Our Vision

A sector in which collections are managed effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with national standards to create, inspiring, engaging and sustainable services.

Our Mission

MDA will be recognised throughout the UK as the focus for expertise in the management of collections.

Who We Are

MDA is the UK's lead organisation on documentation and information management for museums. We provide advice, support and guidance to museum professionals to help them achieve national standards in the management of their collections. We are a registered charity, funded by a grant from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). The initials 'MDA' formerly stood for 'Museum Documentation Association'.

Our Work

Our work is driven by the idea that professional standards in the management of collections are the key to delivering better public services in museums, galleries and heritage sites. A full description of our work plan for the next three years is provided in the [MDA Strategic Plan 2005-08 and MDA Operational Plan 2006-07] and in the various sections of this website.

About Documentation

'Documentation' is the name of an area of professional practice in the heritage sector. It defines how museums manage knowledge and information about the collections in their care.

SPECTRUM Terminology

MDA has launched SPECTRUM Terminology, a new online service supporting knowledge sharing in the heritage sector. It enables you to learn about, create and find standard terminologies.

Find out more about [SPECTRUM Terminology]