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MDA Members Value Access to Advice and Standards

MDA has today published market research that shows that their membership is valued by the sector because it gives easy access to authoritative advice and training supported by professional standards.

The research, commissioned by MDA, surveyed a cross-section of MDA's UK-wide membership to identify priorities for new products and services over the next 12 months. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with 82 per cent of members reporting that they find MDA approachable and supportive and over 65 per cent agreeing that MDA is always able to provide a relevant response to their questions.

Other key findings of the research included:

• 92% of members found MDA's documentation systems either useful or very useful
• 89% of members valuing MDA's advisory service either highly or very highly
• 76% of members rating MDA's Accreditation support as either useful or very useful

Asked to identify priorities for future development, MDA members highlighted the need for small targeted grants to help them in managing their collections, as well as the creation of a central point of access to collections management advice. MDA will be addressing the latter point through its forthcoming Collections Link service.

Comments received from members in response to the survey further reinforce the value of MDA membership:

• Membership provides access to information, standards, knowledge, networking, advocacy and new initiatives
• [MDA membership] ensures we are in line with national thinking
• They are a resource when we get stuck with our collection

Nick Poole, MDA Director, commented, 'MDA is moving from strength to strength because we are able offer a high-quality, low-cost service that is valued by the sector. I think this research demonstrates just how far we have come, while also giving us a clear steer on future development. There has never been a better time to become an MDA member and help us shape the next generation of our products and services.'

Notes for Editors

For further information about the work of MDA, or to interview Nick Poole, MDA Director, contact Eleanor Lovegrove at eleanor@mda.org.uk or telephone 01223 316 028.

MDA is the UK's lead organisation in documentation and the management of collections information. Our vision is of a sector in which collections are managed effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with national standards to create inspiring, engaging and sustainable services.

MDA's name should appear in print in capital letters as 'MDA'.

MDA membership is priced at £40 in England and Scotland thanks to the support of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and the Scottish Museums Council (SMC). Membership in the rest of the UK and overseas is priced at £65

For further information about MDA membership, call 01223 316 028 and ask to speak to our Membership Team. You can also join online at www.mda.org.uk/members.