1. Creating Collection Level Descriptions in the Crossroads Project CD Focus Workshop 2 8 February 2002

2. The Crossroads Project Development of cross-domain database for the library, archive and museum collections of the West Midlands Funded by Re:source (Cross-Domain Fund) Principally to improve access Wide target user group

3. How will it be done? Development of a database model Creating the right specification Appointment of a database developer Database content Pilot database focus chosen – pottery industry of North Staffordshire Scoping survey used to identify collection holders In-depth mapping follow-up to survey

4. Slipware Collection Description: Collection of 17 th and early 18 th Century slipware, including the rare Slipware Owl Jug, discovered by the TV programme The Antiques Roadshow in 1990. Circa. 175 pieces in the collection Date range: c. 1640 - 1750 Location Details Potteries Museum & Art Gallery Bethesda Street, Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DW http://www.stoke.gov.uk/museums/pmag Email: museums@stoke.gov.uk Tel: 01782 232323 Fax: 01782 23500 Visiting Information: Mon – Sat: 10.00am – 4.00pm Sun: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Open to the public. Entry is free.

5. Collection Description Schema Based on RSLP CLD Schema Interoperable, Accessible, Sustainable Little emphasis on collection management issues Broadly a more basic structure

6. Reusability of Collection Descriptions Organisations currently involved Future projects - once created, they will be available for anyone to reuse As a management tool Reusability of existing collection descriptions?

7. The Challenges Cross-domain/cross-authority project Diversity of collection description packages used Unified thesaurus for the database? Duplication of effort

8. In Practice [1] Perception of collections differ: –differ between domains (e.g. library) –even between staff in the same institution –underestimation on number of collections Unified thesaurus seems a difficult goal Different standards used across domains/institutions. (MARC, EAD etc.)

9. In Practice [2] Ownership of CLDs by collection managers/owners Concept of a regional gateway to collections can cause problems Needs ‘sign-up’ at the highest levels

10. Current Progress Survey - over 60% response rate In-depth mapping visits 50+ (and counting!) collections identified and described Diverse range of collections located Database specification about to be circulated

11. The Future Appointment of database developer Database evaluation Project completion in August 2002 Expansion of the project to include all subject areas & all of the West Midlands?

12. For more information: Heather Williamson Crossroads Project Officer heather.williamson@dial.pipex.com Tel. 0121 303 3533 www.crossroads-wm.org.uk