Nick Poole, Director of MDA (formerly the Museum Documentation Association), names the five most inspirational figures in his professional life.
Julie Howell
One of my earliest jobs was as a web manager, and I remember coming across a site called Jooly?s Joint, for people with Multiple Sclerosis. I was struck by how friendly and readable the site was. Jooly?s Joint inspired me to become website manager for the Museums and Galleries Disability Association. It was several years later that I encountered Julie Howell, RNIB Digital Development Manager and site manager for Jooly?s Joint. She is an inspiring speaker, and has managed to make that all-important link between public-sector commitment to accessible information and private-sector accountability, while still retaining a sense of humour.
David Dawson
David is Head of Digital Futures at the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). I first met David when I was working for MLA and applied for a job to work with him. I didn?t get that job, but I didn?t give up and in the end I worked for David for nearly three years, and he taught me some invaluable lessons that I still use to this day. In particular, he showed me the value of always being open to new ideas and the power of building professional networks.
Mike Houlihan
Mike is the Director of the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, and also the Chair of my Board of Trustees. Since taking up my post as Director, Mike has offered me amazing support and encouragement. Running a modern national museum is a multimillion-pound business, but Mike has always made time to talk to me about MDA and my own development. His commitment, and that of our other Board members, has really helped us establish our credibility as an organisation.
Joyce Alice White (my grandmother)
My grandparents used to renovate antiques. My grandfather Mervyn would do the restoration and my grandmother, who trained in Fine Art at St Martin?s, would create authentic reproductions of the original decorations. She gave me my lifelong love of art, and it was because of her that I also ended up studying at St Martin?s following my degree. I love to visit art galleries and museums whenever I can, and every time I do, I realise the value and significance of what we do.
Jane Finnis
Jane is Director of the 24 Hour Museum (http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk), which used to be part of MDA. I have always admired the way Jane manages to combine commercial savvy with cultural awareness. By sticking to sound principles of journalism and marketing, Jane and her editor, Jon Pratty, have succeeded in creating a site that highlights the best in today?s museums and galleries. Jane has also taught me the value of bringing new skills and insights into an organisation ? for example, through their network of Student Journalists. All that, and she manages to make work look fun!
MDA is a charity providing advice and support to museums on issues of organisation and documentation.
t: 01223 415760; w: http://www.mda.org.uk