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Message from the Chair
Background
Following the Museums Association consultation paper Collections For The Future, it was agreed that a network of subject specialists would be of great benefit.
In 2005 GCG applied for funding via the “subject Specialist Networks” funding stream administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council to support the work we already do. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful, as were a number of other geologically focused bids.
Leicester Museums applied during the same round on behalf of NatSCA, as the lead institution, which was a stipulated part of the application in that first year of the fund. MLA agreed to support a “natural science” SSN, but expressed a desire for NatSCA, GCG and other organisation to work together on such a network. Unfortunately, due to work pressures, staff at the lead institution felt unable to pursue this fully.
One of the key drivers behind the formation of the SSN was the recognition that natural sciences in Britain needed a stronger voice and would be better served by a larger organisation rather than a number of disparate groups. While GCG and NatSCA have national scope, it was suggested that there was a clear need for a national network of natural science curators and institutions to take projects forward on a local, regional and national level.
It was noted that a diverse number of formal and informal Subject Specialist Networks such as the GCG and NatSCA as well as more specialist groups for vertebrate palaeontology etc, already existed. There is however little co-ordination or linkage between these organisations at a national or regional level. It was also noted that the members run many of these groups on their own time or with goodwill of their employers.
Aims:
Following meetings within the English regions, four core areas have been identified as priorities for the SSN:-
1. Collections care and development
2. Staffing and staff development
3. Advocacy
4. Access and interpretation
The overall vision for the proposed SSN is that of a strategic national body for the natural sciences. It would be formed as a collegiate network based on museums, allied institutions and relevant special interest groups working at a regional level with a national steering group composed of representatives from the regions, national museums, museum organisations (GCG, NatSCA etc.) and national bodies with a strong interest in natural science collections.
Activities:
The SSN will function as a strategic administrative body to develop, organise and sustain projects on a national scale and promote collaborative effort at a regional and national level. It will focus on national priorities and projects with long-term objectives, which will enhance collections care, research, interpretation and public understanding and involvement with the natural sciences.
Subject Specialist Network brief