staff
• Cut funding if unwilling to contribute collection descriptions!
• Always finding new applications / purposes of collection descriptions - the possibilities are endless!

Information

• Discussion Group 1
• Discussion Group 2
• Discussion Group 3