Towards integration between archives, libraries and museums : some reflections

Abstract

Within the MAB Toscana a working group has been created to reflect on the possibilities of making the descriptive standards adopted in museums, archives and libraries interoperable and to test ways of cooperation and sharing of information, thus favoring usability. To this end, some significant experiences, both at national and international level, were examined. Furthermore, the possibilities and the problems arising from the introduction of models such as FRBR and RDA (as tools intended for the description of different types of documents) were investigated. This analysis is preliminary to a desirable test phase to be held in Italy, in order to verify any critical issue and develop joint projects between institutions that hold documentary collections of various kinds This cooperation is currently in an embryonic state, but a considerable potential can be already foreseen for the quality improvement of their services and the enhancement of their cultural heritage.