Update on progress towards the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries
In May 2007 the National Standards Taskforce launched the Exposure Draft of National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries, and sought feedback from the collections sector.
The Taskforce received responses to the Exposure Draft from 43 individuals and organisations from across Australia. These represent a good cross-section of museums and perspectives, and all respondents are thanked for contributing ideas, perspectives, comments and suggestions to the project.
Feedback has been positive and constructive, indicating strong support and a variety of potential uses for the National Standards.
Feedback has also pinpointed a number of issues to address in keeping the standards as useful and relevant as possible to the widest range of museums including those managed by volunteers.
The Taskforce is reviewing the Exposure Draft both in light of feedback and also against the overall aims of the project. Great care is being taken to consider and work through the implications of each and every suggestion received.
So far, this has included two national teleconferences, plus a two-day meeting on 11 and 12 December 2007 in Melbourne, with more discussions to come in early 2008. Although time-consuming, this evaluation process will help to make the National Standards as robust and relevant as possible. The result will be a dynamic reference point for museums that will evolve, and continue to be improved upon, over time.
The Taskforce now includes representatives of each State and Territory, and comprises:
· Collections Council of Australia
· ACT Museums and Galleries
· Arts Tasmania
· History Trust of South Australia
· Museums & Galleries NSW
· Museums and Galleries of the Northern Territory
· Museums Australia (Victoria)
· Museum & Gallery Services Queensland
· Western Australian Museum
The Taskforce members have contributed funds to engage Barbara Wels as the editor of the document, and aim to launch the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries during 2008.