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Manage my Institution
'Managing a museum, library or archive is all about balance. It involves balancing the needs of users against those of professional practice, specific requirements against those established by statute or law. It involves sustaining core income, while also looking outside the organisation to identify new opportunities. Very often, it is about working very hard just to stay in the same place.
'As someone involved in management, you are expected to be able to call on a variety of skills - from personnel to budget management for example - while also ensuring the delivery of a range of services which are likely to include long and short-term priorities such as permanent and temporary exhibitions.
'There is no single answer to the challenge of good management. There are tools and systems, such as documentation and project planning, which can make life easier for the busy manager. In this section, we have drawn together a number of resources from partners both inside and outside the museum, library and archive sector. It is always useful to remember that our organisations, while unique in many ways, are also businesses and as such can always benefit from building relationships with other businesses in our communities.' Nick Poole, Director of MDA.
How do I ...?
Comply with the Law
- Charity law, governance, cultural property, data protection and freedom of information are all covered in this section.
Manage Change
- Find out how and why organisational change can be necessary and get the tools to help you and your staff work towards an outcome which everyone can embrace.
Manage Projects
- There are a number of resources here to help you plan projects affectively and to understand some of the key concepts involved.
Procure Goods and Services
- This section includes guides to contracts, budgets and rights and responsibilities when purchasing for your institution.
Raise Funds
- From developing a fundraising strategy to information about some major funding bodies in the cultural sector, membership schemes and company giving, this section provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject.
Find out about the Museums Association Code of Ethics
- This section provides information about the ‘Code of Ethics for Museums' and other Museums Association Guidelines
Further Resources:
- The Accreditation Resource Directory on Collections Link contains resources which are useful whether or not you are applying for accreditation. Go to Governance and Museum Management for the following resources:
- Chartered Management Institute offers advice on management training and development
- BusinessLink is an official government service, providing advice and information for new and small businesses
- Arts & Business works to build communities by developing creative partnerships between business and the arts.
